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Mesothelioma and AsbestosAsbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.Pleural MesotheliomaPleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of weightiness.This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn’t manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients 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 the most frequent jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis compared to those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient.Peritoneal MesotheliomaAs opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms 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. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma could 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 false diagnosis.The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. costa mesa asbestos law firm can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren’t evident on X-rays.These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, like plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if people aren’t employed in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who suspects that they’re at risk should consult a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.Risk FactorsAsbestos exposure is a major mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done such. When exposed to asbestos, the particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These particles irritate the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can 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 a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma may occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure.Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothing.DiagnosisIt is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This can result in patients being incorrectly 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 may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look 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 makes use of magnets and radio waves to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist will then look at the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma have greater risk of metastasizing or spreading, so it’s important to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can aid in describing the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.TreatmentA diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time, without spreading.Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung’s lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural msothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart.A doctor will order biopsy if scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.