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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types. The symptoms of these diseases might not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of heavyness. Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural cancer, which forms in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can result in incorrect diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if a person isn't employed in any of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should consult an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but didn't engage directly with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure. idaho asbestos attorney of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Because of this, victims are often mistakenly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist can look at the tissue under a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to get a definite diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors can also run tests in the lab on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years without the disease spreading to other organs of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura covers the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. These changes eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart. A doctor will request biopsy if scans show a potential mass in the lungs 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 a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the most effective treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors rely on a combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have had experience treating the disease.