Mesothelioma and Asbestos

asbestos compensation is a natural mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases.

It could take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the outer lung lining, or pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military may be at a higher risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues and can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos case - a cool way to improve -, such as plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if a person is not employed in one of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they are at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done such. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos compensation mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma may be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Furthermore, mesothelioma is caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos compensation for a longer period of time and to have worked with it. 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 come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation 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 makes use of magnets and radio waves to create a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of 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 can examine the tissue with microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma have greater risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to find specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or seen with the naked eyes are able to become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. These changes can eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results will 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 utilize a combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more, patients should speak to a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.