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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases. The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining, also known as pleura. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 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. This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. peoria asbestos lawyer with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military are at risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy vessels and army bunkers. The most commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at at diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural cancer, which forms in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis. Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms may take years to appear. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive issues, which could result in confusion in diagnosis. Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting an extensive health history and physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other signs of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray. These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread. The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual does not work in one of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should speak with an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and can cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years from the initial time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos but did not deal with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are sometimes wrongly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist then examines the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine whether it contains cancerous cell. Mesothelioma is classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma have greater risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma so 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 diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years without the disease spreading to other organs of their body. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel with 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 leads to changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors. The pleura covers the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. These changes can cause mesothelioma cancers. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. 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 tumor or fluid for lab analysis. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment plan. There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, 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 learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.