Mesothelioma And Asbestos: A Simple Definition

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases.

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 is a cancer of the lung's outer lining also known as pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and breath shortness and may experience the sensation of weight in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of 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 year after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer often have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a worse outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients.

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 as well as organs such as the liver and intestines. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to show. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass 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, leading to a misdiagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through a thorough health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or not the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure.  hillsboro asbestos attorneys  who have worked in professions that require asbestos, such as plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual does not work in any of these areas they could still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should speak with a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but did not work with it directly. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to find specific genes, proteins or other elements which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. However, it's important to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years without the disease spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

A shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all signs of pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart.

If imaging scans show an area of concern in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the best treatment option.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ the combination of these treatments. 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.