Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.
The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining or the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.
This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.
Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most frequent occupations that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military could be at risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.
The most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they should follow. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis than those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually which is lower 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. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
Doctors can detect mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs which aren't evident on X-rays.
These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. Peoria asbestos lawyers is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to develop between 15 and 60 year.
Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma could occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. This is because men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothes.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. Because of this, victims are often misdiagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation 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 and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells and the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to grow or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to 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 which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for many years without it expanding.
Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.
The pleura surrounds the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor may request biopsy if scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.
There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use the combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.