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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases of different types. Symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and breath shortness and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest. Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they should follow. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or 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 cancer, that develops in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a misdiagnosis. Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical examination. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they're at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as dangerous 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. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is due to men being 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 been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are often wrongly diagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, 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 heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses radio waves and magnets to create precise images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing an operation called a biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control. Doctors can also run laboratory tests on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. appleton asbestos lawyer are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it expanding. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Breathing problems, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and the heart. If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. To learn more, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.