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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest 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 common mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest. Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most frequent jobs that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will have a worse outlook than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Patients typically experience abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can result in incorrect diagnosis. Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after an extensive medical history and physical exam. 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 indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. mississippi asbestos law firm of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine 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-related professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone is not employed in any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should consult an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to it. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and can cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not engage directly with it. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common in males than females. This is due to men being more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being misdiagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cell. Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for a long time without the disease spreading to other areas of their body. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove some of the liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. The majority of doctors use an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.