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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases. It can take years for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, accounting for up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and breathlessness, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest. Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military may be at risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and army bunkers. The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a worse prognosis compared to those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues, leading to a misdiagnosis. Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through a thorough health history and physical examination. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related occupations, like electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person does not work in one of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to develop between 15 and 60 years. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. santa maria asbestos law firm can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common in males than females. This is due to men being 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 don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. Because of this, victims are often wrongly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities 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 makes use of magnets and radio waves in order 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 remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for years without the disease spreading to other organs of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or observed by naked eyes can be airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura surrounds the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors. The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain as well as the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, 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. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.