Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

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

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals made of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation 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.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs that put people at a high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military are at an especially high risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, which forms in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and may have a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a mistaken diagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

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

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone does not work in one of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should speak with an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos settlement. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, because it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos case and experience a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with Asbestos case and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are often misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to check 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 a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test that uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

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

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to find specific 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 mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. However, it's important to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

Breathing problems, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will request biopsy if scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.