Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases like mesothelioma.
Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.
This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Chest pain and shortness breath 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 history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at a higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should follow. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lung's lining the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, with only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.
Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can result in confusion in diagnosis.
Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an extensive medical history and physical exam. They can also use imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.
rockford asbestos lawsuit enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-containing professions, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if people do not work in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should consult a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about the risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done so. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years from the first exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma could be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Furthermore, mesothelioma is exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed.
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 can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cell.
Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can aid in describing the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for a long time, without spreading.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors.
The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.
If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.
There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.