Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.
The symptoms of these diseases might not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the outer lung lining, also known as pleura. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling heaviness.
Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals made of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military are at a higher risk because of the extensive asbestos usage in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those who are in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than the 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 kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.
Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest 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 areas of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, even if people do not work in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service, or by living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can occur between 15 and 60 year.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but didn't engage directly with it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. lansing asbestos law firm tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothes.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being misdiagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves in order to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist is then able to look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it contains 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 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 have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.
Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time, without spreading.
Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or seen by naked eyes can be airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. These changes can cause mesothelioma cancers.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems and chest pain as well as the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the best treatment option.
There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. The majority of doctors employ the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. To learn more, patients should speak to a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.