Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.
Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling heavyness.
Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also experience chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military could be at risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.
The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could result in confusion in diagnosis.
Generally speaking, kent asbestos attorney can detect mesothelioma by conducting a thorough medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays.
These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.
The most important mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in any of these areas, he or she can still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can help them find out more about the risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not deal with it directly. 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 due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This can lead to victims being wrongly diagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells as well as the location and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.
Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other elements that will help them identify cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time without spreading.
Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.
The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart.
If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory analysis. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment option.
There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. To learn more, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.