Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases like mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of heaviness.

This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a worse outlook than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and raises the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum - it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to show. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. 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 lead to misdiagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cell and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should consult a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

asbestos law exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos or used to do so. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to develop between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure to asbestos before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos law and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. Because of this, victims are often mistakenly diagnosed.

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

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. However, it's important to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for years with the disease without it spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The pleura covers the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural msothelioma. In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and the heart.

A doctor will order a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and provide the best treatment option.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use the combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated mesothelioma.