13 Things You Should Know About Mesothelioma Asbestos That You Might Not Know
Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the organ's lining, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class 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 determine the extent to which it has spread. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural Mesothelioma is caused by malignant cells that develop in the lining of the lungs. Pleura is a two-layer of tissue that covers most organs. Pleural mesothelioma, a cancerous form of pleural affects the lungs and chest wall, which can cause symptoms such as breath shortness and chest pain or breathing problems. Asbestos is the primary cause of pleural mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers in the air are inhaled, they could travel down the throat and into the lungs which can cause damage to the lining. This can cause inflammation and scarring, which may trigger changes that result in out-of-control cell growth. People who have been exposed to asbestos may not experience symptoms until decades after the initial exposure. This is due to the fact that mesothelioma can take a long time to develop. Men and people born male are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Other diagnoses that are common include older adults, those who worked in industries that used asbestos in large quantities prior to the time it was banned or who were in the Navy. The symptoms can vary depending on the location where the tumor is located and are usually caused by elevated pressure or swelling near the affected lung. These symptoms can include back or chest pains or weight loss that isn't explained, and fatigue. X-rays, CT or MRI scans can be used to rule out other conditions which could be causing similar symptoms. If pleural mesothelioma is identified by doctors, they will determine the stage of the disease to help determine the best treatment options. The staging system is established by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group. The first step to determine the stage is to perform an in-person biopsy and looking over the patient's medical history. X-rays and a chest MRI can be used to determine whether there are any abnormalities or tumors that indicate mesothelioma. There are three types of mesothelioma that can be classified according to the type of cells that form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma: The most frequent kind of malignant mesothelioma (60% to 90% of cases). It is less difficult to treat when compared to other types. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is the second-most common type of mesothelioma (between 10% and 15% of cases). It is more difficult to treat than epithelioid mesothelioma. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the abdominal cavity's lining (peritoneum). It is less prevalent than the pleural type. Like all mesothelioma kinds, peritoneal mesothelioma results from asbestos exposure. This type of mesothelioma is more likely to be caused by ingesting rather than inhalation, which is not the case with the pleural. This form of mesothelioma occurs more prevalent among women than men and occurs in older individuals. The initial stages of mesothelioma are difficult to recognize due to the lack of specificity. Experts in mesothelioma know how to identify the disease. Doctors can identify mesothelioma using detailed patient histories and imaging and blood tests. When mesothelioma is discovered A doctor will determine the stage of the cancer using the TNM system. This staging system describes how far the tumors have spread and influences treatment options. The lower the stage, the greater treatment options available. It can be difficult to identify peritoneal msothelioma because it is so rare. This condition can have symptoms that are similar to other conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen like abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Patients who experience symptoms that are not clear are advised to see with a physician. Doctors begin by conducting a physical exam and performing basic blood tests. If these tests show that there is a disease and an oncologist is needed, they can conduct more specific diagnostic tests, including biopsies. This will give an accurate picture of a person's health and identify any potential mesothelioma symptoms. Asbestos exposure is the primary reason behind mesothelioma-related cases in general. The exposure to asbestos is usually at work, but it can also happen in the home or at schools. Asbestos can be dangerous if it is exposed for a long period of time. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can develop when asbestos dust or asbestos particles enter the body and cause irritation or inflammation. In time, irritation and inflammation may cause cells to change and turn cancerous. The cancerous tissue that has been created can spread to other tissues and cause symptoms like abdominal discomfort, weight gain, fever and swelling. Cardiovascular Mesothelioma Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that affects the pericardium or the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma is less than 1% all mesothelioma and is difficult to identify because of the similar symptoms that heart disease sufferers experience. Many patients are diagnosed with heart disease before doctors are able to confirm that they have pericardial mesothelioma. As with other types of mesothelioma the pericardial mesothelioma may 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 is usually found in the outer layer however, it can also be found in its 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, breathing difficulties and fatigue. Because of the rarity of this mesothelioma type, it is especially important for patients to undergo an extensive medical exam. If they have any previous history of exposure to asbestos, it is crucial to tell their doctor. A CT scan or an echocardiogram is often the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. These tests can identify fluid accumulation around the heart, and also any visible pericardial tumors. If these tests show the presence of mesothelioma doctors can carry out other procedures to confirm the diagnosis. These include a biopsy or radiation. A mesothelioma biopsy is a procedure by which a small sample of tissue is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. This helps doctors determine the type of mesothelioma they are looking for and the stage of the disease. Mesothelioma patients can receive treatment at specialized hospitals and cancer centers all over the country. Based on the type of mesothelioma, treatment options may include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. In certain cases, patients can qualify for free or reduced-cost health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. For victims of mesothelioma, this financial assistance is crucial in making treatment more accessible. Contact a VA-approved mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about the benefits you can avail. Reproductive Mesothelioma Mesothelioma may begin in the linings of organs in the chest or abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) and testicles. It is more common in males than women, although the reason is not known. The exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor. Symptoms are not common for many years after exposure to asbestos. Workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. In the majority of cases chest pains or a persistent cough are the first symptoms. Southfield asbestos lawsuits are usually similar to those of other lung conditions, so mesothelioma is frequently misdiagnosed. After being diagnosed, the patient will undergo a variety of tests to determine how far the cancer has spread and its stage. These tests could include imaging scans and blood, including X-rays and CT scans. A biopsy may be performed by the mesothelioma expert to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy may be carried out with a needle core or laparoscopically. The biopsy should be performed by a specialist in peritoneal mesothelioma. General medical oncologists aren't qualified to diagnose peritoneal msothelioma and could misdiagnose it. The results of mesothelioma tests can help doctors decide on the best treatment option for you. The treatment plan will be based on how far the cancer has spread, as well as your overall health. Treatments include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. It is possible to control the symptoms. Most types of mesothelioma can be treated with chemotherapy. However, these medicines can also affect healthy cells. They can harm ovarian tissue which can impact fertility. This is especially true for peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the area surrounding reproductive organs. The type and severity of the cancer, along with age and general health will determine how quickly you're treated and also your prognosis. In the UK approximately 2700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is common for the disease to develop in the lung's lining (pleura) but can also form in the linings of the tummy (peritoneum) and, less commonly, around the testicles or heart.