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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

asbestos (url) is a natural mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining also known as pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of heavyness.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

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

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could result in incorrect diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if someone isn't employed in one of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos legal and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos or used to do so. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

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

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document 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 pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves in order to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform an operation called a biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins or other elements which can help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time without the disease spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, small enough to not be felt or observed by naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart.

If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.