Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases like mesothelioma.
Symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, accounting for up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of heaviness.
This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. spokane valley asbestos attorney is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military could be at an especially high risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma may spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the chance of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to show. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
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 reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.
These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.
The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in jobs that involve asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual does not work in one of these fields they could still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. These irritate the linings and can cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember that mesothelioma is a possibility in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't engage directly with it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos. 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 for men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed.
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 check for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma is classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to find specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years with the disease without it spreading to other areas of their body.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibres, tiny enough to be felt or observed through the naked eye are able to become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that covers 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. Overtime, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath and chest pain as well as an accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart.
If imaging scans show a possible mass in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove some of the liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use a combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.