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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases. The symptoms of these diseases might not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most common form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may experience the sensation of weight in the chest. This kind of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers 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. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis than those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum — an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to manifest. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive problems, which can lead to confusion in diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread. The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if people do not work in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't engage directly with it. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous 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 longer periods of time and to work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothes. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This is why patients are sometimes misdiagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cell involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells and the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control. layton asbestos attorneys can also perform tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for many years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors. The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. These changes can cause mesothelioma cancers. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathlessness, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab analysis. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.