Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.
It may take decades for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining or pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and breathlessness and may experience an ache or heaviness in the chest.
Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring 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 usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have served in the military are at an especially high risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.
The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that 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 diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum - an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year this is less than the pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive problems, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
Doctors can detect mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.
These test results enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.
The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person does not work in one of these areas, he or she can still be exposed through family members or other sources. For tempe asbestos lawyer , anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma could develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This could lead to patients being misdiagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist will then look at the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells as well as the location and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have greater risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.
Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it spreading.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs as well as the heart.
If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors rely on a combination of these methods. Enrolling in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.