Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may 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 suffer from chest pain and breath shortness and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. These fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, that develops in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos settlement exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to show. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could cause confusion in diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs which aren't evident on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person isn't employed in one of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos legal case [Dulovic post to a company blog] through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should consult a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos claim or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service, or by living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos legal.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma may occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it contains cancerous cells.

The mesothelial type involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of those cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, tiny enough to be felt or viewed by naked eyes are able to become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Breathing problems, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all signs of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart.

A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab analysis. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To learn more, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.