Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.

The symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos attorney. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the outer lung lining, or the pleura. It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of heavyness.

This type of cancer is usually caused by 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. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose workers to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military may be at a higher risk because of the extensive use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.

The most commonly used staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, liver or even the heart of a patient. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients generally have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may 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 mistaken diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through a thorough health history and physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-related jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or by living with someone who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop 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 get mesothelioma than people younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos legal. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. 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 to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

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

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

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it has cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also run tests in the lab on a tumor to find specific proteins, genes and other factors that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease, without spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or seen by naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura surrounds the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and provide the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To find out more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.