Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.
Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining or pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.
This type of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at greater risk due the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.
The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to show. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could lead to incorrect diagnosis.
Doctors can detect mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or not the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual does not work in any of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or has previously done the same. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.
Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos claim. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos, and they don't usually carry asbestos claim on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets in order to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.
The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells and the location and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.
Doctors can also run laboratory tests on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. However, it's important to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease, without spreading to other organs of their body.
Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or observed through the naked eye are able to become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of the pleural msothelioma. In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs and the heart.
A doctor will request biopsy if scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.
Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining or pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.
This type of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at greater risk due the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.
The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to show. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could lead to incorrect diagnosis.
Doctors can detect mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or not the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual does not work in any of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or has previously done the same. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.
Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos claim. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos, and they don't usually carry asbestos claim on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets in order to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.
The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells and the location and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.
Doctors can also run laboratory tests on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. However, it's important to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease, without spreading to other organs of their body.
Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or observed through the naked eye are able to become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of the pleural msothelioma. In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs and the heart.
A doctor will request biopsy if scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated mesothelioma.
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