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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases of different types. The symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling heavyness. This type of cancer is usually caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure. The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military are at risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army. The most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. Sunrise asbestos lawsuit makes it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Contrary to pleural cancer which is found in the lung's lining the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to manifest. Patients typically experience abdominal pain, and may have 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 can be misinterpreted as digestive issues and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through a thorough health 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 tumors, as well as other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray. These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or the tumor has spread to other areas of the body. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if they do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to occur between 15 and 60 year. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. It is because mesothelioma generally takes 20 to 60 years from the initial time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to have worked with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist is then able to look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control. Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors 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 diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for a long time with the disease without it spreading to other areas of their body. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. Overtime, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs as well as the heart. If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan. There are many types of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. To find out more, patients should speak to mesothelioma experts who have expertise in treating the condition.