Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases of different types.

Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining, or pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of heaviness.

This kind of cancer is usually caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and 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. Some patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military could be at risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis than those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can be spread to 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 cancer, which is found in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. Most patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should speak with an expert. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service or by living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do so. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos law.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos legal for longer periods of time and to work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos litigation fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins 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 frightening. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time with the disease without it spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or observed by naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos case. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and the heart.

If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment plan.

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