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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases. 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 can be found in the lung's outer lining also known as pleura. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of weightiness. Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. 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 as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military could be at a higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should follow. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural cancer, that develops in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually this is less than the pleural asbestosis. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may have a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a misdiagnosis. Doctors can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These test results enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. gary asbestos lawsuit offer treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other areas of the body. The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-related occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who believes they are at risk should speak with an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is a major mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in those who were exposed to asbestos, but did not deal with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of those cells as well as the location and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes, or other factors that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for many years without it expanding. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors. The Pleura is a covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. Overtime, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain or a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs and the heart. A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.