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Mesothelioma and AsbestosAsbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.Pleural MesotheliomaPleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lung’s outer lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of all 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, typically causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that results in 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 usually doesn’t show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most frequent jobs that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. Individuals who have served in the military are at a higher risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.The most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they should follow. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person’s heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for patients.Peritoneal MesotheliomaAs opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum — an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.As with marietta asbestos lawsuit can take years to show. Patients typically experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. 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 digestive issues, which could result in misdiagnosis.Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting a thorough health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren’t visible on X-rays.These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should talk to an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk.Risk FactorsAsbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma could occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos, and they don’t usually bring asbestos home on their clothes.DiagnosisIt is difficult to identify mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. Due to this, patients are sometimes wrongly diagnosed.The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist can examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it contains cancerous cells.The type of mesothelial cell involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have greater risk of metastasizing or spreading, so it’s important to get a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to find specific proteins, genes and other factors that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.TreatmentA diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for a long time, without spreading.Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.The Pleura is a covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs as well as the heart.A doctor will order a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan.There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. To learn more, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.