Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

It may take decades for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heavyness.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds 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 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos law exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at greater risk due 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 to treat pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than patients with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to show. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may have a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive issues, which could lead to misdiagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other cancer signs that are not visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and recommend treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, such as plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they're at risk should consult an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in finding out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

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 those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but did not deal with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to have worked with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos legal around on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. Because of this, victims are often mistakenly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of Asbestos Legal (Http://Pspskorea.Com/Bbs/Board.Php?Bo_Table=Free&Wr_Id=477208) 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 produce a series of precise images of inside the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist is then able to look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells as well as the location and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time, without expanding.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos claim and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart.

A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.