Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases.
It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling heavyness.
This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most frequent jobs which put people at risk danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due the extensive use asbestos 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 cancer. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a false diagnosis.
Doctors can detect mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing professions, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is a major mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s or 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist then examines the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.
The type of mesothelial cell involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. brockton asbestos law firm of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to get a definite diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to find specific genes, proteins and other factors that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other organs of their body.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, tiny enough to be felt or observed through the naked eye can be airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors.
The Pleura is a covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of the pleural msothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor will order a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the best treatment option.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.