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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling weightiness. This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a history 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. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a worse 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 makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lining of the lung it develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis. Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. trenton asbestos attorneys can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't visible on X-rays. These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if someone does not work in one of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should speak with an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done so. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 60 years. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but did not engage directly with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to men being more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation 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 and 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 another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes and other factors that help them understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. However, it's important to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time without expanding. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors. The pleura covers the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all signs of pleural msothelioma. In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart. A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the best treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak to mesothelioma experts who have experience treating the condition.