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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease suffer from chest pain and breathlessness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. These fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those in lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural cancer, which forms in the lining of the lung it develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could cause incorrect diagnosis. Doctors can detect mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the tumor has spread to other regions of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing professions, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if a person isn't employed in one of these fields, he or she can be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should consult an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, a specialist can help them find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done the same. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years from the first time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are often wrongly diagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist can examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it contains cancerous cells. The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control. ontario asbestos lawsuit can also run tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time without spreading. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, small enough to not be felt or viewed through the naked eye are able to become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart. If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.