Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.

The symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, or the pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that accounts for up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and breathlessness, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. These fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have previous exposure to asbestos attorney in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should follow. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which 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 liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, with only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to show. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a false diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays.

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 and whether the cancer has spread.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have been in occupations that involve asbestos, such as plumbing electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if someone is not employed in any of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they are at risk should speak with a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma could develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Furthermore, mesothelioma is caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to have worked with it. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring stray asbestos lawsuit fibers home on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to look for lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos case (read the full info here) exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of inside the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing an operation called a biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist can look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells as well as the location and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for a long time 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 that are tiny enough to be felt or seen with the naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

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

A doctor may request biopsy if scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated mesothelioma.