Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally occurs in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining also known as pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling of heaviness.

This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos settlement exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos lawsuit in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lining of the lung it develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could cause incorrect diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They also offer treatment options. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or not the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, like plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals do not work 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 speak to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This could lead to patients being misdiagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos litigation exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of those cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos case (page) can trigger mesothelioma via many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or viewed by naked eyes can be airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura surrounds the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. These changes can cause mesothelioma cancers.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems, chest pain or a buildup of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on a combination of these methods. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.