Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other 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 cancer of the lung's outer lining or pleura. It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and breathlessness, 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 grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has at diagnosis 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 suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 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 a mass in the abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.
Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread.
Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that involve asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if someone is not employed in one of these fields they could still be exposed through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about the risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. macon asbestos attorneys can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.
Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years from the initial exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. This is due to men being more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This is why patients are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed.
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 may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. 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, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it contains cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cell involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements that can aid in describing 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 keep in mind that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.
Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via various mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, tiny enough to be felt or viewed with the naked eyes are able to become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.
The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart.
If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.
There are many types of mesothelioma treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated mesothelioma.