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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases. Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, also known as pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and breathlessness, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. Temecula asbestos lawsuits (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis compared to those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver or even the heart of a patient. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum – a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. 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. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could result in confusion in diagnosis. Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through an extensive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread. The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if people do not work in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should consult an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is a major mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and can cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma may be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified according to the mesothelial type involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant, and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are at greater risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out of control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that will help them identify cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease, without spreading to other organs of their body. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, 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 causes the formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors. The pleura surrounds the lungs and heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers. A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and the heart. If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the best treatment plan. There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.