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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining also known as the pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that accounts for up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of weightiness.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at a higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help 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 compared to those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

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

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take years to show. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a mistaken diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting an extensive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other cancer signs that aren't visible on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should speak with an expert. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere 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 develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Furthermore, mesothelioma is caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with asbestos legal (Home) for longer durations and to work with it. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos attorney fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are often mistakenly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient including asbestos law 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 plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves in order to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to grow or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to get a definite diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins or other factors that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a frightening prospect. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for years with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura surrounds the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a mass in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of some of the liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.