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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma. It could take a long time for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the outer lung lining, also known as 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 heavyness. Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. 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 risk because of the extensive asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should receive. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver or even the heart of a patient. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can result in misdiagnosis. Doctors can detect mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray. The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or not the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if a person does not work in one of these fields they could still be exposed through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist 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 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to note that mesothelioma could develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. 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 into contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history, 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 pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets in order to create a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells. loveland asbestos lawyer is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important to get a definite diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to find specific proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other organs of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or seen by naked eyes, can become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart. A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible 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 can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the most effective treatment plan. There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more, patients should consult mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.