Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases.
Symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of weightiness.
Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals made of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.
The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four can be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually which is lower than pleural asbestosis.
Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive problems, which can result in incorrect diagnosis.
Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.
The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos in professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. springfield asbestos lawyer in their 40s and 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to 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 been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being misdiagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take down a patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist then examines the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell.
Mesothelioma is classified according to the mesothelial type involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them describe cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. However, it's important to remember that the disease can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or seen by naked eyes are able to become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Breathing problems, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all signs of pleural msothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor will order a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.
There are many types of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To find out more, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.