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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases. It could take a long time for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling heaviness. This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Some patients 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 among the most common jobs that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military could be at an especially high risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage that the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Contrary to pleural cancer which forms in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. cincinnati asbestos attorneys of patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can result in misdiagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in professions, such as electrical or plumbing work or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should speak with a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in finding out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 60 years. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma could develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than 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. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are often mistakenly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for many years without the disease spreading to other areas of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura covers the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the best treatment option. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have had experience treating the disease.