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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma. It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest. This kind of cancer is typically caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that results in 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. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military could be at an especially high risk because of the extensive use of asbestos in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the chance of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Contrary to pleural cancer which forms in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to show. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can result in confusion in diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray. These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or not the tumor has spread to other regions of the body. yuma asbestos lawyer is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if a person does not work in any of these areas, he or she can still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert 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 as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or used to do such. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and 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 smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is because men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This is why patients are sometimes wrongly diagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test that uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing an operation called a biopsy. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cell involved, the malignant or benign nature of those cells and the location and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes, or other factors that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time without the disease spreading to other organs of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to detect or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor will request biopsy if scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.