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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. jackson asbestos lawyer of these diseases might not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease feel chest pain and breath shortness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest. Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of 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. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military are at risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy ships and army bunkers. The most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they will receive. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four can be spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum – an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to manifest. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a misdiagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other regions of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if people do not work in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should talk to an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the most significant risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. This is because men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. Due to this, patients are often wrongly diagnosed. The first step to diagnose 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 recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of inside the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells. The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a frightening prospect. However, it's important to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time, without expanding. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel through 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 structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural msothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the best treatment plan. There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on the combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.