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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types. 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 is a cancer of the lung's outer lining or pleura. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heaviness. This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at greater risk due the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been 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. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and raises the likelihood of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum – an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as digestive issues and can lead to a false diagnosis. Doctors can detect mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or the cancer has spread to other regions of the body. Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone is not employed in one of these fields, he or she can be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can help them find out more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles irritate the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to note that mesothelioma may be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like 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 longer periods of time and to work with it. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient, 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 an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test that uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell. Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to get a definite diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors can also run laboratory tests on a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins, or other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time without expanding. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, tiny enough to be felt or observed with the naked eyes can be airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. These changes can eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart. A doctor will order biopsy if scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove some of the liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and provide the best treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Enrolling in lafayette asbestos lawsuit of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. To find out more, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.