Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases.
The symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, or the pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of heavyness.
This type of cancer often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.
The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural cancer, that develops in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer 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 cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. delaware asbestos attorney is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to manifest. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to incorrect diagnosis.
Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive health history and physical examination. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer 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 they aren't employed in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years from the initial time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note 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 to work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. Due to this, patients are often wrongly diagnosed.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist can examine the tissue with microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it spreading.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. Overtime, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Breathing problems, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs as well as the heart.
If imaging scans show an area of concern in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.
There are many types of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated mesothelioma.