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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 risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases. Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling weightiness. This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most common jobs that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in 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 a patient is at when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those who are in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum – an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. vacaville asbestos attorneys is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a false diagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They also offer treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. This is why anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an expert. If they have an 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 a major mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service, or by living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically occurs between 20 and 60 years from the initial time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma could occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and experience a more exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are often wrongly diagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells. The mesothelial type involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells as well as the location and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it before it gets out of control. Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes and other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for a long time with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or observed with the naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). In time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura covers the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. Overtime, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid 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. If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. To learn more, patients should speak with mesothelioma experts who have experience treating the condition.