Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases.
The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining, also known as pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and breath shortness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.
This type of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.
The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military could be at risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.
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 at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they will receive. For instance, patients who have a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those with lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Most patients suffer from 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 are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.
The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.
These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or not the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should talk to an expert. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about the risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is a major mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos compensation may occur due to work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos lawyer or has previously done such. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma could occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos Case, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Furthermore, mesothelioma is exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos case and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothes.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure like plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for many years with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body.
Exposure to asbestos settlement can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors.
The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all signs of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. 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 on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases.
The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining, also known as pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and breath shortness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.
This type of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.
The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military could be at risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.
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 at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they will receive. For instance, patients who have a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those with lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Most patients suffer from 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 are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.
The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.
These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or not the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should talk to an expert. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about the risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is a major mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos compensation may occur due to work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos lawyer or has previously done such. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma could occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos Case, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Furthermore, mesothelioma is exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos case and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothes.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure like plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for many years with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body.
Exposure to asbestos settlement can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors.
The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all signs of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated mesothelioma.