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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that grows in the lining of organs, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It is usually caused by asbestos exposure, which is a grouping of minerals that is comprised of microscopic fibers. It can take between 20 to 60 years after exposure before mesothelioma begins to appear. X-rays and blood tests may aid in diagnosing mesothelioma as well as show how far it has been able to spread. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural Mesothelioma is a malignant cells develop in the lining of the lungs (pleura). The pleura is a multi-layered tissue that covers many organs. The cancerous pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and chest wall, which can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, pain in the chest or breathing problems. Asbestos is the most significant cause of pleural msothelioma. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause damage to the lung's lining. This may cause inflammation and scarring, which could cause changes that result in out of control cell growth. Certain asbestos-exposures may not show symptoms for years after exposure. Mesothelioma can take a long time to develop. Males and those born male are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Other diagnoses that are common include older people who worked in industries that used asbestos in large quantities prior to the time it was regulated or served in the Navy.
The International Mesothelioma Interest Group has created the staging system. The first step to determining the stage of the disease is to take a biopsy and examine the patient's medical records. X-rays and chest MRI can be used to determine whether there are any abnormalities or tumors that indicate mesothelioma. There are three distinct kinds of mesothelioma, which can be categorized based on the type of cells that form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma: The most frequent type of malignant mesothelioma (60% to 90% of cases). It is less difficult to treat when compared to other kinds. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is the second most frequent kind of mesothelioma (between 10 15% and 10 percent of cases). It is more difficult than epithelioid. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It is less prevalent than the pleural form. Like all mesothelioma types, peritoneal mesothelioma results from asbestos exposure. However, unlike pleural mesothelioma, people are more likely to develop this type of mesothelioma by ingesting asbestos fibers instead of inhaling asbestos particles. This type of mesothelioma typically occurs in older people and is more common in women than men. The initial stages of mesothelioma are difficult to recognize due to the lack of specificity. Experts in mesothelioma have the expertise to identify the disease. Complete patient histories and imaging and blood tests, will help doctors make an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma. A doctor will use the TNM system to determine the stage of cancer after a mesothelioma diagnosis. This staging system describes how far the tumors have spread and influences treatment options. The lower the stage, the better treatment options are available. It can be difficult to recognize peritoneal Msothelioma because it is so uncommon. The symptoms of this condition are similar to those of other illnesses that affect the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen, including abdominal discomfort, fever and weight loss. For this reason, patients with unprovoked symptoms should consult a physician. Doctors will start by conducting a physical exam and conducting basic blood tests. If these tests reveal a possible cancer, an oncologist will perform more in-depth diagnostic tests, including biopsies. This will give a clear assessment of the health of a person and reveal any mesothelioma-related symptoms. Asbestos is the most significant cause of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos typically occurs at work, but it can also happen in the home or at schools. Asbestos exposure is most dangerous when it takes place for prolonged periods of time. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can develop when asbestos particles or dust enter the body and cause irritation or inflammation. Over time the inflammation and irritation can cause cells to change into cancerous cells and create tumors. The cancerous tissue created can spread to other tissues and cause symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and fever, weight gain and swelling. Cardiovascular Mesothelioma Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the heart's lining or pericardium. The mesothelioma type is less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases and it is among the most difficult cancers to identify because the symptoms are similar to those of heart disease. Many people are diagnosed with heart disease before doctors can confirm they have pericardial msothelioma. Like other forms of mesothelioma exposure to asbestos can cause pericardial cancer. It is believed that asbestos fibers enter the pericardium through the bloodstream. These fibers may then travel to other organs like the heart. Pericardial Mesothelioma typically occurs in the outer layer, but can also occur in its inner layer. Pericardial Mesothelioma is associated with a less favorable prognosis as compared to other types of mesothelioma. Fatigue, chest pain, and difficulty breathing are all symptoms of pericardial Mesothelioma. Due to the rareness of this type of mesothelioma it is crucial for patients to undergo an extensive medical exam. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, it's even more critical that they inform their doctor. A CT scan or an echocardiogram is typically the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. These tests can reveal the accumulation of fluid around the heart as well as visible pericardial tumors. If these tests indicate the presence of mesothelioma doctors may perform additional procedures to confirm the diagnosis. These 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 examined under a microscope. This will enable doctors to determine the stage and type of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma patients may receive treatment from specialized hospitals and cancer centers across the nation. Treatment options for mesothelioma can include surgery, chemo and radiation. Certain patients may qualify for low-cost or free medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This financial assistance is crucial for mesothelioma victims to reduce the cost of treatment. Contact a VA-approved mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about the benefits available to you. Reproductive Mesothelioma Mesothelioma may begin in the linings that surround organs in the abdomen and chest. It may also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) and testicles. It is more common in males than women, although the reason for this isn't known. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. The symptoms do not typically show for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than other people. In most cases, the first symptom is a persistent cough or chest pains. Mesothelioma may be misdiagnosed as these symptoms are akin to other lung conditions. Once diagnosed, the patient can undergo a series of tests to determine the extent the cancer spreads and its stage. These tests could include imaging scans and blood such as X-rays and CT scans. The mesothelioma specialist may also take a biopsy of the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy can be done by using a laparoscopic needle or core needle. The biopsy should be carried out by a peritoneal-mesothelioma expert. General medical oncologists are not competent to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, and may misdiagnose it. Test results for mesothelioma will help doctors determine the most effective treatment plan. The treatment you receive will depend on how far the cancer has spread as well as your overall health. Treatments include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. It is possible to control the symptoms. Most types of mesothelioma can be treated with chemotherapy. These medications can also cause harm to healthy cells. They can harm ovarian tissue and affect fertility. This is especially true for peritoneal mesothelioma, which is found in the region around reproductive organs. The type and severity of the cancer, along with age and general health will determine the speed at which you're treated and your prognosis. In the UK approximately 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is common for the disease to be found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the linings of the tummy (peritoneum) and less frequently around the heart or testicles. |
