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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types 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 prevalent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of weightiness. Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military may be at a higher risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy ships and army bunkers. The most commonly used staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they will receive. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those with a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural cancer, which forms in the lining of the lung it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread. The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if someone is not employed in one of these fields they could still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should consult an expert. 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 primary risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do such. When exposed to newton asbestos lawsuit , the particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to develop between 15 and 60 year. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma could occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember 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 has worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are often misdiagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist then examines the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to get a definite diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors can also run laboratory tests on a tumor to find specific proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for many years with the disease, without spreading to other organs of their body. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibres, tiny enough to be felt or viewed through the naked eye can be airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural msothelioma. In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and the heart. If imaging scans reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. To find out more, patients should consult mesothelioma experts who have expertise in treating the condition.