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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma. Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the outer lung lining, or the pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of heavyness. This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at a greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should follow. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will have a worse outlook than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural cancer, which forms in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis. Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take years to show. Patients typically experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can lead to misdiagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread. The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos in professions, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person does not work in one of these fields they could still be exposed through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't engage directly with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more common in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. Because of this, victims are often mistakenly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a 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 an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During chino hills asbestos attorneys , doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control. Doctors can also run laboratory tests on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes, or other factors that help them understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it expanding. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or seen with the naked eyes are able to become airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors. The pleura covers the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and indicate the best treatment option. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.