Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases.

The symptoms of these diseases might not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of weightiness.

This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent jobs which put people at risk danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who were in the military are at greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they should follow. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer which is found in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive issues, which could result in incorrect diagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. They can also use imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They also offer treatment options. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or not the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that involve asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to Asbestos case and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through work, military service, or by living with someone who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can 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 develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure to asbestos case before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in those who were exposed to asbestos but did not deal with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos lawyer, and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused 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 work with asbestos and experience a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test that uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cell involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.

Doctors can also run tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins or other elements which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time without the disease spreading to other areas of their body.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or observed through the naked eye, can become airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. These changes can cause mesothelioma cancers.

Breathing problems, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all signs of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.