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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases. The symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling of weightiness. This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that 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 frequently reported symptoms. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due to the frequent use of 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 a patient has at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For Arlington asbestos attorney , patients who have a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood 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 and organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues, leading to a mistaken diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if someone isn't employed in any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should consult an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is a major mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't engage directly with it. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to work with it. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This is why patients are often wrongly diagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist can then look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells. The mesothelial type involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells and the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors can also run laboratory tests on a tumor to find specific proteins, genes and other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for many years with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors. A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory analysis. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment option. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors rely on the combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more, patients should speak to mesothelioma experts who have experience treating the condition.