Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.
It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining, or pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease feel chest pain and breath shortness and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.
Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that 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 typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.
The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who were in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.
The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. glendale asbestos lawyer can make it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found 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 just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.
Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other signs of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.
These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.
The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-related occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. Even if a person is not employed in one of these areas however, they may still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be 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 is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma typically occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not engage directly with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is because 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, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. This can lead to victims being incorrectly 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 which includes 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 buildup of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to identify specific proteins, genes, or 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 terrifying. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time, without spreading.
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.
The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs and 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 cancers.
Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all signs of pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use the combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. To find out more, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.