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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a cancerous growth that is found in the organs' linings like the abdomen and lungs (pleura), is caused by exposure to asbestos. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals that are made of microscopic fibres. It could take between 20 and 60 years after exposure before mesothelioma starts to show up. X-rays and blood tests may aid in diagnosing mesothelioma as well as reveal how far it has been able to spread. Pleural Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of pleural mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers from the air are inhaled, they could travel through the throat and into the lungs, which can cause damage to the lining. This can cause inflammation and scarring, which could cause changes that lead to an out of control growth of cells. Some asbestos-exposure victims may not show symptoms for a long time 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 adults working in industries that employed asbestos in large quantities before it was regulated or served in the Navy. Symptoms vary depending on the location where the tumor is located and are typically caused by an increase in pressure or swelling in the affected lung. These symptoms include fatigue, undiagnosed weight loss, chest pain, and back pain. X-rays, CT or MRI scans can be used to determine if there are other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. If pleural mesothelioma is diagnosed doctors will determine the stage of the disease and determine the most effective treatment options. The International Mesothelioma Interest Group has developed the staging system. The first step to determine the stage is to take a biopsy and examining the patient's medical history. X-rays and chest MRI can also be used to determine if there is any abnormalities, or tumors that could indicate mesothelioma. There are three kinds of mesothelioma. They are classified based on what type of cells form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma is the most commonly malignant mesothelioma (60 to 80 percent of cases). It is easier to treat in comparison to other types. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is the second most common kind of mesothelioma (between 10 15% and 10 percent of cases). It is more difficult to treat than epithelioid mesothelioma. Peritoneal Mesothelioma The peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) is affected by peritoneal cancer. It is less common than the pleural form. Like all mesothelioma types the peritoneal mesothelioma is a result of asbestos exposure. However unlike pleural mesothelioma people are more likely to develop this type of mesothelioma through ingestion of asbestos fibers instead of inhaling asbestos fibers. This type of mesothelioma typically occurs in older people and is more prevalent for women than men. Mesothelioma can take years to manifest symptoms and the non-specific nature of its early stages makes it difficult to determine the cause. Experts in mesothelioma are able to recognize the disease. Complete patient histories and imaging and blood tests, will help doctors make an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma. A doctor will utilize the TNM system to determine the stage of cancer after a mesothelioma diagnosis. This staging system describes the extent of the tumor's spread and influences the treatment options. The lower the stage, the more treatment options are available. Since peritoneal mesothelioma can be 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 including abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss. Patients with unexplained symptoms should consult with a physician. Doctors will begin by conducting a physical exam and taking basic blood tests. If these tests indicate the possibility of having a disease, an oncologist can perform more extensive diagnostic tests, such as biopsies. This will give a clear assessment of the health of a person and will identify any possible mesothelioma symptoms. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of all mesothelioma cases. Asbestos exposure can occur in the workplace, but also at home or at school. Asbestos exposure is most dangerous when it is for prolonged periods of time. Mesothelioma is caused due to asbestos dust or particles entering the body, causing irritation or inflammation. Over time, irritation and inflammation may cause cells to mutate and become cancerous. The cancerous tissue that develops can then infiltrate and attack other tissues in the body, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain as well as weight loss, fever and swelling. Cardiovascular Mesothelioma Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, affects the pericardium, also known as the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma is less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases. It is one of the most difficult to identify because the symptoms are so similar to heart disease. Many people are diagnosed with heart disease before doctors are able to confirm they have pericardial msothelioma. Like other mesothelioma types Pericardial mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. It is believed that asbestos fibers get into the pericardium through the bloodstream. The fibers can later travel to other organs, like the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma is typically found in the outer layer of the pericardium but it can also occur in the inner layer. Pericardial Mesothelioma is associated with a less favorable prognosis as in comparison to other mesothelioma types. Fatigue, chest pain, and difficulty breathing are the main symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma. Due to the rarity of this mesothelioma type and its resemblance to pericardial mesothelioma for victims to have an extensive medical exam. It is important that patients tell their doctor if they've had any asbestos exposure in the past. A CT scan or echocardiogram is usually the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. These tests can identify an accumulation of fluid around the heart, as well as visible pericardial tumours. If these tests indicate mesothelioma's presence, doctors can perform other procedures to confirm the diagnosis. These include a biopsy, or radiation. A mesothelioma biopsy is a process in which a small amount of tissue is taken from the affected area and analyzed under a microscope. This will allow doctors to determine the type and stage of mesothelioma. Patients suffering from mesothelioma are treated in cancer centers and specialist hospitals across the country. Treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, chemo and radiation. Some victims may be eligible for free or low-cost health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. For patients with mesothelioma this financial assistance is vital in making treatment more accessible. Contact a VA-approved mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about the benefits you can avail. 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 is more common in males than women, although the reason is not known. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor. Symptoms usually do not appear until several decades after exposure. Mesothelioma is more prevalent for those exposed to asbestos while at work. In the majority of cases, the first sign of mesothelioma is an ongoing cough or chest pains. These symptoms are typically similar to those of other lung conditions and, therefore, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed. Once diagnosed, the patient can undergo a series of tests to determine how far the cancer has spread and the stage at which it is. These tests may involve imaging scans, such as X-rays or CT scans. The mesothelioma specialist may also perform a biopsy of the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. https://vimeo.com/703521991 can be done with a laparoscopic needle or a core-needle. The biopsy should be done by a peritoneal-mesothelioma expert. General medical oncologists do not have the expertise to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma and could misdiagnose the condition. The results of the mesothelioma test will help doctors decide on the best treatment option for you. The treatment plan will be based on how far the cancer has spread and your overall health. It is often possible to treat symptoms and treatments include draining fluid from the lungs chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Most types of mesothelioma can be treated by chemotherapy. These drugs can also affect healthy cells. They can damage ovarian tissues and affect fertility. This is especially true for peritoneal asbestosis, which affects the area surrounding the reproductive organs. The severity and type of mesothelioma, as well as age and general health will determine the speed at which you are treated and your prognosis. Around 2700 people in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is common for the disease to develop in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it could also develop in the linings of the tummy (peritoneum) and less often, around the testicles or heart. |
