Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases.

It may take decades for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining or pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of heavyness.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos settlement exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations which put people at risk danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have worked in the military may be at risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those with lower stages. 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 chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically experience abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to confusion in diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting a thorough medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other cancer signs that are not evident on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that involve asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if a person isn't employed in any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos to asbestos Legal through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These particles irritate the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos litigation.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 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 did not work with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to be in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are sometimes wrongly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells as well as the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. However, it's important to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time, without expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or viewed by naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathlessness and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak to a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.