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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases. Symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of weightiness. This type of cancer typically caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. joliet asbestos lawsuit reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military could be at a higher risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum – a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than the pleural asbestosis. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Most patients experience abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could lead to misdiagnosis. Doctors can detect mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't evident on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body. Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that involve asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if someone does not work in any of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who believes they could 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 Factors Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those 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 aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma could occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. 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 been exposed to 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 identify because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. Due to this, patients are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves in order to create a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time, without spreading. Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via many mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, small enough to not be felt or viewed with the naked eyes are able to become airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. Overtime, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers. A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart. A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove some of the fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment option. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use a combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.