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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest. Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled 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 a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military may be at risk because of the extensive use of asbestos in Navy vessels and army bunkers. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and raises the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lining of the lung it develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take years to show. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can cause confusion in diagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and recommend treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the cancer has spread to other regions of the body. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, such as plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if someone is not employed in one of these fields, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. kenner asbestos lawsuit 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, small particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma could be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos, and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are often misdiagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves in order to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell. Mesothelioma is classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other factors that will help them identify cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the disease can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for many years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or viewed through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors. Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove small amounts of liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated mesothelioma.