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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma. Symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and breathlessness, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest. This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military could be at a higher risk because of the extensive use of asbestos in Navy ships and bunkers for the army. The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural cancer, which is found in the lining of the lung it develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to show. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues and can lead to a false diagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. tucson asbestos lawyer enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread. The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, like plumbing electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, even if people do not work in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to form 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 to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may develop in those who were exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and work with it. Men are also more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. 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 that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist then examines the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify specific proteins, genes and other factors that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are called staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for a long time with the disease without it spreading to other areas of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors. The pleura covers the lungs and heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor will order biopsy if scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove some of the fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. To learn more, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.