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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma. It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the outer lung lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and breath shortness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest. Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have served in the military may be at a higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy ships and army bunkers. The most commonly used staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they should follow. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four can be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum — a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can cause incorrect diagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if people do not work in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done so. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be breathed into the abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after 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 lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember that mesothelioma could occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for abnormalities, lumps 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 and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. dayton asbestos attorneys is another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can then look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells. The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells as well as the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have greater chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time without expanding. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or observed through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors. The pleura surrounds the lungs and heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath and chest pain, or an accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. The majority of doctors use an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To find out more, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.