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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of weightiness. Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. hoover asbestos lawyer and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military may be at a higher risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army. The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which 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 the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to show. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause confusion in diagnosis. Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or not the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, even if people do not work in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should speak with an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in those who were exposed to asbestos, but did not engage directly with it. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as 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 longer periods of time and to work with it. Men are also more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are often misdiagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different 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 then examines the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cell. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and also the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important 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 laboratory tests on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes and other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. However, it's important to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for many years without the disease spreading to other organs of their body. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. Overtime, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart. A doctor will request biopsy if scans show the possibility of a mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and provide the most effective treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on the combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.