Mesothelioma and Asbestos Case

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.

It can take years for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and breathlessness and may experience the sensation of weight in the chest.

This type of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at a higher risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they will receive. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, liver or even the heart of a patient. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take years to show. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after a thorough medical history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, 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 any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should speak with an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning 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 occur through military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to note that mesothelioma may occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to men being more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. Due to this, patients are sometimes misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past 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 imaging or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells, as well as the location and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time without expanding.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and the heart.

If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ the combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.