Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.
It may take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.
This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. These fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will have a worse prognosis compared to those in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
As with pleural mesothelioma 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 may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a false diagnosis.
Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.
The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-related occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in one of these fields however, they may still be exposed through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service or by living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do the same. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to asbestos. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. lewisville asbestos attorney in their 40s or 50s are more at 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 exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma may be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It is just as harmful as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothes.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. Because of this, victims are often wrongly diagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets in order to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist then examines the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.
Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain mesothelioma types have greater risk of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.
Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for a long time without spreading.
Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.
The pleura surrounds the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.
Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart.
A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.
There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.