Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.
It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after
asbestos legal exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of heaviness.
This type of cancer usually caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.
The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the risk of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, with around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a misdiagnosis.
Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.
The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about the risk.
Risk Factors
asbestos law exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of military service, work or living with someone who used to work with
asbestos claim. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to develop between 15 and 60 years.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but did not deal with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is because men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign, and 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 have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for many years without it spreading.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms.
asbestos case (
source web page) fibers, which are too small to be felt or viewed through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.
The pleura covers the lungs and heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.
Breathing problems, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.
There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.
