Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of heaviness.

Exposure to asbestos litigation, a group of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at a higher risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they will receive. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum, an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can lead to confusion in diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an extensive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual does not work in one of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to an expert. 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 the main mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos compensation can happen through military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and can cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to develop between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma can be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including 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 to have worked 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 clothes. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry Asbestos case on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. This is why patients are sometimes misdiagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of exposure to asbestos lawsuit. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells as well as the location and stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for a long time, without expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or seen with the naked eyes are able to become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes irritation leads 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 abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.