Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to
asbestos lawyer risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.
Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.
This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos case (
thuesen-crabtree-2.mdwrite.net post to a company blog) exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.
The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and raises the chance of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lining of the lung it develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.
Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take years to show. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a misdiagnosis.
Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to
asbestos. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if someone is not employed in one of these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should speak with an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service or through living with a person who works with
asbestos litigation or used to do such. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can occur between 15 and 60 years.
Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothes.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims 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 will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray 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 a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets in order to create a series detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and also the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.
Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that will help them identify cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for many years without it spreading.
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors.
The Pleura is a covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems and chest pain as well as the accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart.
If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the best treatment plan.
There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.
