Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.
It could take a long time for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath and may experience an ache or heaviness in the chest.
This kind of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. 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 also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.
The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This makes it more difficult to treat and raises the chance of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a misdiagnosis.
Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays.
These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cell and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should talk to 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 making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These irritate the linings and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms 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 referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. gresham asbestos law firm can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells as well as the location and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.
Doctors can also run tests in the lab on a tumor to find specific proteins, genes, or other factors that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it spreading.
Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or seen with the naked eyes are able to become airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.
The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.
The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain as well as the accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.