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 or other lung diseases of different types.
Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining, or pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling heavyness.
This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military could be at risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy ships and army bunkers.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they should follow. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.
Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms may take years to appear. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could result in confusion in diagnosis.
Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma by conducting an extensive health history and physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer that are not evident on X-rays.
These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.
Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. kalamazoo asbestos attorneys can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and experience a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Because of this, victims are often wrongly diagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.
Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes, or other factors that help them understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for many years without it spreading.
Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.
The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart.
If imaging scans show a possible mass in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the best treatment option.
There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. To learn more, patients should speak with mesothelioma experts who have expertise in treating the condition.