Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling heaviness.

This type of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most frequent jobs that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military could be at an especially high risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is at at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer which is found in the lining of the lung it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take a long time to manifest. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can result in confusion in diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through a thorough medical history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect 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 also offer treatments. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, like plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if a person isn't employed in any of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should speak with an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos case can happen as a result of work, military service, or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or used to do such. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos (helpful resources) without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is due to men being more likely to be exposed to asbestos settlement and endure a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos compensation around on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This could lead to patients being misdiagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a patient's medical history, including asbestos litigation exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell.

The mesothelial type involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have greater chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to find specific proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.

The pleura covers the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab analysis. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and provide the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.