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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. Workers 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 manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the outer lung lining, or the pleura. It is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of heaviness. Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals made of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for patients. 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 as well as organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take years to show. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a false diagnosis. Doctors can detect mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. They can also use imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread. Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in professions, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. Even if someone is not employed in one of these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can help them find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is a major mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small 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. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. 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 indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses 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 an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test that uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it contains cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify specific proteins, genes, or other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it spreading. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers. A shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all signs of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. dayton asbestos attorney may request a biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors use a combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. To find out more, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.