Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.
It can take years for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, also known as 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 is usually caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent occupations that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at a greater risk due the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lining of the lung it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than the pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to show. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could cause incorrect diagnosis.
Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma by conducting an extensive medical history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.
These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. Staging is determined based on the cell type and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.
The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone does not work in any of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should speak with a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the most significant risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service, or by living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do such. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years.
Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not deal with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are often mistakenly diagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. deerfield beach asbestos lawyer include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves in order to create a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign, and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control.
Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other factors that will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time, without spreading.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or viewed with the naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.
The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove some of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors rely on the combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak to mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.