Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types.
The symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, also known as pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and breath shortness, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.
This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent jobs that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military could be at risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and army bunkers.
The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative outlook than those in a less advanced stage. 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
In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. As with west valley city asbestos lawyer is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.
Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms may take years to appear. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a misdiagnosis.
The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.
The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should talk to an expert. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can help them find out 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 can happen through work, military service, or through living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can occur between 15 and 60 year.
Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to have worked with it. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements that will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for years without the disease spreading to other parts of their body.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.
The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.
A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
If imaging scans show an area of concern in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory analysis. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment plan.
There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use the combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To find out more, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.