Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of organs, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals made of tiny fibres. It could take between 20 to 60 years after exposure before mesothelioma starts to appear. X-rays and blood tests can be used to detect mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which it has spread. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural Mesothelioma is a malignant cells grow in the lining around the lung (pleura). Pleura is a two-layer of tissue that covers most organs. Pleural mesothelioma, a cancerous form of pleural affects the lungs and chest wall and can cause symptoms such as breath shortness and chest pain or breathing difficulties. Asbestos is the primary cause of pleural msothelioma. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause damage to the lung's lining. This can lead to scarring and inflammation that could cause changes that result in an out of control growth of cells. Certain asbestos-related exposure victims may not experience symptoms until years after their initial exposure. mesothelioma and asbestosis may take several years to develop. Men and people born male are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Other common diagnoses include older adults, those who worked in industries that used asbestos in large quantities prior to the time it was controlled, or those who served in the Navy. The symptoms can vary depending on the location where the tumor is located. are usually caused by elevated pressure or swelling around the affected lung. These symptoms include fatigue undiagnosed chest pain, weight loss and back pain. X-rays or CT or MRIs may be used to diagnose to rule out other medical conditions that could cause the same symptoms. If pleural mesothelioma is identified doctors will determine the stage of the disease and determine the best treatment options. The International Mesothelioma Interest Group has created the staging system. The first step to determine the stage of the disease is to conduct a biopsy and examine the patient's medical records. X-rays or chest MRI are also used to determine if there are abnormalities, or tumors, that may indicate mesothelioma. There are three kinds of mesothelioma. They are classified based on the type of cells they form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma is the most commonly malignant mesothelioma (60 to 80 percent of cases). It is less difficult to treat compared to other types. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma: This is the second most frequent kind of mesothelioma (10% to 15 percent of cases). It is more difficult than epithelioid. Peritoneal Mesothelioma The peritoneum (the liner of the abdominal cavity) is affected by peritoneal mesothelioma. It is less prevalent than mesothelioma of the pleural region. Like all mesotheliomas, the peritoneal cancer is caused by asbestos exposure. This type of mesothelioma is more likely to be caused by ingesting rather than inhalation, as opposed to pleural. This form of mesothelioma occurs more common among women than men and can be found in older people. The initial stages of mesothelioma are difficult to recognize because of the lack of specificity. Experts in mesothelioma know how to identify the disease. A thorough patient history and blood and imaging tests, can aid doctors in making a mesothelioma diagnosis. Once mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will determine the stage of the cancer using the TNM system. This staging system describes how the tumors have spread and influences the treatment options. The lower the stage, the more treatment options are available. Because peritoneal mesothelioma is so rare, it can be hard to recognize. This condition can have symptoms that are similar to other conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen like abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss. Because of this, those suffering from undiagnosed symptoms should see a doctor. Doctors will begin with a physical examination and taking basic blood tests. If these tests reveal that a condition is present an oncologist can perform more specific diagnostic tests, such as biopsies. This will give an accurate picture of the patient's health, and identify any possible mesothelioma-related signs. Asbestos exposure is a major reason behind all mesothelioma cases. Asbestos exposure can occur in the workplace, but also at home or at school. Asbestos is the most hazardous when exposed for a prolonged period of time. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos dust or particles entering the body, causing irritation or inflammation. Over time, the irritation and inflammation can cause cells to transform into cancerous cells, and eventually form tumors. The resulting cancerous tissue may then invade and attack other tissues of the body and cause symptoms like abdominal discomfort, fever, weight loss and swelling. Cardiovascular Mesothelioma Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare cancer, affects the pericardium, also known as the the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma, and is difficult to diagnose due to the similar symptoms that heart disease sufferers experience. As a result, many people are diagnosed of heart disease before doctors can confirm that they have pericardial mesothelioma. As with other types of mesothelioma, asbestos exposure can cause pericardial cancer. It is thought that asbestos fibers are absorbed into the pericardium via the bloodstream. The fibers be transported to other organs such as the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma typically occurs in the outer layer of the pericardium however, it can also be found in the inner layer. Pericardial mesothelioma has a worse prognosis than other types of mesothelioma. The signs of pericardial mesothelioma can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue. It is important that victims undergo a thorough medical examination due to the fact that this type of mesothelioma can be found in very few. If they have any prior history of exposure to asbestos, it is crucial to inform their doctor. A CT scan or an echocardiogram is typically the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. These tests can identify the accumulation of fluid around the heart, as well as visible pericardial tumours. If these tests show mesothelioma in the body, doctors can perform additional procedures to confirm the diagnosis. These can include a biopsy as well as radiation. A mesothelioma biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the affected area and analyzed under a microscope. This helps doctors determine the type of mesothelioma and the stage of the disease. Patients suffering from mesothelioma are treated in cancer centers and special hospitals across the nation. Treatment options for mesothelioma can include chemo, surgery, and radiation. In some cases, victims can qualify for free or reduced-cost health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. This financial aid is essential for mesothelioma victims to help make treatment more affordable. To learn more about your options get in touch with a VA-approved attorney for mesothelioma. Reproductive Mesothelioma Mesothelioma may develop in organ linings in the chest or abdomen. It may also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) and testicles. It affects men more often than women, but the cause isn't fully understood. Asbestos exposure is the most significant risk factor. Symptoms are not common for many years after exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more prevalent among asbestos-related workers during work. In most cases, the first sign of mesothelioma is an ongoing cough or chest pains. These symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other lung disorders which is why mesothelioma can be not diagnosed correctly. Once diagnosed, patients may undergo an array of tests to find out how far the cancer has spread and the stage. These tests may include imaging scans like X-rays or CT scans. A biopsy may be taken by a mesothelioma specialist in order to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy can be done with a needle core or laparoscopically. It is important that a specialist in peritoneal mesothelioma performs the biopsy. General medical oncologists do not have the expertise to recognize mesothelioma peritoneal and may misdiagnose the condition. The results of the mesothelioma tests can help doctors decide on the most effective treatment plan for you. Treatment will depend on the severity of the cancer and your general health. Treatments include radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. It is possible to manage symptoms. Chemotherapy is a successful treatment for most types of mesothelioma. However, these drugs can also affect healthy cells. They can harm ovarian tissue, and this could affect fertility. This is particularly true for peritoneal mesothelioma which occurs in the area surrounding reproductive organs. The severity and type of mesothelioma, as well as age and general health will determine the speed at which you're treated and your prognosis. In the UK about 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is most common for the disease to be found in the lung lining (pleura) but can be found in the linings of the stomach (peritoneum) and less often, around the testicles or the heart.
mesothelioma and asbestosis
