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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases like mesothelioma. It could take a long time for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the outer lung lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease feel chest pain and breath shortness and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose workers to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used to treat pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural cancer, which is found in the lining of the lung it develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to show. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can cause confusion in diagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting a thorough health history and physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These test results enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in any of these areas, he or she can still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service or by living with a person who works with asbestos or has previously done the same. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s or 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but did not engage directly with it. fargo asbestos attorney is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being wrongly diagnosed. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for 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 chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell. Mesothelioma is classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant 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 which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins, or other factors which will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other organs of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to detect or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers. A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. The majority of doctors use an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.