Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases of different types.
It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and breath shortness and may experience the sensation of weight in the chest.
Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For vacaville asbestos lawyer , patients who have mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the likelihood of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.
Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.
Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after a thorough health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.
These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in one of these fields however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to asbestos. These irritate the linings and can cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to note that mesothelioma could be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking can increase the likelihood of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. Because of this, victims are often misdiagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. 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 makes use of radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing an operation called a biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cell involved, the malignant or benign nature of those cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.
Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes and other factors that help them understand the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it expanding.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or observed through the naked eye can be airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura surrounds the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart.
If imaging scans reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.
There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. To learn more, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have had experience treating the disease.