Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases like mesothelioma.

The symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type, accounting for up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling heavyness.

This type of cancer often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent occupations that put people at a high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military could be at an especially high risk because of the extensive asbestos usage in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage that the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can result in incorrect diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through a thorough health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal 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 kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual does not work in one of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. 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 a major risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos litigation. When exposed to asbestos case, particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma may be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos legal fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos case on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. Because of this, victims are often wrongly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos law exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time without spreading.

Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or seen through the naked eye are able to become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can cause mesothelioma cancers.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems and chest pain, or an accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans show a possible mass in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.