Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

The 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 occurs in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and breathlessness and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military could be at an especially high risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy ships and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they will receive. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma can spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lung's lining it develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos compensation exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can result in incorrect diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after a thorough medical history and physical exam. They can also use imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that aren't evident on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related occupations, like electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos case through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should consult a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos legal or has previously done so. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be breathed into the abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and cause 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 genetics, smoking and aging. 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 before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos case. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is because men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like pleural plaques (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 an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform an operation called a biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of spreading or metastasizing and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for years without the disease spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos Case can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to detect or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

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

If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.