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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma. It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most common form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest. Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at a greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army. The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is at at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a worse outlook than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to manifest. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues and can lead to a misdiagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. They can also use imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays. These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They also offer treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other areas of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, such as plumbing electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothes. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Due to this, patients are often wrongly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can look at the tissue under a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and also the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control. Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes and other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors. The Pleura is a covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request a biopsies. During Beaverton asbestos lawsuit , doctors take small amounts of the fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.