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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases of different types.

The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals made of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos law exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military are at a higher risk because of the extensive use of asbestos in Navy ships and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis compared to those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum - it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos claim exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive issues, which could result in misdiagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. 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 a person does not work in any of these areas they could still be exposed through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years from the initial time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos case (Read This method). Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being wrongly diagnosed.

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

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test that uses magnets and radio waves to create precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells as well as the location and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for a long time without the disease spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos lawsuit can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or seen with the naked eyes are able to become airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will request biopsy if scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.