Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling of heaviness.

This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at 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 popular staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which 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 mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could lead to incorrect diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after an extensive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos claim through family members or through other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma 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 remember that mesothelioma can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos legal (look at this website) without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos compensation. It is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos litigation and have an extended period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos case exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins and other factors that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. However, it's important to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or observed with the naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura surrounds the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

If imaging scans reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ the combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated mesothelioma.