Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.

Symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling heaviness.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos lawsuit in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a false diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or not the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or used to do such. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to note that mesothelioma may occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos case (killer deal), but without having directly worked with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos law exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos lawyer exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to men being more likely to be exposed to asbestos compensation and endure a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Due to this, patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take down a patient's medical history 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 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, that uses radio waves and magnets 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 take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.

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

Treatment

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

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibres, tiny enough to be felt or observed through the naked eye, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos lawyer and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

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

If imaging scans show an area of concern in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of some of the fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.