Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

The symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, also known as pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of weightiness.

This type of cancer is usually caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most common occupations that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to 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 exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a misdiagnosis.

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

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

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person does not work in one of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos to Asbestos Case through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can occur between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally takes 20 to 60 years after the initial time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not deal with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain diseases, such as 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 a longer period of time and work with asbestos case for longer durations and to work with it. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos lawyer fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to get a definite diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes, or other factors that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or observed by naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura surrounds the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Breathing problems, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart.

If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak to mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.