Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of organs including the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It is typically caused by asbestos exposure, an amalgamation of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers.
It can take between 20 to 60 years after exposure before mesothelioma starts to show up. X-rays and blood tests can be used to detect mesothelioma and determine how far it has spread.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma is a malignant cells form in the lining of the lungs (pleura). The pleura is a two-layered tissue that is surrounded by numerous organs. The cancerous pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and chest wall and can trigger symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain in the chest or breathing difficulties.
Asbestos is the leading cause of pleural mesothelioma. When airborne asbestos fibers are inhaled, they may be absorbed by the throat and into the lungs, where they can damage the lining. This can cause inflammation and scarring, which could cause changes that lead to out of control cell growth.
Certain asbestos-related exposure victims may not experience symptoms until years after the initial exposure. Mesothelioma may take several years to develop. Men and people born male are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Other common diagnoses include older people, those who worked in industries that used asbestos in large quantities prior to when it was regulated or who were in the Navy.
The symptoms may vary depending on the area of the tumor. The symptoms are usually caused by swelling or pressure near the affected lung. The symptoms include fatigue, undiagnosed chest pain, weight loss, and back pain. X-rays or CT or MRIs can be used to diagnose to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing the same symptoms. When pleural asbestosis is diagnosed, doctors will assess the stage of cancer to determine the most effective treatment options.
The International Mesothelioma Interest Group has created the staging system. The first step in determining the stage is taking an in-person biopsy and looking over the medical history of the patient. X-rays as well as a chest MRI can be used to determine whether there are any tumors or other abnormalities that suggest mesothelioma.
There are three types of mesothelioma. They are classified based on the type of cells that form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma is the most common malignant mesothelioma (60 to 80 percent of cases). It is easier to treat compared to other types. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is the second-most commonly diagnosed type of mesothelioma (between 10 15% and 10 percent of cases). It is more difficult to treat than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It is less prevalent 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 form of mesothelioma when they consume asbestos fibers rather than inhaling them. boulder asbestos lawyer of mesothelioma usually occurs in older individuals and is more common for women than men.
The initial stages of mesothelioma are difficult to diagnose due to the lack of specificity. However, mesothelioma experts are able to recognize the disease. Detailed patient histories along with blood and imaging tests, will help doctors make an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Once mesothelioma is diagnosed, a doctor will determine the stage of the cancer using the TNM system. The staging system outlines how the tumors are spreading and influences the treatment options. The lower the stage the more treatment options are available.
It can be difficult to detect peritoneal msothelioma because it is so rare. It can present with symptoms that are similar to other diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen like abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. For this reason, patients who have unexplained symptoms should see a doctor.
Doctors begin by conducting a physical exam and taking basic blood tests. If these tests indicate that a condition is present and an oncologist is needed, they can conduct more thorough diagnostic tests, including biopsies. This will give an accurate image of a person's health and identify any potential mesothelioma symptoms.
Asbestos exposure is the main reason for mesothelioma cases in all forms. Asbestos exposure can occur in the workplace but also at home or at school. Asbestos exposure is most dangerous when it takes place for an extended period of time. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can develop when asbestos dust or asbestos particles enter the body, causing irritation or inflammation. Over time the inflammation and irritation can cause cells to mutate into cancerous cells and create tumors. The cancerous tissue that has been created can later infiltrate other tissues and cause symptoms such as abdominal discomfort as well as weight gain, fever and swelling.
Cardiovascular Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, affects the pericardium or heart's lining. This type of mesothelioma makes up less than 1% all mesothelioma. It is also difficult to diagnose due to the similar signs to heart disease. Many people are diagnosed with heart disease before doctors can confirm they are suffering from pericardial msothelioma.
As with other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. It is thought that asbestos fibers enter the pericardium through the bloodstream. These fibers may then travel to other organs, such as the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma typically occurs in the outer layer of the pericardium however, it may also occur in the inner layer. Pericardial Mesothelioma has been associated with a poorer prognosis in comparison to other types of mesothelioma.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue. Due to the rareness of this type of mesothelioma it is crucial for patients to undergo an extensive medical exam. It is important that patients inform their doctor if they've had any asbestos exposure in the past.
A CT scan or an echocardiogram is usually the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. These tests can reveal fluid buildup around the heart, as well as any visible pericardial tumors. If these tests indicate mesothelioma, doctors can carry out additional procedures to confirm the diagnoses. These include a biopsy, or radiation.
A mesothelioma biopsies procedure is a procedure where a small piece of tissue is removed from the affected area and then examined under the microscope. This will enable doctors to determine the nature and stage of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma patients may receive treatment at special hospitals and cancer centers across the nation. Based on the type of mesothelioma, treatment options could include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Some victims may be eligible to receive free or low-cost health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. For victims of mesothelioma, this financial aid is essential to make treatment more accessible. 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 abdomen or chest. It can also form in the lining surrounding the testicles and the heart (pericardium and tunica vaginalis). It is more common in males than women, although the reason is not known. Asbestos exposure is the most significant risk factor. Symptoms do not usually appear for decades after asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is more common for those exposed to asbestos during work. In most cases chest pains or a persistent cough are the primary symptoms. Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed because the symptoms are similar to other lung disorders. If diagnosed, patients could undergo an array of tests to determine how far the cancer has spread and its stage.
These tests could include blood and imaging scans such as X-rays and CT scans. The mesothelioma specialist can also take a biopsy from the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy can be done with a needle core or laparoscopically. The biopsy should be performed by a specialist in peritoneal mesothelioma. General medical oncologists don't have the knowledge to identify mesothelioma of the peritoneal region and could miss diagnosing the condition.
The results of mesothelioma tests will help doctors decide on the most effective treatment plan for you. The treatment plan will be based on the extent to which the cancer has spread and your general health. It is often possible to control symptoms, and treatments include removing fluid from the lungs, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
The majority of mesothelioma types can be treated with chemotherapy. However, these drugs can also affect healthy cells. They can cause damage to ovarian tissues which can impact fertility. This is particularly true for peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the area around 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 about 2700 people are diagnosed mesothelioma each year. It is most common for the disease to be found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it could be found in the linings of the stomach (peritoneum) and less frequently around the testicles or heart.