Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma.
It may take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the outer lung lining, also known as pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling heavyness.
Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. Individuals who have been in the military may be at risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and army bunkers.
The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lining of the lung it develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to show. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.
The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread.
The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-related jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone is not employed in one of these fields they could still be exposed through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These particles irritate the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 year.
Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. idaho asbestos attorney in their 40s or 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like 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. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothing.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Due to this, patients are sometimes wrongly diagnosed.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take down a patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing an operation called a biopsy. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.
Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are called staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for many years with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body.
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibres, tiny enough to be felt or viewed by naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura surrounds the lungs and heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. Overtime, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart.
If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To find out more, patients should speak to a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.