Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases of different types.
Symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.
This kind of cancer is typically caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Contrary to pleural cancer which is found in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can lead to incorrect diagnosis.
Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or not the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. Even if someone does not work in one of these areas, he or she can still be exposed through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand 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 occur through work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or has previously done such. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.
Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work 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 exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. Due to this, patients are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform an operation called a biopsy. chino asbestos attorney is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.
Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.
Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can help them describe cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease without it spreading to other areas of their body.
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or viewed through the naked eye can be airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into 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 cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathlessness, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart.
If imaging scans show an area of concern in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove some of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment plan.
There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.