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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases. It can take years for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and breath shortness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer typically caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure. The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that expose workers to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include 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 most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. tennessee asbestos attorney is in at diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural cancer, which is found in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues, leading to a mistaken diagnosis. Doctors can detect mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread. The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. 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 primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are sometimes misdiagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist then examines the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cell involved, the malignant or benign nature of those cells, as well as the location and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control. Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other factors that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it expanding. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or seen with the naked eyes, can become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors. The Pleura is a covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers. Breathing problems, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all signs of pleural msothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan. There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.