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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. jersey city asbestos attorneys who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases. The symptoms of these diseases might not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest. Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled, 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 is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military may be at a higher risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy ships and army bunkers. The most commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum — it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. 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. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues, leading to a false diagnosis. Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through a thorough medical history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, like plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if a person is not employed in one of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to work with it. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos around on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. Because of this, victims are sometimes 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 a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes, or other factors that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time, without expanding. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart. A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To find out more, patients should consult mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.