Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis 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 types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and breathlessness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.
This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Elizabeth asbestos lawsuit and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military may be at risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.
The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should receive. 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. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver 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
Unlike pleural cancer, which forms in the lining of the lung it develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.
Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take years to show. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause confusion in diagnosis.
Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an extensive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, like plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if people do not work in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old.
Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those 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 did not work with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Furthermore, mesothelioma is exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothing.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Due to this, patients are often misdiagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to detect lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation 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, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells and the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control.
Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer 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 that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for many years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.
Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath and chest pain, or an accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart.
A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To find out more, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.