Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.
Symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease feel chest pain and breathlessness and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.
This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. fishers asbestos lawsuit is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military may be at an especially high risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.
The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues, leading to a false diagnosis.
Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs that are not visible on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. Staging is determined based on the cell type and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.
The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if a person does not work in one of these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done the same. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These irritate the linings and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 60 year.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to the fact that men are 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 do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being misdiagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist can examine the tissue with microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.
The mesothelial type involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells and the location and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.
Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other elements that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it spreading.
Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibres, small enough to not be felt or seen by naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura covers the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.
The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness and chest pain as well as an accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs as well as the heart.
A doctor will request biopsy if scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment option.
There are many types of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.