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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the lining of organs, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. It can take between 20 and 60 years after exposure before mesothelioma begins to show up. Blood tests or X-rays are a way to identify mesothelioma and assess the extent to which it has spread. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural Mesothelioma is caused by malignant cells that grow in the lung's lining. Pleura is a two-layer of tissue that covers the majority of organs. The cancerous pleural msothelioma of the pleura typically found in the lungs or chest wall. This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breathe, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. Asbestos is the leading cause of pleural msothelioma. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause damage to the lung's lining. This can lead to scarring and inflammation, which may trigger changes that result in out-of-control cell growth. People who have been exposed to asbestos might not be able to recognize symptoms until years after the initial exposure. Mesothelioma could take a few years to develop. The patients diagnosed with the disease usually are men. Those who are assigned male at birth or older adults who spent years working in industries that employed large quantities of asbestos prior to when it was controlled or used in the military, specifically in the Navy. The symptoms can vary based on the location of the tumor. They are usually caused by an increase in swelling or pressure near the affected lung. These 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 cause similar symptoms. If pleural asbestosis is identified doctors will determine the stage of the cancer to determine the best treatment options. The staging system is set by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group. The first step in determining the stage of the disease is to take a biopsy and examine the medical records of the patient. missouri city asbestos attorney -rays or chest MRI can also be used to determine if there is any abnormalities, or tumors that could indicate mesothelioma. There are three different kinds of mesothelioma, which can be classified based on the type of cells that form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma: The most common type of malignant mesothelioma (60 percent to 80% of cases). It is less difficult to treat compared to other types. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma It is the second most common type of mesothelioma (10 15% to 15% of cases). It is more difficult than epithelioid. Peritoneal Mesothelioma The peritoneum (the liner of the abdominal cavity) is affected by peritoneal cancer. It is less frequent than the pleural variant. Like all mesothelioma types the peritoneal mesothelioma is a result of asbestos exposure. This type of mesothelioma is more likely to result from ingestion rather than inhalation, which is not the case with pleural. This type of mesothelioma typically occurs in older adults and is more common for women than men. Mesothelioma can take decades to show signs and the non-specific nature of its earliest stages makes it difficult to determine the cause. However, experts in mesothelioma know how to identify the illness. A thorough patient history and imaging and blood tests, can help doctors make the mesothelioma diagnosis. A doctor will utilize 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 rare, it is difficult to identify. The symptoms of this condition are similar to those of other conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen, which includes abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss. This is why those suffering from undiagnosed symptoms should see a doctor. Doctors begin by conducting a physical exam and performing basic blood tests. If these tests show that there is a disease, an oncologist may perform more specific diagnostic tests, including biopsies. This will give an accurate assessment of the health of a person and will identify any possible mesothelioma symptoms. Asbestos is the most significant reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can happen in the workplace, but also at home or at school. Asbestos is the most hazardous if it is exposed for a long period of time. Mesothelioma can develop when asbestos dust or asbestos particles enter the body, causing inflammation or irritation. As time passes, the irritation and inflammation can cause cells to change into cancerous cells, and eventually form tumors. The cancerous tissue that results can then invade and attack other tissues within the body and cause symptoms like abdominal discomfort as well as weight loss, fever and swelling. Cardiovascular Mesothelioma Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the heart's lining or the pericardium. This kind of mesothelioma accounts for less than 1% all mesothelioma, and is difficult to identify due to the similar symptoms that heart disease sufferers experience. Many people are diagnosed with heart disease before doctors can confirm they are suffering from pericardial msothelioma. 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 then travel to other organs, like the heart. Pericardial Mesothelioma typically occurs in the outer layer but it may also occur in its inner layer. Pericardial mesothelioma is a more serious prognosis than other types mesothelioma. Chest pain, fatigue and difficulty breathing are all symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma. Due to the rarity of this type of mesothelioma and its resemblance to pericardial mesothelioma for victims to have an extensive medical exam. It is important to inform your doctor if they've had an asbestos-related exposure. A CT scan or echocardiogram is typically the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. These tests can identify the presence of fluid around the heart, as well as any visible pericardial tumors. If these tests show the presence of mesothelioma then doctors can carry out additional procedures to confirm the diagnoses. These include a biopsy or radiation. A mesothelioma biopsy is an procedure in which a small piece of tissue is taken from the affected area, and then examined under microscope. This will help doctors determine the type of mesothelioma they are looking for and the stage of the disease. Mesothelioma patients may receive treatment from specialized cancer centers and hospitals all over the country. Treatment options for mesothelioma can include surgery, chemo and radiation. In some instances, patients can qualify for health care at no cost or with a reduced price through the Department of Veterans Affairs. This financial aid is essential for mesothelioma sufferers to reduce the cost of treatment. To learn more about your benefits, contact a VA-approved lawyer for mesothelioma. Reproductive Mesothelioma Mesothelioma may develop in organ linings in the abdomen or chest. It can also develop in the heart's lining (pericardium) and the testicles. It is more prevalent in men than women, but the cause isn't fully understood. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. Symptoms are not common for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more frequent for those exposed to asbestos while at work. In the majority of cases, the first symptom is an ongoing cough or chest pains. Mesothelioma may be misdiagnosed as these symptoms are akin to other lung diseases. Once diagnosed, patients may undergo several tests to find out how far the cancer has spread and the stage. These tests may include imaging scans, such as X-rays or CT scans. A biopsy may be taken by a mesothelioma specialist to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy can be done using a core-needle or laparoscopically. The biopsy should be carried out by a specialist in peritoneal mesothelioma. General medical oncologists are not qualified to recognize peritoneal msothelioma and may misdiagnose it. The results of the mesothelioma tests can help doctors decide on the best treatment plan for you. The treatment you receive will depend 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 manage the symptoms. Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for the majority of mesothelioma. However, these drugs can also affect healthy cells. They can harm ovarian tissue, which can affect fertility. This is particularly likely for peritoneal mesothelioma, that occurs in the region surrounding reproductive organs. The severity and type of mesothelioma, as well as your age and general health will determine the speed at which you're treated and also your prognosis. In the UK about 2700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma per year. The disease is most commonly found in the linings surrounding the lungs and abdomen (peritoneum) however, it can also manifest around the testicles and the heart.