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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the outer lung lining, also known as pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and breathlessness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. 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 suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most common occupations that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have worked in the military may be at a higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy ships and bunkers for the army. The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with medford asbestos attorneys , symptoms can take years to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can cause incorrect diagnosis. Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma after a thorough medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. The results of these tests 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 important risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in jobs that involve asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if a person is not employed in one of these fields however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s or 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not engage directly with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos around on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to look for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing an operation called a biopsy. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist then examines the tissue with a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cells. The mesothelial type involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of those cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins, or other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for a long time, without spreading. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors. The pleura covers the lungs and the heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs as well as the heart. If imaging scans show an area of concern in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.