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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma. Symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling of weightiness. Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer often have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most common jobs that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who were in the military are at greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help 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 prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural cancer, which forms in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes 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. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a misdiagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer 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 treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if a person is not employed in any of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It is because mesothelioma generally lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are at greater risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins or other factors that will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body. Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or observed through the naked eye are able to become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors. The Pleura is a covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. Appleton asbestos attorney may request biopsy if scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the most effective treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.