Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.

It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most common form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling heavyness.

This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most common jobs that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military could be at risk due to the frequent use of asbestos lawsuit in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

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 can help determine what treatment plan they should follow. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make 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 forms in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos case (Recommended Online site) exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to show. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos settlement can occur through military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be breathed into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure to asbestos before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to note that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous 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 vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

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. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential 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 in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time, without expanding.

Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or seen by naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). In time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all signs of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors use a combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. To learn more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.