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Mesothelioma and AsbestosAsbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases.The symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.Pleural MesotheliomaPleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining or the pleura. It is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling of weightiness.Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military may be at risk because of the extensive use of asbestos in Navy ships and army bunkers.The most common 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 moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they will receive. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for patients.Peritoneal MesotheliomaUnlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to show. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they are at risk should consult an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a experience with asbestos to understand 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 occur as a result of military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These particles irritate the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 year.Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to note that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. beaumont asbestos law firm can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to have worked with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothing.DiagnosisIt is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Because of this, victims are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed.NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are called staging.TreatmentA mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. However, it's important to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for a long time, without spreading.Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds 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 eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove small amounts of liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan.There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. To find out more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.