Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a natural mineral, occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.
It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can 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 type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of heaviness.
This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most frequent jobs that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who served in the military are at greater risk due the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.
The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to manifest. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive issues, which could cause incorrect diagnosis.
Doctors can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't evident on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the cell type and whether or the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone does not work in one of these fields, he or she can still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they are at risk should consult an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the most significant risk factor in mesothelioma. visalia asbestos attorney is responsible for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service, or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but did not engage directly with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common for 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. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothes.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This is why patients are sometimes misdiagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue with microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma is classified according to the mesothelial type involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.
Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins or other factors that can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for many years without it expanding.
Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or seen through the naked eye are able to become airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.
The pleura surrounds the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart.
If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use the combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.