Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma.
The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most common form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling heavyness.
This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.
Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most common jobs that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who were in the military are at a higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.
The most commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they should receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative outlook than those who are 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 chance of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.
Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could result in misdiagnosis.
The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other cancer signs which aren't visible on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.
The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person is not employed in one of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is a major mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These irritate the linings and can cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 years.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. carrollton asbestos attorney is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos, and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothes.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This is why patients are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test that uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.
Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.
Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. However, it's important to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for years with the disease without it spreading to other areas of their body.
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or seen by naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.
The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.
A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor may request biopsy if scans show a potential mass 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 indicate the best treatment plan.
There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.