Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.

It could take a long time for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining also known as pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos lawyer in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative outlook than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical examination. They can also use imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if a person isn't employed in one of these fields however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service or by living with a person who works with asbestos or has previously done so. Asbestos Legal particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years from the first time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma could be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to work with it. Men are also more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also run laboratory tests on a tumor to find specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, small enough to not be felt or observed through the naked eye are able to become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain or a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart.

A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. To find out more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.