Asbestos And Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is most commonly associated with asbestos exposure. In fact the only known cause for the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma is asbestos. This cancer affects the areas of the human body where mesothelial cells are found.

Pleural Mesothelioma comprises the majority of malignant mesothelioma cases. This is the type of malignant mesothelioma that affects the pleura, which is the lining of the lungs. Approximately 70% of all cases of malignant mesothelioma occur in the pleura. As asbestos fibers that are sloughed off of asbestos containing products get inhaled by humans, these then get lodged in the lining of the lungs. The human body has no capability of physiologically eliminating such fibers. In time, these accumulated fibers will find they way into the mesothelial cells of the pleura. These asbestos fibers are considered foreign bodies by the body. Thus, their presence causes reactive inflammatory processes to occur, which is manifested by pleural thickening, plaque formations, vasculitis and even effusions. As the disease progresses, the thickening of the parietal and visceral pleura causes the narrowing of the pleural space. In time, the two leaves of the pleura rub against each other. These processes are manifested as dyspnea, rales and even chest pain or discomfort, fatigue, and weight loss in the patient. Continued hypertrophy of mesothelial cells due to the assaultive presence of these fibers will then result in the formation of tumors. On average, it takes about 40 years from exposure to these fibers to the manifestation of first symptoms.

Peritoneal mesothelioma comprises about 20 to 25% of all malignant mesothelioma cases. This is the type of mesothelioma that affects the mesothelial cells of peritoneum. As asbestos fibers come into contact with the mesothelial cells, they effect changes that cause the cells to multiply without restraint, and to thicken. Ascites also occurs. Together, these cause pressure buildup in the abdominal cavity. This pressure affects the other internal organs and causes them to deteriorate. Intestinal obstruction often ensues. Thromboses of intestinal veins as well as hypoglycemia, and anemia are common initial symptoms. Lesions can vary from single tumors, small diffuse tumors, or calcified nodules.

Pericardial mesothelioma comprises about 5% of all cases of malignant mesothelioma. This is the least common type of mesothelioma. With pericardial mesothelioma, malignant tumors are found on the pericardium, the fibrous tissue sac surrounding the heart. It is speculated that the way asbestos fibers travel to the heart is through the lymphatic system or through the cardiovascular patient. As with the other types of mesothelioma, asbestos fibers cause the cells of the pericardium to thicken. This thickening affects pressure on the chambers of the heart. This in turn causes severe shortness of breath, chest pain, as well as thromboses in the veins. In time, the thickening also causes the mesothelial cells to undergo unrestricted division and growth, leading to the formation of tumors. As with the other types, the excess pressure buildup from the tumor growth puts pressure on the heart contributing to congestive heart failure.

Malignant mesothelioma is cancer that starts in the cells that line most organs of the body, especially the chest, belly, and heart. The lining formed by these cells is called mesothelium. The mesothelium forms a protective sac that surrounds internal organs of the body. It consists of two layers: one layer of cells surrounding the organ and another forming a sac around it. These cells secrete a fluid that allows organs to move effortlessly and harmlessly within the space defined by the mesothelium.

Thus, moving organs like the heart and the lungs can function normally only with a functioning mesothelium. Mesothelioma is a disease in which the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably, invading the surrounding tissues affecting the very organs they are supposed to protect. In most cases of mesothelioma, the lungs are the organs that are affected. The mesothelium of the lungs is known as the pleura. Pleural mesothelioma is the most commonly diagnosed form of the disease.

Risk factors and risk groups

Mesothelioma is associated with asbestos. Around 70-80% of all cases of mesothelioma have a history of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of minerals that has been widely used in industrial products such as cement, brake linings, flooring’s, textiles and insulation. The first cases of mesothelioma occurred in the 1900s in Britain where workers at asbestos factories began experiencing a high level of lung disease. The disease was then referred to as asbestosis. It was only much later, in 1959, that the link between asbestos and lung cancer was made.

Mesothelioma can also arise as a result of secondary exposure to asbestos. A chance of developing cancer in families and other persons in contact with asbestos workers is great due to exposure to dust from the clothing and hair of the worker. People living in old buildings (prior to banning of asbestos in construction materials) are also at risk. The occupations that are most associated with mesothelioma include: construction industry workers, electricians, plumbers, shipyard workers, textile workers etc.

Incidence of mesothelioma

Most countries now specify the level of asbestos that can be safely present in the working environment of a person. Since the risk of asbestos-related disease increases due to heavy and longer exposure to asbestos, proper working environment led to a reduction in the cases of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is now a relatively rare disease; only 2000 cases arise every year in the United States.

Living with the disease

Like many other cancers, there is very little one can do where the diagnosis has not been made in the early stages of the disease. Unfortunately, most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in its late stages. There is no cure for the disease. In some cases, tumors may be removed by surgery, in the hope that it has not already spread to other parts of the body. Surgery may aim to remove the tumor or the entire lung. Treatments by radiation and chemotherapy are mostly palliative (i.e. aiming to reduce the severity of symptoms rather than treating the disease).

If you have watched television at some point in the past few months, then I am sure that you have seen the many commercials soliciting those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. These commercials are for legal services and target people who have been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma through an exposure to asbestos. So, maybe you have wondered what mesothelioma is and what the issues are surrounding it. It is simply another form of cancer. Most of those who get diagnosed do not realize that they have it until it’s too late because this form of cancer can go undetected for decades and can even be caused by just one incident in which one was exposed to asbestos. I have heard of cases were 20 years had passed since being exposed to asbestos to when mesothelioma was diagnosed.

Some people make the mistake of connecting mesothelioma to lung cancer. However, these two diseases are completely different. Mesothelioma develops around the lining that protects the body’s organs, which is known as the mesothelium. It is often found around the lining of the lungs, which is why it is mistaken for lung cancer.

So, how does mesothelioma develop? It is primarily caused from asbestos. In most cases, people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos at various job sites in the construction or mining industry. However, you will find that asbestos can be found in your everyday household items. These levels of asbestos cannot be compared to what can be found in the job related sites and are not significant enough to cause any damage. Asbestos has been around for over 100 years and is used in many items that you would not even consider. The issue is when the amount of asbestos is beyond the normal safety limits.

Because there may not be any noticeable symptoms or the symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, mesothelioma can take awhile to be detected. However, the common symptoms include unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, and pain around your chest area. If you notice any symptoms, you should ensure that you speaks to a medical professional as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there have not been any great advancements in technology to help support proper care and treatment for those with mesothelioma. However, the government has supported many laws to ensure that jobs sites minimize exposure as much as possible, including code violations and fines for any violations since the mid 1900s.