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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma. Symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling of heaviness. This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military could be at an especially high risk because of the extensive asbestos usage in Navy ships and army bunkers. The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. hayward asbestos lawyer is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they should receive. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive problems, which can result in confusion in diagnosis. Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through an extensive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays. These test results 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 cancer has spread. The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in one of these fields, he or she can still be exposed through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through work, military service, or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. When exposed to asbestos, the particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma can occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. 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 a longer time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. 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 be less exposed to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. Due to this, patients are often mistakenly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background 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, or MRI test that uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cells. The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of those cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control. Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes and other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it expanding. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or seen with the naked eyes, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of pleural msothelioma. In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues that surround the reproductive organs as well as the heart. If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated mesothelioma.