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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. It could take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and breath shortness and may also feel the sensation of weight in the chest. This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army. The most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. 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 suffer a more negative outlook than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural cancer, which forms in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a false diagnosis. Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray. These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should speak with an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can help them find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as 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 longer periods of time and work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing 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 It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed. joliet asbestos law firm will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities 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 as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells. The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for a long time, without expanding. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or observed by naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems and chest pain as well as the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor will request biopsy if scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove some of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the most effective treatment plan. There are several types of mesothelioma treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Enrolling in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.