Mesothelioma and Asbestos
asbestos,
over here, is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are regularly exposed to
asbestos law are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.
It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may experience the sensation of weight in the chest.
Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.
Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to
asbestos compensation in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that expose workers to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at a higher risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.
The most commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can cause misdiagnosis.
Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays.
These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.
The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-containing professions, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person does not work in one of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After
asbestos claim exposure mesothelioma is likely to occur between 15 and 60 years old.
Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can be present in those who have been exposed to
asbestos settlement without having worked with it directly. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to the fact that men are 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 has worked with asbestos and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. Due to this, patients are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves in order to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cells 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 categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease 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 factors that will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for a long time without the disease spreading to other areas of their body.
Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.
The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can cause mesothelioma cancers.
The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness and chest pain as well as the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart.
A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove some of the fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. To find out more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.