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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases.
Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of weightiness. Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals made of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they should follow. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a misdiagnosis. Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after a thorough medical history and physical exam. https://vimeo.com/703536263 as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread. The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally lasts between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but did not work with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is because men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have greater chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. However, it is important to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for many years with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibres, small enough to not be felt or observed with the naked eyes, can become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors. The pleura surrounds the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor will request biopsy if scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory analysis. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. To learn more, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition. |
