Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease feel chest pain and breathlessness, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals made of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent jobs that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or used to do so. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally takes 20 to 60 years from the initial time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma may be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to Fox lake Asbestos lawyer. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Due to this, patients are sometimes wrongly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation 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 makes use of magnets and radio waves 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. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain mesothelioma types have greater chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for many years without it expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. mexia asbestos law firm fibers, which are too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems and chest pain as well as the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart.

If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To learn more, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.