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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma. It can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining or the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling heavyness. This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military may be at risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy vessels and army bunkers. The most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver or even the heart of a patient. This makes it more difficult to treat and raises the likelihood of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Contrary to pleural cancer which is found in the lung's lining the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is 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. Most patients experience abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues, leading to a mistaken diagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other cancer signs that are not evident on X-rays. These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related occupations, like 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. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should consult a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done the same. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to asbestos. These irritate the linings and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to develop between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos around on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take down a patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets in order to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist then examines the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell. The mesothelial type involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that can aid in describing the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. But, colorado asbestos attorney is crucial to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time without the disease spreading to other parts of their body. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors. The Pleura is a covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart. If imaging scans reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more, patients should speak with mesothelioma experts who have experience treating the condition.