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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases of different types.

Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the outer lung lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling heavyness.

This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can 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 include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most common jobs which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who were in the military are at greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos litigation 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 for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at at diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For example, patients with mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, which forms in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to manifest. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause misdiagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cell and whether or the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos case. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if a person does not work in any of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should speak with a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos (Visit Fact 18), a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to 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 were exposed to asbestos, but did not engage directly with it. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common for men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothing.

Diagnosis

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

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

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma have greater chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements that can aid in describing the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

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

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by a variety of mechanisms. asbestos claim fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or seen with the naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use a combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak to mesothelioma experts who have expertise in treating the condition.