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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and breath shortness and may experience an ache or heaviness in the chest. This kind of cancer is usually caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at a higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. 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 experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can cause incorrect diagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who thinks they are at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger 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 genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not deal with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This is why patients are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist can then look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it contains cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control. corpus christi asbestos lawsuit can also run laboratory tests on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other organs of their body. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or viewed by naked eyes are able to become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. Overtime, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers. A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use the combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.