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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the outer lung lining, or pleura. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of weightiness. This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent occupations that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military are at a higher risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army. The most commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum — an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can result in misdiagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or not the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. 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 develop the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should consult a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes 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 and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males 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. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This is why patients are sometimes misdiagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient, 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 blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue with microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells. The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes or other factors that can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for many years without it spreading. Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via many mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. 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 lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers. The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, chest pain or a buildup of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab analysis. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and provide the best treatment option. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Mission asbestos attorneys may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To find out more, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have had experience treating the disease.