Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.
It may take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos (look at this site). Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling weightiness.
This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.
The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military are at a higher risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy ships and army bunkers.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.
As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. 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 which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.
The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays.
These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.
Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual does not work in one of these fields, he or she can still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they are at risk should talk to an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos case, the particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to note that mesothelioma may occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos lawyer on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. This is why patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist then examines the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells and the location and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.
Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for a long time, without spreading.
asbestos compensation exposure can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or viewed through the naked eye are able to become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura surrounds the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
A shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of the pleural msothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for laboratory analysis. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment plan.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors rely on the combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.
It may take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos (look at this site). Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling weightiness.
This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.
The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military are at a higher risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy ships and army bunkers.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.
As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. 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 which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.
The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays.
These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.
Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual does not work in one of these fields, he or she can still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they are at risk should talk to an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos case, the particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to note that mesothelioma may occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos lawyer on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. This is why patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist then examines the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells and the location and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.
Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for a long time, without spreading.
asbestos compensation exposure can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or viewed through the naked eye are able to become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura surrounds the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
A shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of the pleural msothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for laboratory analysis. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment plan.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors rely on the combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.