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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases. The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of weightiness. Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals made of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, eau claire asbestos law firm cling to the lungs and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver or even the heart of a patient. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause incorrect diagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They also offer treatments. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cell and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other areas of the body. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles irritate the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common 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 periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are sometimes misdiagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform an operation called a biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it has cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors can also run laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time, without spreading. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to detect or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors. The pleura surrounds the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated mesothelioma.