Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It could take a long time for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and is responsible for 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 group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, 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.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos lawyer in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will have a less favorable prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can be spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and 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, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. Patients usually have 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 gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to misdiagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if a person does not work in any of these areas they could still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have had a previous history of asbestos attorney to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s or 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally takes 20 to 60 years from the initial exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but did not work with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come in contact with Asbestos Case, and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves in order to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist then examines the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells and the location and stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have greater risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to find specific proteins, genes and other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. asbestos legal fibres, too small to be felt or seen with the naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura covers the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. Overtime, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems, chest pain or a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart.

If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.