Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.

It could take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most common form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and breath shortness, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

This kind of cancer is typically caused through exposure to Asbestos case, which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer often have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. 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 method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, 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 mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should talk to an expert. If they have a history of asbestos compensation exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done such. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, 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 risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos lawyer 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 because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos and they don't usually carry asbestos lawyer on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This is why patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist then examines the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

The mesothelial type involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have greater chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time without the disease spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or seen with the naked eyes, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor may request biopsy if scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.