Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that grows in the organ's lining, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals that are made of tiny fibres.
Mesothelioma can develop anywhere between 20 and 60 year after exposure. Blood tests or X-rays are a way to identify mesothelioma and assess the extent to which it has spread.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma occurs when malignant cells develop in the lining around the lungs (pleura). Pleura is a double layer of tissue that covers most organs. The cancerous pleural mesothelioma affects the chest wall and lungs, which can cause symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain or breathing problems.
Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of pleural mesothelioma. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause damage to the lung's lining. This can cause inflammation and scarring, which could cause changes that lead to out of control cell growth.
Some people exposed asbestos might not exhibit symptoms for decades after exposure. Mesothelioma may take several years to develop. People diagnosed with the disease typically are men. Those who are born male older adults who have spent years working in industries that utilized asbestos in large quantities prior to when it was regulated or served in the military, specifically in the Navy.
The symptoms can vary based on the location of the tumor and are usually caused by swelling or pressure near the affected lung. These symptoms include fatigue undiagnosed weight loss, chest pain and back pain. X-rays or CT or MRIs can be used as a diagnostic tool to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing similar symptoms. If pleural asbestosis is identified doctors will determine the stage of cancer to determine the most effective treatment options.
The staging system is established by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group. The first step to determine the stage of the disease is to conduct a biopsy and review the medical records of the patient. X-rays and chest MRI can also be used to determine if there is any abnormalities, or tumors, that may indicate mesothelioma.
There are three kinds of mesothelioma. They can be classified according to the type of cells that form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma is the most common malignant mesothelioma (60 to 80 percent of cases). It is more easily treated compared to other kinds. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma: This is the second most prevalent type of mesothelioma (10 percent to 15% of cases). It is more difficult than epithelioid.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It is less frequent than mesothelioma of the pleural region. As with all mesothelioma, peritoneal cancer is caused by asbestos exposure. This type of mesothelioma is more likely to result from ingestion rather than inhalation, which is not the case with pleural. This form of mesothelioma occurs more common in women than men and is more prevalent in older people.
Mesothelioma can take a long time to show symptoms, and the nonspecific nature of its earliest stages makes it difficult to diagnose. However, mesothelioma asbestos in mesothelioma are able to recognize the disease. Detailed patient histories and blood and imaging tests, will help doctors make the mesothelioma diagnosis.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed A doctor will determine the stage of the cancer based on the TNM system. This system of staging outlines how far the tumors have spread and affects the treatment options. The lower the stage, the greater treatment options are available.
It can be difficult to identify peritoneal msothelioma because it is so uncommon. The symptoms of this disease are similar to those of a variety of conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen, including abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Patients experiencing symptoms that are not explained should consult a doctor.
The doctor will perform physical examinations and will then conduct basic blood tests. If these tests reveal that a condition is present, an oncologist may perform more specific diagnostic tests, like biopsies. This will give a clear picture of the patient's health, and identify any possible mesothelioma signs.
Asbestos exposure is the main reason for mesothelioma cases in all forms. The exposure to asbestos is usually in the workplace, however it can also happen at home or in schools. Asbestos exposure is the most hazardous when it is for an extended period of time. Mesothelioma can develop when asbestos dust or asbestos particles enter the body and cause inflammation or irritation. In time, the irritation and inflammation can cause cells to mutate into cancerous cells, and eventually form tumors. The resulting cancerous tissue can then infiltrate and attack other tissues in the body which can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and fever, weight loss and swelling.
Cardiovascular Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma, a rare cancer, that affects the heart's lining, or pericardium. This type of mesothelioma makes up less than 1% of all mesothelioma, and is difficult to identify due to the similar signs to heart disease. In the end, many people receive a diagnosis of heart disease before doctors can confirm that they have mesothelioma of the pericardium.
As with other types of mesothelioma Pericardial mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers are believed to be introduced into the pericardium through the bloodstream. These fibers may then 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 has been associated with a less favorable prognosis as compared to other mesothelioma types.
Fatigue, chest pain, and difficulty breathing are all symptoms of pericardial Mesothelioma. Because of the rarity of this type of mesothelioma, it is especially important for victims to have an exhaustive medical examination. It is essential to inform your doctor if they've had any asbestos exposure in the past.
A CT scan or echocardiogram is typically the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. These tests can reveal fluid accumulation around the heart, and also any visible pericardial tumors. If these tests indicate mesothelioma, doctors may perform additional procedures to confirm the diagnoses. This could include a biopsy or radiation.
A mesothelioma biopsies is a procedure where a small piece of tissue is removed from the affected area and then examined under a microscope. This will aid doctors in determining the type of mesothelioma they are looking for and the stage of the disease.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma may be treated at cancer centers and specialized hospitals across the nation. Based on the type of mesothelioma that is being treated, options for treatment could include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. In some cases, victims are eligible for free or reduced-cost health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. This financial assistance is crucial for mesothelioma patients to reduce the cost of treatment. To learn more about your benefits, contact a VA-approved lawyer for mesothelioma.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can begin in the linings of organs in the abdomen or chest. It may also develop in the lining around the testicles and heart (pericardium and tunica vaginalis). The risk for men is higher than women for unknown reasons. Exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor. Symptoms do not usually appear for many years after exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is more common among asbestos-related workers when working. In most cases chest pains or persistent cough are the first symptoms. These symptoms are usually similar to those of other lung conditions and, therefore, mesothelioma is often mistakenly diagnosed. Once diagnosed, the patient may 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 like X-rays or CT scans. The mesothelioma specialist can also take a biopsy from the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy can be performed with a needle core or laparoscopically. It is important that a specialist in peritoneal cancer performs the biopsy. General medical oncologists do not have the expertise to diagnose mesothelioma of the peritoneal region and could mistakenly diagnose the condition.
Test results for mesothelioma will help doctors determine the best treatment plan. Treatment will depend on the degree of the cancer as well as your general health. Treatments include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. It is possible to control the symptoms.
Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for most types of mesothelioma. These medications can also affect healthy cells. They can cause damage to ovarian tissue, and this can impact fertility. This is particularly likely for peritoneal mesothelioma which is found in the region around reproductive organs.
The type and severity of the cancer, as well as age and general health will determine the speed at which you're treated and your prognosis. In the UK approximately 2700 people are diagnosed mesothelioma per year. It is common for the disease to occur in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can be found in the linings of the stomach (peritoneum) and less often around the testicles or the heart.