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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases. It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. farmington hills asbestos law firm of asbestos can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, also known as pleura. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heaviness. Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have worked in the military could be at an especially high risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships 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 a patient is in upon diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a worse outlook than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural cancer, that develops in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues and can lead to a false diagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the tumor has spread to other regions of the body. 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 manufacturing and construction are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in any of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service, or through living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do so. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to develop between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma could develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking can increase the likelihood of getting mesothelioma because it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. Because of this, victims are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves in order to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist then examines the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes, or other factors that help them understand the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. However, it's important to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time, without spreading. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs as well as the heart. If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option. There are many types of mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on the combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. To find out more, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.