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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest. This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, Vancouver asbestos lawsuit and shipbuilding are among the most frequent occupations which put people at risk danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who were in the military are at greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver or even a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining it develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't evident on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread. Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been in occupations that involve asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if a person is not employed in one of these fields they could still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should speak with an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes 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 genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common for men than women. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have an extended period of exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. 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 magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and also the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to find specific genes, proteins or other elements which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. However, it's important to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time without spreading. Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via many mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is the area that 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 create scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.