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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling of weightiness. This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. aurora asbestos lawsuit , manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who were in the military are at a higher risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative outlook than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum — a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, with only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to confusion in diagnosis. Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the tumor has spread to other regions of the body. The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if someone is not employed in any of these areas however, they may still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should consult a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or by living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 year. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. This is because mesothelioma typically occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma could be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than 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 durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are sometimes misdiagnosed. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to find specific genes, proteins and other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for years with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans show a possible mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove some of the fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.