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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases. The symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types 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 prevalent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of heavyness. Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military could be at a higher risk because of the extensive asbestos usage in Navy ships and army bunkers. The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the likelihood of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the liver and intestines. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than the pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to show. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues and can lead to a misdiagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. san antonio asbestos law firm of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread. Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, like plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or through living with a person who works with asbestos or has previously done such. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. 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 genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to people who are younger or more. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist can look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it contains cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells, as well as the location and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to find 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. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for a long time, without spreading. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or viewed with the naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Breathing problems, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart. If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request a biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove some of the fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.