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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a natural mineral, occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining, or pleura. It is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease feel chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer typically caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. tallahassee asbestos lawyer that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they should follow. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually which is lower than the pleural asbestosis. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could cause confusion in diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans 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 establish the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread. The most important mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these fields however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should consult a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 year. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take down a patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist can then look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it has cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best 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 is treatable, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time, without expanding. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura surrounds the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors. The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness, chest pain or a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak to a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.