Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases.

It can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath and may experience an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most frequent jobs which put people at risk danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike 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 like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through a thorough medical history and physical exam. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should speak with an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to carterville asbestos attorney can happen through military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to Commerce Asbestos Attorney, small particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma could occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. 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 have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come in contact with asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being incorrectly 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 request an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to create a series detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for a long time, without expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibres, small enough to not be felt or viewed with the naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura covers the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain or a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans show a possible mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove some of the liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors rely on a combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.