Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally occurs in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types.

The symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos litigation. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling weightiness.

This kind of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than 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

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the liver and intestines. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should consult an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, 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 can happen through work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos legal case (navigate to this site) or used to do the same. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to note that mesothelioma could occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos around on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test that uses radio waves and magnets to create precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for many years without it spreading.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or observed by naked eyes are able to become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (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 a protective layer that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. To find out more, patients should speak with mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.