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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a natural mineral, occurs naturally 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 of different types. It could take a long time for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms. kenosha asbestos attorney can be found in the lung's outer lining, also known as pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling weightiness. Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. These fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. Individuals who have been in the military may be at an especially high risk due to the widespread asbestos usage in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army. The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis than those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lung's lining the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. They can also use imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread. The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should talk to an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, a specialist can help them find out more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service, or by living with someone who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may 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 at risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma could develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and experience a more exposure than women. 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 in contact with asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are sometimes misdiagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a 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 blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine whether it contains cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at greater risk of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it gets out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or seen through the naked eye, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathlessness and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors rely on the combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak to a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.