Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases of different types.
It could take a long time for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of weightiness.
Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals made of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.
The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most frequent occupations that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should follow. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative outlook than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the chance of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.
Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma after a thorough health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.
These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.
The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in any of these areas however, they may still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to an expert. If union city asbestos attorneys have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can help them find out more about the risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be breathed into the abdomen and lungs. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can occur between 15 and 60 years.
Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and experience a a longer period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This is why 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 notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. 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 magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist can examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant, and the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are called staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for many years without it spreading.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or viewed by naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.
The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Breathing problems, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all signs of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.
There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.