Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

It may take decades for symptoms to show up after asbestos lawsuit exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining or pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling heaviness.

This kind of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military could be at an especially high risk because of the extensive asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine what treatment plan they should receive. For example, patients with mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the liver and intestines. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other cancer signs that are not evident on X-rays.

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

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos compensation, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if someone is not employed in any of these areas, he or she can still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should speak with an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service, or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and can cause cancerous cells to form 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. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos attorney without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended 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 on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves in order to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it has cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time without expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or seen by naked eyes can be airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all signs of pleural mesothelioma. 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 reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove some of the liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. To find out more, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.