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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases. It can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the outer lung lining, also known as pleura. It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of heaviness. This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also experience chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military may be at a higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy ships and bunkers for the army. The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found 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 asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can result in confusion in diagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. They can also use imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer that are not 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 tumor has spread. The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone does not work in one of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they are at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to form 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 aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. 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 tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being wrongly diagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cell. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control. Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes and other factors that help them understand the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years without the disease spreading to other organs of their body.
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or seen with the naked eyes, can become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and provide the best treatment plan. There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition. |
