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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of weightiness. This kind of cancer is typically caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs 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 years after exposure. gastonia asbestos lawsuit of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army. The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis compared to those who are in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum — a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to confusion in diagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after a thorough health history and physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related jobs, 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 however, they may still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are sometimes wrongly diagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform an operation called a biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and also the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the 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 will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for years with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or observed by naked eyes, can become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). In time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors. The pleura surrounds the lungs and heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers. Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ a 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 had experience treating the disease.