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Mesothelioma and AsbestosAsbestos? is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases of different types.It may take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.Pleural MesotheliomaPleural? mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling heaviness.This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most frequent jobs that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For example, patients with mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient.Peritoneal MesotheliomaIn? contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to show. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues, leading to a false diagnosis.Doctors can detect mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. They can also use imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if someone is not employed in one of these fields they could still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can help them find out more about the risk.Risk FactorsAsbestos? exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to 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 be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothes.DiagnosisMesothelioma? is difficult to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are often misdiagnosed.The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins or other elements that will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.Treatment<img width="386" src=" |
