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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases. The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of weightiness. This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation 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 are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military could be at a higher risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy ships and bunkers for the army. The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma can spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. 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, an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year which is lower than the pleural asbestosis. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take 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. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a false diagnosis. Doctors can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays. These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread. The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have been in occupations that involve asbestos, like plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who thinks they are at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the abdomen and lungs. 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 occur between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't engage directly with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. This is because men are 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 carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or 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 method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. During jackson asbestos attorney , doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist can look at the tissue under a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells. The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells and the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes 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 known as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for years with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to detect or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors. The pleura covers the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers. The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor will order biopsy if scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.