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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases like mesothelioma. It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and breath shortness, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer is usually caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at higher risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should follow. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma can spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can result in confusion in diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays. These test results enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread. The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if people do not work in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or used to do such. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma may be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and experience a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Because of this, victims are often misdiagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. portsmouth asbestos attorneys is when doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control. Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or viewed through the naked eye are able to become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds 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. These changes can cause mesothelioma cancers. A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart. A doctor may request biopsy if scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of some of the liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use the combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.