Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

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 is a type of cancer that affects the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and breath shortness, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos Case, which is a grouping of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military may be at risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

The most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and raises the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could cause incorrect diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or not the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, such as plumbing electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in any of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and can cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos compensation and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

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

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist then examines the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. It is crucial to remember 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.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or observed by naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.

The pleura surrounds the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. Overtime, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To find out more, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have had experience treating the disease.