Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.

The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military may be at a higher risk because of the extensive Asbestos Case use in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.

The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos compensation is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, with only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could result in misdiagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma by conducting a thorough health history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other signs of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, like plumbing electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in any of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos litigation may occur through work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos lawsuit or used to do such. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos case and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This can lead to victims being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist then examines the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells as well as the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath, chest pain or a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor may request biopsy if scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan.

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