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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases of different types. 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 frequent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest. Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military are at risk because of the extensive use of asbestos in Navy ships and army bunkers. The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum, an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a misdiagnosis. Doctors can detect mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should consult a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the most significant risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This could lead to patients being misdiagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist then examines the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell. Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control. Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time, without spreading. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As Temecula asbestos lawyer , the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors. The pleura covers the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. Overtime, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Breathing problems, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all signs of the pleural msothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan. There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.