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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types. The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and breathlessness and may experience the sensation of weight in the chest. Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military are at an especially high risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy ships and army bunkers. The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they should receive. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver or even the heart of a patient. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum – it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can cause misdiagnosis. Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after a thorough health history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that aren't visible on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread. The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, like plumbing electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if a person is not employed in any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. erie asbestos lawsuit are inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma may be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing 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 recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets in order to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing an operation called a biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control. Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can aid in describing cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or seen with the naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.