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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases. It may take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling heaviness. This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. eau claire asbestos lawsuit is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military may be at a higher risk because of the extensive asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they should follow. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes 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 which is lower than the pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to manifest. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could result in incorrect diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread. Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual does not work in any of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s or 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. It is because mesothelioma generally lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, because it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it contains cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control. Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which will help them identify cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for a long time without spreading. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers. A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs. If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment plan. There are several types of mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.