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Mesothelioma and AsbestosAsbestos is a natural mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.The symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.Pleural MesotheliomaPleural mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most common form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel the sensation of weight in the chest.This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient.Peritoneal MesotheliomaUnlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually which is lower than pleural asbestosis.As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to show. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a misdiagnosis.Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in professions, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should consult an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.Risk FactorsAsbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma could be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.Smoking can increase the likelihood of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to have worked with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothes.DiagnosisIt is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist is then able to look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it has cancerous cells.The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells, as well as the location and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes, or other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.vacaville asbestos lawyer can be terrifying. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body.Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or observed through the naked eye can be airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.The pleura covers the heart and lungs and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. Overtime, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the most effective treatment plan.There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To learn more, patients should speak to mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.