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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases like mesothelioma. 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, a form of cancer, that develops in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most common form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath and may experience an ache or heaviness in the chest. Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military could be at a higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army. The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should follow. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than patients with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a misdiagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray. These test results enable doctors to identify 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. Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if someone is not employed in one of these fields however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should consult an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not engage directly with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to have worked with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as pleural plaques (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 an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell. The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells and the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control. Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other factors that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for many years with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or viewed by naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors. The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain, or an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of some of the fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment option. There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Alhambra asbestos lawyers on a combination of these methods. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated mesothelioma.