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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and breathlessness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos claim exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma may spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as digestive issues, leading to a false diagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, such as plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if a person 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 suspects that they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos claim may occur as a result of military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma may be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as 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 remember that mesothelioma is more common in males than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Due to this, patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue with microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

The mesothelial type involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins or other elements which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time, without expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or observed with the naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. These changes eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.