15 Terms Everybody Who Works In Mesothelioma And Asbestos Industry Should Know

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases like mesothelioma.

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, a form of cancer, that develops in the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling weightiness.

This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos case, which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most common occupations which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and raises the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause confusion in diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma after a thorough health history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or not the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through 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 asbestos. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After exposure to Asbestos legal, mesothelioma may be diagnosed 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 older. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but did not deal with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos claim and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This is why patients are often wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos claim. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to create a series detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

The mesothelial type involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells and the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.

Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other elements that will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for a long time with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for laboratory analysis. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors use a combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.