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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the organ's lining, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It's usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals made of tiny fibres. Mesothelioma can develop anywhere between 20 and 60 years after exposure. Blood tests and X-rays can aid in diagnosing mesothelioma as and also show how far it has taken over. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural Mesothelioma is a malignant cells grow in the lining around the lungs (pleura). Pleura is a two-layer of tissue that covers the majority of organs. Cancerous pleural mesothelioma most often affects the lungs and chest wall and can cause symptoms such as breath shortness and chest pain or breathing difficulties. Asbestos is the most significant cause of pleural mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers from the air are inhaled, they could travel down the throat and into the lungs, where they can damage the lining. This can cause inflammation and scarring, which can cause changes that result in uncontrolled cell growth. Certain asbestos-exposures may not show symptoms for decades after exposure. Mesothelioma can take a long time to develop. The patients diagnosed with the disease typically are men and people born male older adults who have spent years working in industries that employed large quantities of asbestos prior to when it was controlled or used in the military, particularly in the Navy. Symptoms vary depending on the location where the tumor is located. They are usually caused by increased 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 for a diagnosis to rule out other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms. When pleural asbestosis is diagnosed doctors will determine the stage of cancer to determine the most effective treatment options. The staging system is developed by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group. The first step in determining the stage is to perform a biopsy and examining the patient's medical history. X-rays or chest MRI can also be used to determine if there are any tumors or other abnormalities, that may indicate mesothelioma. There are three types 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 in comparison to other kinds. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma It is the second most common kind of mesothelioma (10 percent to 15% of cases). It is more difficult to treat than epithelioid mesothelioma. Peritoneal Mesothelioma The peritoneum (the liner of the abdominal cavity) is affected by peritoneal cancer. It is less common than pleural mesothelioma. Like all mesotheliomas peritoneal cancer is caused by asbestos exposure. This kind of mesothelioma is more likely to be caused by ingesting rather than inhalation, which is not the case with pleural. This form of mesothelioma occurs more prevalent among women than men and can be found in older adults. The early stages of mesothelioma are difficult to identify because of the lack of specificity. Experts in mesothelioma are able to recognize the disease. Complete patient histories along with blood and imaging tests, can help doctors make the mesothelioma diagnosis. When mesothelioma is discovered A doctor will determine the stage of the cancer by using the TNM system. The staging system outlines the extent of the tumor's spread and affects the treatment options. The lower the stage, the more treatment options are available. Since peritoneal mesothelioma can be so rare, it is hard to recognize. The symptoms of this condition are similar to those of other diseases that affect the digestive tract and abdomen, including abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. This is why patients who have unexplained symptoms should consult a doctor. Doctors begin with a physical examination and taking basic blood tests. If these tests show the possibility of having a disease, an oncologist can perform more extensive diagnostic tests, like biopsies. This will give a clear picture of the person's health and reveal any potential mesothelioma-related signs. Asbestos exposure is a major reason behind mesothelioma cases in all forms. The exposure to asbestos is usually at work, but it can also happen in the home or at schools. wichita asbestos lawsuit is the most hazardous when exposed for a long time. Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos dust or particles that enter the body which cause inflammation or irritation. As time passes inflammation and irritation could cause cells to grow and develop into cancerous. The cancerous tissue that results can then infiltrate and attack other tissues within the body, causing symptoms such as abdominal discomfort as well as weight loss, fever and swelling. Cardiovascular Mesothelioma Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the lining of the heart, or pericardium. This kind of mesothelioma accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases and it is one of the most difficult to identify because the symptoms are similar to those of heart disease. As a result, many people are diagnosed of heart disease before doctors can confirm that they have mesothelioma of the pericardium. Like other forms of mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos can cause pericardial cancer. Asbestos fibers are believed enter the pericardium via the bloodstream. The fibers can later travel to other organs, including the heart. Pericardial Mesothelioma usually occurs in the outer layer, but can also occur in its inner layer. Pericardial Mesothelioma is correlated with a poorer prognosis compared to other mesothelioma types. The signs of pericardial mesothelioma can include chest pain, breathing problems and fatigue. Due to the rareness of this mesothelioma type it is crucial for patients to undergo an exhaustive medical examination. If they have an previous history of exposure to asbestos, it's even more critical that they inform their doctor. The initial step in the diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually the CT scan or echocardiogram. These tests can identify fluid buildup around the heart, as well as any visible pericardial tumors. If these tests reveal mesothelioma is present doctors may perform additional procedures to confirm the diagnosis. This could include a biopsy or radiation. A mesothelioma biopsy is a process in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the affected area and analyzed under microscope. This will aid doctors in determining the type of mesothelioma they are looking for and the stage of the disease. Mesothelioma patients may receive treatment at special cancer centers and hospitals across the nation. Treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, chemo and radiation. In certain cases, patients are eligible for free or reduced-cost health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. For victims of mesothelioma, this financial aid is essential to making treatment more accessible. Contact a mesothelioma lawyer who is VA-approved to learn more about the benefits available to you. Reproductive Mesothelioma Mesothelioma may develop in organ linings in the abdomen or chest. It can also develop in the lining surrounding the testicles and the heart (pericardium and tunica vaginalis). It is more prevalent in men 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. The people who are exposed to asbestos at work are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than other people. In most cases chest pains or a persistent cough are the first symptoms. These symptoms are typically similar to the symptoms of other lung disorders which is why mesothelioma can be mistakenly diagnosed. After being diagnosed, patients will undergo an array of tests to determine how far the cancer has spread and the stage at which it is. These tests may include imaging scans, such as X-rays or CT scans. A biopsy can be taken by the mesothelioma expert to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy can be done using a core needle or laparoscopically. It is crucial that a specialist in peritoneal mesothelioma performs the biopsy. General medical oncologists do not have the expertise to recognize mesothelioma of the peritoneal region and could mistakenly diagnose the condition. The results of the mesothelioma test will aid doctors in determining the best treatment plan for you. The treatment plan will be based on the extent to which the cancer has spread, as well as your overall health. Treatments include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. It is possible to control the symptoms. Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for all types of mesothelioma. However, these medications can also affect healthy cells. They can damage ovarian tissues, which can 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 your age and general health will determine the speed at which you are treated and your prognosis. In the UK approximately 2700 people are diagnosed mesothelioma every year. It is most common for the disease to occur in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it could be found in the linings of the stomach (peritoneum) and less frequently, around the testicles or heart.