Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos case exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, or the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and breathlessness and may also feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

This kind of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also experience chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most frequent jobs that put people at high chance 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 Army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at upon diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances 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 like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year this is less than the pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take years to show. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a false diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma by conducting a thorough health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been in occupations that involve asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, 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 family members or other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in finding out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos lawsuit may occur as a result of work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos settlement. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to form 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. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos case, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos claim exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves in order to create a series detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue with microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for years without the disease spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or viewed by naked eyes are able to become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural msothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory analysis. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.