Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos law on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases of different types.

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 can be found in the lung's outer lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals made of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed 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 have a less favorable outlook than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through a thorough medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't 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. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.

The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, such as plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if a person isn't employed in one of these fields however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should speak with a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or by living with someone who works with asbestos or has previously done so. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to asbestos. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos litigation case - visit,, but did not work with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to work with it. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look 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 image or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist then examines the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of those cells as well as the location and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for many years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to detect or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.