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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time 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 liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of weightiness. This type of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most frequent jobs that put people at a high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military could be at an especially high risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army. The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural cancer, which forms in the lining of the lung it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the liver and intestines. Like https://vimeo.com/704908879 , peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than the pleural asbestosis. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a misdiagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body. The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, like plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if a person is not employed in one of these fields however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos or has previously done such. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is because men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This could lead to patients being misdiagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist is then able to look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it contains cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain mesothelioma types have greater risk of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control. Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other factors that can help them describe cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. However, it is important to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body.
The Pleura is a covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart. A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the most effective treatment plan. There are many types of mesothelioma treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease. |
