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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types. The 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 occurs in the lung's outer lining, or pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of heaviness. This kind of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military are at a higher risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy vessels and army bunkers. The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver or even a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum – an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could lead to confusion in diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, like plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if a person does not work in one of these fields they could still be exposed through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. 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 in mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80% of all cases. madison asbestos lawyer to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or has previously done so. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma could develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist will then look at the tissue with a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cell. The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins or other elements that will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind 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 cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or observed through the naked eye are able to become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. These changes eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart. A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a mass 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 will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.