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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 regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases. It could take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling heaviness. This kind of cancer is usually caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most common occupations which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military may be at a higher risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army. The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative outlook than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum — a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to show. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could lead to incorrect diagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread. The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or by living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do so. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes 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 smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to note that mesothelioma can occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. 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, which makes it more prone to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to have worked with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come in contact with asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray 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 image or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cell. Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and also the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread, so it is important to get a definite diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors can also run tests in the lab on a tumor to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. aurora asbestos attorney with mesothelioma survive for many years without the disease spreading to other parts of their body. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to detect or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors. The Pleura is a covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all signs of pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs as well as the heart. A doctor will order biopsy if scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove some of the liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.