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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining also known as the pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and breath shortness and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent jobs that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. 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, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can be spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the liver and intestines. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with madison asbestos lawsuit can take several years to show. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a misdiagnosis. Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't visible on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, like plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual does not work in any of these areas, he or she can still be exposed through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about the 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 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 inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take 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 at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but did not engage directly with it. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being wrongly diagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist is then able to look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it contains cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins, or other factors which will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos particles, 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). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathlessness, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart. A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment plan. There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.