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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. savannah asbestos attorney who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases. It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, or the pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and breath shortness and may also feel the sensation of weight in the chest. Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers 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 a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at greater risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The most commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum – it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through a thorough medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to develop the disease. Even if a person does not work in one of these fields, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These irritate the linings and can cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This is why patients are often wrongly diagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell. The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of those cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins or other elements that can help them describe the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time without spreading. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors. The pleura surrounds the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers. A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs as well as the heart. If imaging scans show an area of concern in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.