Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.
It may take decades for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling heavyness.
This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show 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. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military could be at risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers used by 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 a patient has when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will have a worse outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to show. Patients typically experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can cause confusion in diagnosis.
Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays.
These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if a person does not work in one of these fields, he or she can be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they are at risk should consult a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing 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 smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma could occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like plaques on 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 an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell.
Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify specific proteins, genes and other factors that help them understand the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for a long time, without expanding.
Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or seen by naked eyes are able to become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.
The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Breathing problems, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all signs of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
If imaging scans show a possible mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab testing. bethlehem asbestos lawyer can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and provide the best treatment plan.
There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on the combination of these methods. Enrolling in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. To learn more, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.