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Mesothelioma And Asbestos: A Simple Definition
Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and breathlessness and may experience an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer is usually caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an 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. People who were in the military are at higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a worse outlook than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum - an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a false diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer that are not evident on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if a person isn't employed in one of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should speak with an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service or by living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. asbestos settlement cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma may be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are sometimes misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, 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, also known as MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist then examines the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to find specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will request biopsy if scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.


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