Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases.

It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of heaviness.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and 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. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't visible on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. This is why anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos Case is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory 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 mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or observed through the naked eye, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos case which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans show a possible mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.