Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.
The symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and breath shortness, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.
Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals made of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.
The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos compensation in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military could be at an especially high risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.
The most commonly used staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum - an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to show. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive problems, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. Even if they do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can help them find out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
asbestos claim is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service or by living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. 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. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos compensation fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothes.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. Because of this, victims are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.
Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are called staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time, without spreading.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. asbestos case fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or observed with the naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.
The Pleura is a covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos case. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.
The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart.
If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.
There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ the combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.