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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining also known as pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of heavyness. Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due the widespread use of 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 a patient is at upon diagnosis will aid 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 poorer prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Contrary to pleural cancer which forms in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year this is less than the pleural asbestosis. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Most patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues, leading to a false diagnosis. Generally speaking, port st lucie asbestos lawsuit can detect mesothelioma through an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual does not work in one of these fields, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done such. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and can cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets in order to create a series detailed images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist can then look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells. The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of those cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing and it's crucial 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 lab on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins or other elements that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from 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 become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs as well as the heart. A doctor may request biopsy if scans show the possibility of a lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan. There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. To find out more, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.