Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, accounting for up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and breathlessness and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos compensation, a class of minerals made of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Patients may also experience chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most frequent occupations which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military may be at an especially high risk because of the extensive asbestos usage in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a worse outlook than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could result in misdiagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like electrical or plumbing work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person is not employed in any of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they are at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a history with asbestos lawsuit to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. When exposed to asbestos case - online -, small particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These irritate the linings and trigger cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to occur between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma can be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos law and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Because of this, victims are often wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request 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 an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

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

Treatment

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

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura surrounds the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. Overtime, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart.

If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment option.

There are many types 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 therapies. To find out more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.