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Mesothelioma and AsbestosAsbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.Symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.Pleural MesotheliomaPleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and breathlessness, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma typically doesn’t manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage 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 four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even a person’s heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient.Peritoneal MesotheliomaUnlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lung’s lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than the pleural asbestosis.As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues, leading to a misdiagnosis.Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after a thorough medical history and physical exam. They can also use imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren’t visible on X-rays.These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. Even if someone isn’t employed in one of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.Risk FactorsAsbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes 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 smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It is because mesothelioma generally takes 20 to 60 years from the initial time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.buffalo asbestos lawyer of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to have worked with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothing.DiagnosisMesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This is why patients are sometimes wrongly diagnosed.The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient’s medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.TreatmentA diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a frightening prospect. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body.Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all signs of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of some of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan.There are several types of mesothelioma treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. To find out more, patients should speak to a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.