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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma. It can take years for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, or the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of weightiness. This type of cancer often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most common jobs that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have worked in the military could be at risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army. The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they should follow. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases 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 and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to show. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause incorrect diagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone does not work in any of these areas they could still be exposed through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old. 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. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to note that mesothelioma may be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps or 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 a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing an operation called a biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread, 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 run tests in the lab on a tumor to identify specific proteins, genes and other factors that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for a long time, without spreading. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or observed by naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. new orleans asbestos lawyer cause mesothelioma cancers. Breathing problems, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans show a possible mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option. There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated mesothelioma.