Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.
The symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining, or pleura. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of heaviness.
This kind of cancer is typically caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity This means that 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.
Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also experience chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. decatur asbestos lawyer that expose workers to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military are at risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.
The most commonly used staging system for pleural mesothelioma is 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 the treatment plan they should receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will have a worse outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood 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 and organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could lead to confusion in diagnosis.
Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread.
The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if people do not work in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should consult a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and 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 the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. 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 known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, because it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are often misdiagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves in order to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing an operation called a biopsy. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to grow or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to get a definite 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 tumors to determine particular proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time, without spreading.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.
The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.