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Mesothelioma and AsbestosAsbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases.It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.Pleural MesotheliomaPleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining or the pleura. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at 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 common staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will have a less favorable outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.Peritoneal MesotheliomaIn contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as digestive issues, leading to a mistaken diagnosis.Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an extensive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in jobs that involve asbestos, such as plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if a person is not employed in any of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should consult an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.Risk FactorsAsbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done such. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years.Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothes.DiagnosisMesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. Due to this, patients are often wrongly diagnosed.The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure such as pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can then look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it has cancerous cells.Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging.TreatmentA mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body.Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or observed through the naked eye are able to become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.sugar land asbestos law firm is the area that surrounds the lungs and heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness, chest pain or a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on a combination of these methods. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.