Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.
It could take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining or pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, accounting for up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.
Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military could be at risk because of the extensive asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.
The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other cancer signs that aren't evident on X-rays.
These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if a person is not employed in any of these areas they could still be exposed through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service, or through living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. When exposed to asbestos, the particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. baton rouge asbestos law firm are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to work with it. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for lumps and 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 accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it has cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cell involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to find specific genes, proteins and other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. However, it is important to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time without spreading.
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or observed by naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors.
The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can cause mesothelioma cancers.
The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart.
A doctor will order a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and indicate the best treatment option.
There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.