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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma. Symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining also known as pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and breathlessness and may experience an ache or heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into 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 is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure. wyoming asbestos attorney of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at a higher risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a mistaken diagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread. The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-related jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they are at risk should speak with an expert. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. When exposed to asbestos, the particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cell involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control. Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which will help them identify cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. However, it is important to remember that the disease can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or seen with the naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors. The Pleura is a covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart. A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.