Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It can take years for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the outer lung lining, also known as pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and breathlessness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show 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 often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they should follow. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to show. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could result in confusion in diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma after an extensive medical history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in any of these areas, he or she can still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should consult an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma typically occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is because men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This could lead to patients being misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to detect lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos claim exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist will then look at the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells, as well as the location and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes and other factors which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years without the disease spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. asbestos case (Humanlove.stream) fibers, too small to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react 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 cancers.

Breathing problems, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all signs of pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will order a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.