Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, also known as pleura. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of heaviness.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military could be at an especially high risk due to the widespread asbestos usage in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a worse outlook than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify 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. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos lawsuit through relatives or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should consult a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do the same. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos attorney. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually 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 may be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos case (Continue Reading), and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos legal, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos around on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist then examines the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have greater risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time without expanding.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use a combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.