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Mesothelioma and AsbestosAsbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.Pleural MesotheliomaPleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining or the pleura. It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of heaviness.This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers, cause irritation 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. jacksonville asbestos lawyer don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. 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 prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for patients.Peritoneal MesotheliomaContrary to pleural cancer which is found in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can result in incorrect diagnosis.Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk 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 their risk.Risk FactorsAsbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes 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 smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with it. 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 into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.DiagnosisIt is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write 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 pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.Mesothelioma is classified according to the mesothelial type involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to find specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging.TreatmentA mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for a long time, without spreading.Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or viewed through the naked eye can be airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.The pleura is a protective covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. These changes can eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathlessness, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart.A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and provide the best treatment option.There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ the combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.