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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma. It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of heaviness. This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure. arlington asbestos lawyer of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience 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 common jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at greater risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural cancer, which is found in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to show. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could result in incorrect diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other cancer signs that are not visible on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread. The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk 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 primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and can cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. 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 before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused 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 a longer period of time and to work with asbestos for longer periods of time. 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 tend to have less exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Due to this, patients are sometimes misdiagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of past 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 the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cells 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 are more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for years with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to 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 eventually develop into tumors. The pleura covers the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers. The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and the heart. If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.