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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases. The symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest. This type of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at higher risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used to treat pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will have a less favorable outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the risk of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum — it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to manifest. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can result in confusion in diagnosis. Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other cancer signs that are not visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if someone is not employed in one of these fields they could still be exposed through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma can be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. This is due to men being more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document 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 exposure to asbestos. 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 as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells. The mesothelial type involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at greater risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that can aid in describing the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. However, it's important to remember that the disease can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. plano asbestos attorneys with mesothelioma live for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all signs of pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan. There are many types of mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.