It's The Mesothelioma And Asbestos Case Study You'll Never Forget

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of heavyness.

This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent jobs that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military could be at risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy ships and army bunkers.

indianapolis asbestos attorneys staging system 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 help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For example, patients with mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to show. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a false diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma by conducting a thorough health history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should speak with an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test that uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years without the disease spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or seen by naked eyes, can become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart.

If imaging scans reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take small amounts of the fluid or tumor for laboratory analysis. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.