Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases of different types.

It may take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining or the pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling of weightiness.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military could be at risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy ships and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should receive. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to show. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can result in incorrect diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after a thorough medical history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in one of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos litigation to asbestos legal through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an expert. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos or has previously done the same. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take 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 at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared to people who are younger or more. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of getting mesothelioma because it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos attorney and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to look 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 a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets in order to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells as well as the location and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes or other factors that will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other organs of their body.

Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. asbestos case (special info) particles, which are too small to detect or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura covers the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart.

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

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. To find out more, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.