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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of heaviness.

This type of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring 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 as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military may be at a higher risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum - an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. 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 a long time to manifest. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through an extensive medical history and physical exam. They can also use imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't visible on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, such as plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who thinks they are at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma typically occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not deal with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and experience a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed.

The first step to diagnose 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 will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos settlement. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets in order to create a series detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have greater risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or observed by naked eyes, can become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart.

If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment option.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.