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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases like mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of weightiness. This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, 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 common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most common occupations that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. Individuals who have been in the military are at a higher risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they should follow. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient. 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 intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to show. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a false diagnosis. Doctors can detect mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other cancer signs which aren't visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or not the tumor has spread to other regions of the body. The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to a doctor. las cruces asbestos law firm can help those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service, or by living with someone who works with asbestos or has previously done so. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of inside the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing an operation called a biopsy. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are at greater chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. However, it's important to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for a long time, without spreading. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to detect or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors. The Pleura is a covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. These changes eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors. Breathing problems, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart. A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove some of the liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the most effective treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.