Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the outer lung lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of heavyness.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers cling to the lungs and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer often have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most frequent occupations which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

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

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to manifest. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a misdiagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and conducting a 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 that are not visible on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, such as plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can help them find out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

asbestos claim is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These irritate the linings and can cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma compared to people who are younger or more. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma may occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos claim exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos compensation for longer periods of time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to 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 will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves in order to create a series detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.

Doctors can also run laboratory tests on a tumor to find specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or observed through the naked eye, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart.

A doctor will order biopsy if scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To find out more, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have had experience treating the disease.