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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases. It could take a long time for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of heavyness. This type of cancer often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most frequent occupations which put people at risk danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who served in the military are at greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army. hollywood asbestos law firm staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum – a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year. Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive problems, which can cause confusion in diagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that are not visible on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to 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 primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is due to men being 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 tend to have less exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because 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 down a patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure such as plaques on 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 blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist then examines the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell. Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes and other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time, without spreading. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or viewed with the naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors. The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain as well as the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart. A doctor will request biopsy if scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.