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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma. Symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining or the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and breath shortness and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest. Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring 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 and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military are at a higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and army bunkers. The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they should follow. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could cause confusion in diagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an extensive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or the cancer has spread to other regions of the body. The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should consult a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and trigger cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. Because of this, victims are sometimes wrongly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cell. The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at greater risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes, or other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time, without spreading. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathlessness and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart. If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of some of the liquid or tumor for laboratory 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 an amalgamation of these techniques. hemet asbestos attorney can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.