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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma. It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, or pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and breath shortness and may also feel the sensation of weight in the chest. This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and 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 common symptoms. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military are at a higher risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis than those in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum – an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms may take years to appear. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may 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. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient 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 reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread. Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these fields, he or she can be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can help them find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or by living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do such. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally takes 20 to 60 years from the initial time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. 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 do not typically carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. Macon asbestos lawsuits could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities, 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 a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test that uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. 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 the cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. However, it's important to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time, without spreading. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or viewed through the naked eye are able to become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors. The Pleura is a covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart. A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. 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 use combinations of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.