Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.
Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining, or pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.
This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have served in the military are at an especially high risk because of the extensive use of asbestos in Navy ships and army bunkers.
The most commonly used staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. chino asbestos attorney that a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will have a worse prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.
Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take years to show. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can result in misdiagnosis.
The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.
The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in jobs that involve asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these areas they could still be exposed through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should talk to an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about the risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can 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 chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but did not work with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos around on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Because of this, victims are often misdiagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets in order to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for many years without the disease spreading to other organs of their body.
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many 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). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.
Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all signs of pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart.
If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment option.
There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. To find out more, patients should speak to mesothelioma experts who have experience treating the condition.