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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining, or the pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease suffer from chest pain and breath shortness and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have worked in the military are at an especially high risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army. The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum — a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could result in confusion in diagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cell and whether or the cancer has spread to other regions of the body. Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been in occupations that involve asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to a doctor. If independence asbestos attorney have any history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or through living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to occur between 15 and 60 years. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in those who were exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is because men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control. Doctors can also run tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other organs of their body. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or seen through the naked eye, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors. The Pleura is a covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors. A shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of the pleural msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order biopsies. 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 most effective treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.