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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases. It could take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the outer lung lining (pleura). utah asbestos law firm is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of heavyness. Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. 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 common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at a greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos 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 is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those who are in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Contrary to pleural cancer which forms in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, with around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting a thorough medical 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 reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the tumor has spread to other areas of the body. The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these fields they could still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to it. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years from the first exposure to asbestos before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos but did not work with it directly. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being 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 can also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine whether it contains cancerous cell. The mesothelial type involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time, without expanding. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can cause mesothelioma cancers. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the most effective treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. To find out more, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have had experience treating the disease.