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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases. It can take years for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling of heavyness. Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. 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 could be at risk due to the widespread asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army. The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will 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 than those in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum — it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to show. Patients usually suffer from 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. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive issues, which could cause misdiagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray. These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or not 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 electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if someone is not employed in one of these areas, he or she can still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should speak with a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. 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 age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma could be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. 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 worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. Because of fishers asbestos law firm , victims are often wrongly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves in order to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist then examines the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine whether it contains cancerous cell. The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of those cells as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it gets out of control. Doctors can also run tests in the lab on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes and other factors that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for many years without it expanding. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathlessness, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs as well as the heart. A doctor may request biopsy if scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment plan. There are several types of mesothelioma treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated mesothelioma.