Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a natural mineral, occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.
The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the outer lung lining, or the pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and breath shortness and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest.
This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. These fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most common jobs which put people at risk danger of developing pleural melanoma. Individuals who have been in the military are at an especially high risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they will receive. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues, leading to a mistaken diagnosis.
Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting a thorough medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cell and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about the risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or by living with someone who works with asbestos or has previously done the same. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and can cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not deal with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as 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 has worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothes.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. Because of this, victims are sometimes misdiagnosed.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. richardson asbestos attorneys use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform an operation called a biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial 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 a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins and other factors that help them understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are called staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (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, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. These changes eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.
Breathing problems, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment option.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.