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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases. It could take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and breathlessness, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who served in the military are at greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat pleural adenocarcinoma. 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 four will have a less favorable outlook than those in a less advanced stage. wilmington asbestos law firm can develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum — it is 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 primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a mistaken diagnosis. Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after a thorough health history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer that are not evident on X-rays. These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend 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 professions that involve asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if a person is not employed in any of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should speak with a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma could occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. 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 has worked with asbestos and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come in contact with asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being wrongly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves in order to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist can examine the tissue with microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors can also run laboratory tests on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time without the disease spreading to other organs of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, small enough to not be felt or observed by naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart. If imaging scans show a possible mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the most effective treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.