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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases like mesothelioma. It may take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, accounting for up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling heavyness. Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at a greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army. The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they should follow. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. 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, an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to show. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues, leading to a false diagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They also offer treatments. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if someone is not employed in any of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should speak with a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service, or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or used to do so. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can develop in those who were exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a a longer period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets in order to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins, or other factors that help them understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its initial stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. Overtime, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor will order biopsy if scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. new rochelle asbestos attorney involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan. There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.