Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the outer lung lining, or pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled 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 are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos 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 are at an especially high risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.

The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may 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

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

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could result in misdiagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-related occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if someone does not work in any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

asbestos case exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos case (just click the following document). Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to it. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and can cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma may develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos litigation. Furthermore, mesothelioma is exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a more exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This is why patients are often misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create precise images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist then examines the tissue with a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of the cells as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time, without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or seen by naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.