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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases. It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease suffer from chest pain and breath shortness and may experience an ache or heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure. The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent jobs that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military may be at a higher risk due to the widespread asbestos usage in Navy vessels and army bunkers. The most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For example, patients with mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than patients with lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum — a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause incorrect diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray. These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other regions of the body. The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, like plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the most significant risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or used to do such. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. redondo beach asbestos lawsuit include smoking, genetics, and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not engage directly with it. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma 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 periods of time. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. Because of this, victims are often misdiagnosed. The first step in identifying 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 can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to detect lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as 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 image, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist then examines the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell. The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells and the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control. Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time without spreading. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can cause mesothelioma cancers. Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural msothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart. A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging 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 will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients may also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.