Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.
It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and breathlessness and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.
Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
loveland asbestos lawyer reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most common jobs that put people at a high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in 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 the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they should follow. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than patients with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma may spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to incorrect diagnosis.
Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after an extensive health history and physical exam. They can also use imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.
Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, like plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
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. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This can lead to victims being wrongly diagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (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 scan, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through the procedure of 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 then examines the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cell.
The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as 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 greater risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis so that 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 factors that can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease 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 through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to detect or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.
The pleura covers the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.
The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness, chest pain or a buildup of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart.
If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated mesothelioma.