Mesothelioma And Asbestos: A Simple Definition
Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.
The symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heavyness.
Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military may be at an especially high risk because of the extensive asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.
The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should follow. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those in lower stages. newport beach asbestos attorney can develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining it develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis.
Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a false diagnosis.
The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer that are not evident on X-rays.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.
Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, such as plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should consult an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves in order to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue with microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.
Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for years without the disease spreading to other parts of their body.
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (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 surrounds the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. Overtime, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.
If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove some of the liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on the combination of these methods. Enrolling in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated mesothelioma.