Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.
The symptoms of these diseases might not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.
This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.
The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.
The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually which is lower than pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues, leading to a misdiagnosis.
The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that are not visible on X-rays.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.
Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone does not work in any of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about the risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to note that mesothelioma could develop 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 is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common for men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothing.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take down a patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup 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, or MRI, test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under 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, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins and other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time, without spreading.
Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or viewed through the naked eye can be airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart.
If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab testing. baldwin park asbestos lawyer can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. The majority of doctors employ the combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.