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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types. Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of weightiness. This type of cancer usually caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military are at an especially high risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural cancer, which forms in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could result in misdiagnosis. Doctors can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. miami asbestos attorney in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but did not engage directly with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. Due to this, patients are often wrongly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure like plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves in order to create a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location and stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important 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 lab on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements that can aid in describing the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for years with the disease without it spreading to other areas of their body. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathlessness and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and provide the best treatment option. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.