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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 regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases. 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 occurs in the outer lung lining, or pleura. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of heaviness. Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure. The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at a greater risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Contrary to pleural cancer which forms in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, which can result in incorrect diagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays. These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They also offer treatments. Staging is determined based on the cell type and whether or the tumor has spread to other regions of the body. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should consult a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can occur between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to 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 note that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Furthermore, sugar land asbestos law firm is caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to detect lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and also the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins, or other factors that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it expanding. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to detect or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors. The pleura covers the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness and chest pain, or an accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor will request biopsy if scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have had experience treating the disease.