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Mesothelioma and AsbestosAsbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types.It may take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.Pleural MesotheliomaPleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of heavyness.Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military could be at risk due to the widespread asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those in lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for patients.Peritoneal MesotheliomaUnlike pleural cancer, which forms in the lung's lining the peritoneal cancer is a result of the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can result in misdiagnosis.Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that aren't evident on X-rays.These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread.The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in any of these areas they could still be exposed through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to an expert. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about the risk.Risk FactorsAsbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 60 year.Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years from the first exposure to asbestos before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma could be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more common for men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothing.DiagnosisIt is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This is why patients are often wrongly diagnosed.NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist then examines the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cell.Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins and other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging.TreatmentA mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for a long time without expanding.Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can cause mesothelioma cancers.Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural msothelioma. In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart.A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment plan.There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. To learn more, melbourne asbestos attorney should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.