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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma. It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining or pleura. It is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and breath shortness and may experience the sensation of weight in the chest. This kind of cancer is usually caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most common occupations that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have worked in the military are at risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army. The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should receive. For example, patients with mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues, leading to a mistaken diagnosis. Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical examination. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if people do not work in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk norman asbestos lawsuit is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma is a possibility in those who were exposed to asbestos but did not deal with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of 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 had worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothes. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing an operation called a biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can then look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells as well as the location and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it goes out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other factors that can aid in describing the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma live with the disease for many years without it spreading. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or observed with the naked eyes, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura covers the lungs and heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath, chest pain or a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor may request biopsy if scans show the possibility of a mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the best treatment plan. There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated mesothelioma.