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Mesothelioma and AsbestosAsbestos is a natural mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.The symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.Pleural MesotheliomaPleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type, accounting for up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and breathlessness and may also feel the sensation of weight in the chest.This type of cancer usually caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled can 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 a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most frequent occupations that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who were in the military are at greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those who are in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can be spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient.Peritoneal MesotheliomaUnlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to show. Patients generally have abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can lead to incorrect diagnosis.The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that aren't visible on X-rays.The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about their risk.Risk FactorsAsbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. It is because mesothelioma generally lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure to asbestos before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma may be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It is just as harmful as direct exposure.Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothes.DiagnosisIt is difficult to identify mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.The first step in diagnosing 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 order a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. brownsville asbestos law firm is then able to look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes and other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.TreatmentA mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time without spreading.Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to detect or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.The pleura covers the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of the pleural msothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan.There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. To find out more, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.