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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma. 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 occurs in the lung's outer lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, accounting for up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of weightiness. Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most common occupations which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at greater risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will have a less favorable prognosis than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural cancer, which forms in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year, which is less than the pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to show. Most 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 could be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a mistaken 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 reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the cell type and whether or the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been in occupations that involve asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. tempe asbestos lawsuit of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 year. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos but did not deal with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. This is due to men being 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 have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being wrongly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets in order to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it has cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for a long time, without expanding. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors. The Pleura is a covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart. If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the most effective treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.