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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types. The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and breath shortness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. Tucson asbestos lawsuit , when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who were in the military are at a higher risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will have a worse prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum — it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than the pleural asbestosis. Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms may take years to appear. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a false diagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatments. Staging is determined based on the cell type and whether or not the tumor has spread to other regions of the body. The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in professions, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they are at risk should consult a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done so. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 60 year. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma may develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura 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 radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist then examines the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell. The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells and the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time without expanding. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or observed by naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds 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 become scarred. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathlessness, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart. A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of some of the fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan. There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ the combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.