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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases. The symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining, or the pleura. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest. This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure. The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers. The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make 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 the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to show. Patients typically experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can cause misdiagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, such as plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if a person does not work in one of these fields however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years from the first exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma may be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to detect lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist will then look at the tissue with a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cell. The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Some 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 can also run tests in the laboratory on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes, or other factors that help them understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it expanding. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or seen through the naked eye are able to become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors. The pleura covers the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. wisconsin asbestos lawsuit cause mesothelioma cancers. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. 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 most effective treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more, patients should speak to mesothelioma experts who have expertise in treating the condition.