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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 are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma. It could take a long time for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining or the pleura. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and breath shortness and may experience an ache or heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure. The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at a greater risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine what treatment plan they will receive. For example, patients with mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver or even the heart of a patient. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum — an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can result in confusion in diagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays. These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread. The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can occur between 15 and 60 year. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to note that mesothelioma could be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses, including 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 a longer time and to have worked with it. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothing. minnesota asbestos lawsuit is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue with microscopes to determine if it contains cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to find specific proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time, without expanding. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or observed with the naked eyes, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. These changes can cause mesothelioma cancers. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathlessness, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart. If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the best treatment option. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.