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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 risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types. It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and breathlessness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest. This kind of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum — an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a misdiagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that are not visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or the tumor has spread to other areas of the body. The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Anaheim asbestos lawsuits to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely 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 that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This is why patients are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an 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 a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves in order to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the 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. Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to get a definite diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. However, it's important to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for a long time without expanding. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors. The Pleura is a covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors. Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs as well as the heart. A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. To find out more, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.