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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and breathlessness and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals made of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos claim in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most common occupations that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos litigation exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to incorrect diagnosis.

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

These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or not the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these areas they could still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos settlement case (Read Even more) or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done the same. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos claim. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to work with it. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos around on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are sometimes misdiagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos compensation exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.

Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins, or other factors that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs and the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart.

If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.