Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases.

It may take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, or pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of weightiness.

This kind of cancer is usually caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can 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 discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military could be at a higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.

The most commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.

asbestos claim exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual does not work in one of these fields, he or she can still be exposed through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should consult a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a history with asbestos lawsuit to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done the same. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure to asbestos before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos case (right here). It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common in males than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.

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

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets in order to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can examine the tissue with microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have greater risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins or other elements that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for a long time without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to detect or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathlessness and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart.

A doctor will request biopsy if scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab analysis. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak with mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.