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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and breathlessness, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure. The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations that put people at a high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who were in the military are at a higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine what treatment plan they should receive. For example, patients with mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk 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, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. Like carson asbestos attorneys , asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues, leading to a misdiagnosis. Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting a thorough health history and physical examination. They can also use imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in one of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or through living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do the same. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can 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 be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to 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 remember, too, that mesothelioma can occur in people 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 as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This is why patients are sometimes wrongly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. 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 the insides of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist then examines the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells as well as the location and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests 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 diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years without the disease spreading to other parts of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or seen with the naked eyes can be airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond 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 tumors. The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart. A doctor will request biopsy if scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma experts who have experience treating the condition.