The Mesothelioma And Asbestos Case Study You’ll Never Forget

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases.

It may take decades for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the outer lung lining, also known as pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of weightiness.

This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma usually doesn’t show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most common occupations which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is at at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even a person’s heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum – it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The 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 experienced by digestive issues, which could result in confusion in diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting a thorough health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren’t visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, such as plumbing electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if they aren’t employed in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can help them find out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos compensation. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. These irritate the linings and can cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos settlement without having directly worked with it. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos case and do not typically carry Asbestos Case on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient 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 plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

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

The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have greater risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it’s important to get a definitive 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 particular proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for many years with the disease without it spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. These changes eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath and chest pain as well as an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart.

A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the best treatment option.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. To learn more, patients should speak to a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.