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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is found in the lining of organs, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It's typically caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals made of microscopic fibres. Mesothelioma can develop anywhere between 20 and 60 year after exposure. X-rays and blood tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which it has spread. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural Mesothelioma occurs when malignant cells develop in the lining surrounding the lungs (pleura). The pleura is a multi-layered tissue that covers various organs. Cancerous pleural msothelioma is most typically found in the lungs or the chest wall. This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breathe, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma of the pleural region. When asbestos fibers from the air are inhaled, they may travel through the throat and into the lungs, where they can damage the lining. This can lead to inflammation and scarring, which could cause changes that result in out of control cell growth. Some people exposed to asbestos may not experience symptoms until years after their initial exposure. This is because mesothelioma may take a long time to develop. Males and those born male are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Other common diagnoses include older people, those who worked in industries that employed asbestos in large quantities prior to when it was regulated or served in the Navy. The symptoms can vary based on the location of the tumor. They are typically caused by increased 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. When pleural asbestosis is discovered doctors will determine the stage of the cancer to determine the most effective treatment options. The staging system is developed by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group. The first step in determining the stage is to perform a biopsy and examining the medical history of the patient. X-rays and chest MRI can also be used to determine if there are any abnormalities, or tumors that could be indicative of mesothelioma. There are three types of mesothelioma. They can be classified based on the type of cells that form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma is the most frequent malignant mesothelioma (60 to 80 percent of cases). It is less difficult to treat when compared to other kinds. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma: This is the second most common kind of mesothelioma (10% to 15% of cases). It is more difficult to treat than epithelioid mesothelioma. Peritoneal Mesothelioma The peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) is affected by peritoneal mesothelioma. It is less prevalent than mesothelioma pleural. Like all mesothelioma forms the peritoneal mesothelioma is a result of asbestos exposure. This type of mesothelioma is more likely to be caused by ingestion rather than inhalation, which is not the case with the pleural. This type of mesothelioma typically occurs in older individuals and is more common in women than men. Mesothelioma can take decades to show signs and the non-specific nature of its early stages makes it difficult to determine the cause. However, experts in mesothelioma know how to spot the illness. A thorough patient history and blood and imaging tests, can help doctors make a mesothelioma diagnosis. A doctor will use the TNM system to determine the stage of cancer following the diagnosis of mesothelioma. This staging system describes how far the tumors have spread and influences the treatment options. The lower the stage, the more treatment options are available. Because peritoneal mesothelioma is uncommon, it can be hard to recognize. This condition can have symptoms that are similar to other diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen like abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Patients with unexplained symptoms are advised to see an expert. The doctor will first perform a physical examination and take basic blood tests. If these tests show the possibility of a cancer, an oncologist will perform more extensive diagnostic tests, such as biopsies. This will provide an accurate assessment of the health of a person and identify any potential mesothelioma symptoms. Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos usually happens in the workplace, but it can also happen in the home or at schools. Asbestos is the most hazardous if it is exposed for a long period of time. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos dust or particles entering the body, causing irritation or inflammation. Over time the inflammation and irritation can cause cells to transform into cancerous cells and create tumors. The resulting cancerous tissue can then infiltrate and attack other tissues of the body which can cause symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, fever, weight loss and swelling. Cardiovascular Mesothelioma Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, is a cancer of the pericardium, or lining of the heart. The mesothelioma type is less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases and it is one of the most difficult to identify because the symptoms are so similar to those of heart disease. Many people are diagnosed with heart disease before doctors are able to confirm they have pericardial msothelioma. As with other types of mesothelioma Pericardial mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers are believed to be absorbed into the pericardium through bloodstream. The fibers can later travel to other organs, including 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 has been associated with a lower prognosis when than other mesothelioma types. The symptoms of fatigue, chest pain and difficulty breathing are the main symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma. It is crucial that patients undergo a thorough medical examination due to the fact that this type of mesothelioma can be found in very few. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, it's essential to inform their doctor. arlington asbestos attorneys to make the diagnosis of mesothelioma is typically a CT scan or echocardiogram. These tests can reveal fluid accumulation around the heart, as well as any visible pericardial tumors. If these tests reveal the presence of mesothelioma then doctors may perform additional procedures to confirm the diagnoses. These include a biopsy or 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 aid doctors in determining the type of mesothelioma they are looking for and the stage of the disease. Mesothelioma patients can receive treatment at specialized cancer centers and hospitals across the nation. Treatment options for mesothelioma can include chemo, surgery and radiation. Some patients may be eligible for free or low-cost health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This financial aid is essential for mesothelioma victims to reduce the cost of treatment. To learn more about your options get in touch with a VA-approved attorney for mesothelioma. Reproductive Mesothelioma Mesothelioma may begin in the linings that cover organs in the abdomen and chest. It may also be found in the tissue of the heart (pericardium) and the testicles. Men are affected more than women due to unknown causes. Exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor. Symptoms are not common for decades after asbestos exposure. The people who are exposed to asbestos in the workplace are more at chance of developing mesothelioma than other people. In the majority of instances chest pains or a persistent cough are the first symptoms. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed since these symptoms are similar to other lung diseases. After being diagnosed, the patient can undergo a series of tests to determine the extent the cancer spreads and its stage. These tests can include imaging scans and blood, including X-rays and CT scans. The mesothelioma specialist can also take a biopsy of the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy may be done using a core-needle or laparoscopically. It is essential that a specialist in peritoneal mesothelioma conducts the biopsy. Medical oncologists who are generalists are not competent to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma and may misdiagnose it. The results of the mesothelioma tests will aid doctors in determining the most effective treatment plan for you. The treatment plan will be based 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 symptoms. Chemotherapy is a highly effective treatment for most types of mesothelioma. However, these medicines can also affect healthy cells. They can cause damage to ovarian tissues, which can affect fertility. This is particularly relevant for peritoneal asbestosis which affects the area surrounding the reproductive organs. The mesothelioma type and the severity you have, aswell as your general health and age can affect how fast the cancer is treated as well as its prognosis. Around 2700 people in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The disease is most commonly located in the linings of the abdomen and lungs (peritoneum), but it can also be found around the heart and testicles.