Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

It could take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, also known as pleura. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and breath shortness and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer usually caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at a higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos case; simply click the up coming document, in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done the same. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who were exposed to asbestos lawyer, but did not deal with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be in contact with asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos litigation on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of exposure to asbestos law. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura surrounds the lungs and heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathlessness and chest pain as well as the accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart.

A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.