Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
The majority of people diagnosed with pleural cancers spent years working in industries where they were exposed to asbestos prior to it being banned. People most often exposed to asbestos include shipyard workers, construction workers and navy veterans.
The condition is extremely rare, but doctors may test for it if you think you might be suffering from it. The tests will help doctors determine the mesothelioma's stage and what treatments might be most beneficial for you.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can affect the lining of certain organs. The symptoms may vary based on the type of mesothelioma, however, they can include weight loss, fatigue and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can manifest in the lungs, or elsewhere on the body. They can take between 10 and 50 years before they show so the disease is often incorrectly diagnosed. The symptoms also resemble those of other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu.
Asbestos exposure is the main reason for mesothelioma. It can be found in the abdomen, lungs or testicles. Workers with an asbestos-related history are at greater risk. It is more common among those who worked in high-risk jobs, including construction, shipbuilding and auto repair. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos in their family members or friends are also at risk.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is telling your doctor about your asbestos exposure. They will run tests of your blood to evaluate your overall health, and determine if asbestos has impacted your cells. They may also do an x-ray to check for anomalies, like an increase in fluids in your abdomen or chest.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma is present the doctor will likely collect tissue samples from the area in the question. They will then send the sample to a laboratory for testing. The results will help the doctor diagnose and stage mesothelioma. Stage 1 and stage 2 are the first stages of mesothelioma. The cancer isn't very advanced and is easily treated.
Mesothelioma is classified into three types based on the cell type that develops. Epithelioid is the most prevalent type and accounts for about 70% of diagnosed mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma makes up about 15 percent of cases, and is more difficult to treat than epithelioid. Biphasic or mixed sarcomatoid sarcoma is a mixture of epithelioid, sarcomatoid and mixed cells. It is seen in 10% to 15 percent of cases. This form of cancer is more aggressive than the other two types and has a poorer prognosis.
Diagnosis
Patients who have symptoms of mesothelioma need to see their doctor immediately for an official diagnosis. The doctor will conduct a physical exam and will note the patient's history of exposure to asbestos. They will also request a blood test and imaging scans of the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can aid doctors in identifying abnormalities and pinpoint the site of cancer.
A pleural mesothelioma cancer is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) or in the space around the lungs and chest wall (pericardium). Mesothelioma symptoms may include breathing difficulties, coughing, chest pain and fatigue. Patients may also experience swelling in the abdomen or testicular pain.
X-rays or CT scans are used to find any calcium deposits that may be present in the pleura. They can also aid doctors in identifying the cause of mesothelioma, and determine if other diseases are present, such as lung cancer or pneumonia. MRI and PET scans are more precise than X-rays and are used to locate mesothelioma cancerous cells, tumors and any inflammation or fluid buildup in the region.
When abnormalities are identified on an imaging test, it is possible to perform a biopsy. This involves taking a small amount of tissue from the affected area and studying it under a microscope in order to look for mesothelioma cells. A biopsy can be carried out surgically or through the use of a needle that is inserted into the chest cavity.
Doctors can also use other tests, in addition to biopsies to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma as well as determine the stage. They may also perform an operation known as thoracentesis, in which they eliminate the excess fluid from the region between the lungs, and the chest wall.
Doctors can also do tests on the blood for asbestos-specific antibodies. These levels could be a sign of mesothelioma. This is not a valid blood test and can be misinterpreted as a sign of other diseases. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases such as cancer or pneumonia. It can take years for the disease to manifest. This is why it is crucial for those with asbestos exposure to have regular health screenings.
Treatment
Mesothelioma happens when cancerous cells develop in the tissues that cover organs. It is usually found in the lung linings, but it can be found in the linings of the chest, abdomen, or peritoneum.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals with tiny fibers that are resistant to fire and heat and do not conduct electricity. Prior to the late 1980s, asbestos was extensively employed in shipbuilding and construction industries as well as automotive repair. Workers exposed to asbestos brought the fibers back home on their clothing where they could be inhaled by family members. The military was also at risk of exposure to asbestos, as the minerals are extensively used by all branches of the US military.
Once mesothelioma is diagnosed, treatment options aim to remove the tumor and reduce symptoms. The treatments could include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. These treatments are typically managed by an entire team of medical professionals. The team could comprise an GP (general practitioner) or a pulmonologist, an expert in thoracic surgery, and an interventional radiologist. A medical oncologist prescribes and coordinates chemotherapy, whereas radiation oncologists administer or supervises radiation therapy.
A biopsy is the most effective method to determine if you have mesothelioma of the pleural region. It involves draining the fluid from the affected area and then taking samples of tissue to examine under the microscope. The biopsy procedure can be carried out via a surgical procedure known as VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or with the aid of a needle guided by CT scan.
The surgeon can remove mesothelioma tumours that are in the beginning stages of the disease before they begin to spread. This can help cure the patient. Surgery can also help to reduce symptoms if mesothelioma is in its final stages.
Doctors prescribe chemotherapy drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout your body. They often combine this with surgery and radiation therapy. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma are most likely to receive this type of treatment.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer sufferers face a long and difficult battle, however it is possible to extend life and achieve remission with treatment. Surgery such as EPP, P/D, or cytoreduction by HIPEC, can slow the growth of tumors and stop them from recurrence. Maintenance therapies can keep cancer cells in check and help stabilize the patient's health.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, is found in a thin layer of tissue lining most of the internal organs of the body. The most prevalent type, pleural cancer, affects the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Mesothelioma can also occur in the lining of the stomach cavity (peritoneum) or in the heart and testicles.
Asbestos is ingested or inhaled by humans using many different methods. During the mining and manufacturing process, asbestos breaks up into tiny fibers that are inhaled or consumed. Asbestos fibers, once inhaled and inhaled, can cause irritation, scarring, and damaged cells. These issues can cause mesothelioma to develop, which is the most prevalent type of lung cancer related to exposure to asbestos.
Symptoms of mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer can mimic those of other diseases, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, which is why it is important to get an accurate diagnosis. Chest X-rays can be used by doctors to determine if there's any fluid or a mass inside the lung. They can also request biopsy to determine if or not you have mesothelioma.
A biopsy is the process of taking a tissue sample to test under a microscope for cancerous cells. Doctors can inject a needle into the area affected or perform surgery to remove a small portion of the tumor. In addition to an examination the doctor will take into account your family history and job history. A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma can delay treatment.
A mesothelioma specialist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center will assist you in establishing an extensive treatment plan. Our doctors will work closely with your GP and radiologists as well as pulmonologists to coordinate your care and provide a clear diagnosis. We can refer you to an oncologist who will prescribe chemotherapy and radiation. We also offer palliative treatments to relieve pain and discomfort.