Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is found in the lining of organs, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It is typically caused by asbestos exposure, a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers.
Mesothelioma can develop anywhere between 20 and 60 years after exposure. X-rays and blood tests can help diagnose mesothelioma, as well as show how far it has been able to spread.
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 most organs. Cancerous pleural msothelioma is most typically located in the lungs, or the chest wall. This can cause symptoms like breathlessness chest pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.
Asbestos is the primary cause of pleural msothelioma. When asbestos fibers in the air are inhaled, they may be absorbed by the throat and into the lungs where they can damage the lining. This can cause scarring and inflammation, which can cause changes that lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
People who have been exposed to asbestos may not experience symptoms until decades after their initial exposure. This is because mesothelioma may take several years or more to develop. Men and people born male are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Other common diagnoses include older adults 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 based on the area of the tumor. The symptoms are usually caused by swelling or pressure near the affected lung. The 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 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 most effective treatment options.
The staging system is established by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group. The first step to determining the stage of the disease is to conduct a biopsy and review the patient's medical records. X-rays and chest MRI can be used to determine whether there are any tumors or other abnormalities that suggest mesothelioma.
There are three distinct types of mesothelioma which can be classified based on the kind of cells that form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma: The most frequent type of malignant mesothelioma (60 percent to 80percent of cases). It is more easily treated when compared to other types. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is the second most commonly diagnosed type of mesothelioma (between 10 15% and 10% 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 mesothelioma. It is less prevalent than mesothelioma pleural. Like all mesotheliomas, the peritoneal cancer is caused by asbestos exposure. However unlike pleural mesothelioma people are more likely to develop this form of mesothelioma when they consume asbestos fibers rather than inhaling asbestos fibers. This form of mesothelioma occurs more common among women than men and is more prevalent in older adults.
Mesothelioma can take decades to show symptoms and the non-specific nature of its earliest stages makes it difficult to diagnose. Experts in mesothelioma are able to diagnose the disease. Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma taking detailed patient histories and imaging and blood tests.
A doctor will employ the TNM system to determine the stage of cancer after an mesothelioma diagnosis. This system of staging outlines the extent of the tumor's spread and impacts the treatment options. The lower the stage, the more treatment options are available.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma is so uncommon, it can be difficult to identify. 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. Patients experiencing symptoms that are not explained are advised to see a doctor.
Doctors will begin with a physical examination and conducting basic blood tests. If these tests show that a condition is present an oncologist can perform more thorough diagnostic tests, such as biopsies. This will provide an accurate picture of the health of the individual and will identify any possible mesothelioma signs.
Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. The exposure to asbestos is usually in the workplace, but it can also occur at home or in schools. Asbestos exposure is the most hazardous when it occurs over prolonged periods of time. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos dust or particles entering the body, causing irritation or inflammation. In time inflammation and irritation can cause cells to mutate and turn cancerous. The cancerous tissue created can spread to other tissues and cause symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, fever, weight gain and swelling.
Cardiovascular Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare cancer, affects the pericardium or heart's lining. This kind of mesothelioma accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases, and is one of the most difficult to identify because the symptoms are similar to heart disease. In the end, many people receive a diagnosis of heart disease before doctors are able to confirm that they have mesothelioma of the pericardium.
As with other types of mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos can cause pericardial cancer. It is believed that asbestos fibers are absorbed into the pericardium via the bloodstream. The fibers could be transported to other organs, such as the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma typically occurs in the outer layer of the pericardium however, it can also be found in the inner layer. Pericardial Mesothelioma is associated with a less favorable prognosis as than other types of mesothelioma.
The symptoms of fatigue, chest pain and difficulty breathing are all symptoms of pericardial Mesothelioma. It is essential that patients undergo a thorough medical exam due to the fact that this type of mesothelioma can be found in very few. It is essential that patients inform their doctor if they have had any asbestos exposure in the past.
A CT scan or an echocardiogram is usually the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. These tests can identify fluid buildup around the heart, and also any visible pericardial tumors. If these tests show the presence of mesothelioma then doctors can perform additional procedures to confirm the diagnoses. This could include a biopsy as well as radiation.
A mesothelioma biopsy is an operation where a tiny piece of tissue is taken from the affected area and then examined under the microscope. This will enable doctors to determine the type and stage of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma patients may receive treatment at specialized hospitals and cancer centers across the country. Treatment options for mesothelioma include chemo, surgery and radiation. In some instances, patients can qualify for health insurance at no cost or at a reduced cost through the Department of Veterans Affairs. For patients with mesothelioma this financial aid is essential to make treatment more accessible. To find out more about your rights, contact a VA-approved lawyer for mesothelioma.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can begin in the linings of organs in the chest and abdomen. It may also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) and the testicles. It is more common in males than women, although the reason is not known. The exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor. The signs usually don't appear until decades after exposure.
People exposed to asbestos while at work are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. In the majority of cases, mesothelioma's first sign of mesothelioma is a persistent cough or chest pains. Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed because these symptoms are akin to other lung diseases. Once diagnosed, maryland asbestos attorneys can undergo a series of tests to determine how much the cancer spreads and the stage at which it is.
These tests may include imaging scans like X-rays or CT scans. The mesothelioma specialist can also take a biopsy of the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy can be performed using a core-needle or laparoscopically. The biopsy should be done by a specialist in peritoneal mesothelioma. General medical oncologists are not competent to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, and may misdiagnose it.
The results of mesothelioma tests can help doctors decide on the best treatment option for you. Treatment will depend on the extent of the cancer as well as your general health. It is usually possible to treat symptoms and treatments may include draining fluid from the lungs chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
The majority of mesothelioma types can be treated with chemotherapy. These medications can also affect healthy cells. They can damage the ovarian tissue, which could affect fertility. This is especially the case with peritoneal asbestosis which affects the region around the reproductive organs.
The severity and type of mesothelioma, as well as age and general health will determine how quickly you're treated and also your prognosis. In the UK about 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The most common form of mesothelioma is found in the linings surrounding the lungs and abdomen (peritoneum), but it can also develop around the heart and testicles.