Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a natural mineral, occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.
The symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, or the pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of heaviness.
This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that 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 discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most common occupations that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military could be at risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes 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 help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a less favorable outlook than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to manifest. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a misdiagnosis.
Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.
The most important mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who thinks they are at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years old.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It is because mesothelioma generally lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not deal with it directly. maryland asbestos law firm is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothes.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets in order to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.
Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant, and the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma have greater chance 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 can also perform tests in the lab on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes, or other factors which will help them identify cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time, without spreading.
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathlessness and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs as well as the heart.
If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.
There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.