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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases like mesothelioma. It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and breathlessness and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest. This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine what treatment plan they should follow. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum – an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. 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 a long time to manifest. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a mistaken diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread. pleasanton asbestos attorneys mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in jobs that involve asbestos, such as plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should talk to an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles irritate the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in those who were exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have an extended period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can look at the tissue under a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time, without expanding. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathlessness, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans show a possible mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove some of the fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the most effective treatment plan. There are many types of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. To find out more, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.