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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases of different types. Symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of heaviness. Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most common jobs that put people at a high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military are at an especially high risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy ships and bunkers for the army. The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can be spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the risk of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum — an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to show. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a false diagnosis. Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after a thorough health history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray. These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They also offer treatments. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they're at risk should talk to an expert. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to note that mesothelioma can be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. port st lucie asbestos lawyer is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a more exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This could lead to patients 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, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to detect lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it has cancerous cells. The mesothelial type involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of those cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to get a definite diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins, 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 frightening. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for many years with the disease, without spreading to other organs of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathlessness and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan. There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on the combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. To learn more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.