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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma. It may take decades for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and breath shortness and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear 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. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at a higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. wyoming asbestos law firm (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural cancer, which is found in the lung's lining the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and the 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. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to manifest. Patients generally have abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive problems, which can result in incorrect diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cell and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should speak with an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the most significant risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can occur between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not engage directly with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which 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 common in males than females. 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 have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Due to this, patients are sometimes 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 can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist can then look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to grow 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 can also run laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes and other factors that help them understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time, without expanding. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibres, small enough to not be felt or viewed by naked eyes can be airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura surrounds the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues that surround the reproductive organs as well as the heart. If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the best treatment plan. There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use the combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.