Mesothelioma and AsbestosAsbestos is a natural mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases of different types.The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.Pleural MesotheliomaPleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, or pleura. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling weightiness.This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most common jobs which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military could be at a higher risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those in a less advanced stage. 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 chance of complications for patients.Peritoneal MesotheliomaIn contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues, leading to a false diagnosis.Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting a thorough health history and physical exam. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.These tests enable 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 cancer has spread.The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.Risk FactorsAsbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through work, military service or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or used to do so. When exposed to asbestos, the particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 years.Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are 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, too, that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure.Smoking can increase the likelihood of getting mesothelioma because it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to have worked with it. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.DiagnosisMesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques in the pleura (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 a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves in order to create a series detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. During a surgery 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 if it has cancerous cells.The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells as well as the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins or other elements that can aid in describing the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.TreatmentA diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time, without spreading.Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. mesothelioma and asbestosis that are small enough to not be felt or viewed by naked eyes, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.Breathing problems, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all signs of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and the heart.If imaging scans show a possible mass in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan.There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To find out more, patients should consult mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.