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Mesothelioma and AsbestosAsbestos is a natural mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases.The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.Pleural MesotheliomaPleural mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of heavyness.Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers cling to the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer often have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military are at risk because of the extensive asbestos usage in Navy vessels and army bunkers.The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person’s heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.Peritoneal MesotheliomaUnlike pleural cancer, which forms 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. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Most patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. brownsville asbestos attorneys can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can result in misdiagnosis.The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other symptoms of cancer that aren’t visible on X-rays.These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if someone isn’t employed in one of these fields, he or she can still be exposed through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.Risk FactorsAsbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years after the initial time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but did not work with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like 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 time and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who 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.DiagnosisIt is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed.The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets in order to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.Mesothelioma is classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important to get a definite diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other factors that 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 that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time, without expanding.Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or viewed through the naked eye are able to become airborne, causing irritation to the lung’s lining (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.The pleura surrounds the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. Overtime, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart.A doctor will request biopsy if scans show the possibility of a mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and indicate the best treatment option.There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on the combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. To learn more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.