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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases. Symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining, or the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling heavyness. This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at a greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum — it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the liver and intestines. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive problems, which can lead to confusion in diagnosis. Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma by conducting a thorough health history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. simi valley asbestos lawsuit can show tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that involve asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in one of these areas however, they may still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or used to do so. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These irritate the linings and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years after the initial time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note 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. Men are also more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are often wrongly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation 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 radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell. The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of those cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins or other factors that can help them describe cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years with the disease, without spreading to other organs of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or seen by naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers. Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of some of the fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated mesothelioma.