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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma. It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining, or pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and breathlessness and may experience the sensation of weight in the chest. This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at a higher risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum — a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to show. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs that aren't visible on X-rays. These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other areas of the body. Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that involve asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or by living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do the same. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to form 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 more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years from the first exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is a possibility in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. Because of this, victims are often misdiagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist can examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or seen by naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors. The Pleura is a covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems, chest pain or a buildup of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor will request biopsy if scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the best treatment plan. There are livermore asbestos law firm of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. To find out more, patients should speak to mesothelioma experts who have expertise in treating the condition.