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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases of different types. Symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Yonkers asbestos attorney can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling heavyness. This kind of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For example, patients with mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum – it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting a thorough health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual does not work in any of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and can cause 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 aging. People in their 40s or 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma could be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common in males than females. This is due to men being more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothes. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. Due to this, patients are sometimes misdiagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can examine the tissue with microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are at greater risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it before it gets out of control. Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can aid in describing cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years without the disease spreading to other areas of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or viewed with the naked eyes can be airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers. Breathing problems, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all signs of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart. If imaging scans show a possible mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the best treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak to a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.