What To Say About Mesothelioma And Asbestos To Your Mom

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally forms 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 manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease suffer from chest pain and breath shortness and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

This kind of cancer is typically caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer often have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at a higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is at upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to show. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause confusion in diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual does not work in one of these fields they could still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to develop between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to 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 and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors can also run tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for many years without it expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or seen through the naked eye can be airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos.  Durham asbestos lawyer  inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. To find out more, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have had experience treating the disease.