Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.
It may take decades for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of heaviness.
Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients 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. Individuals who have been in the military are at a higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and army bunkers.
The most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could result in incorrect diagnosis.
Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. 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, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatments. Staging is determined based on the cell type and whether or not the cancer has spread to other regions 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 a person is not employed in any of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't engage directly with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to work with it. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are at greater chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins and other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. pontiac asbestos attorneys are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it expanding.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.
The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs and the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems, chest pain or a buildup of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart.
If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.