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Mesothelioma and AsbestosAsbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.Pleural MesotheliomaPleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, also known as pleura. It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.This kind of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most common jobs that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have worked in the military are at risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those with lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the likelihood of complications for the patient.Peritoneal MesotheliomaUnlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.Like quincy asbestos lawsuit , the symptoms can take years to show. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.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 identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to develop 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. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should consult an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.Risk FactorsAsbestos is the most significant risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service or by living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do such. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may 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 get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in those who were exposed to asbestos, but did not engage directly with it. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come in contact with asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.DiagnosisIt is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This is why patients are often misdiagnosed.NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure like plaques on the pleura (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 blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test that uses radio waves and magnets to create precise images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing an operation called a biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cells.Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are called staging.TreatmentA diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the disease can be treated, particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it spreading.Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.The pleura surrounds the lungs and heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness, chest pain or a buildup of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart.If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the best treatment plan.There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. To learn more, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.