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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a tumor that occurs in the organs' linings like the lungs and abdomen (pleura), is caused by exposure to asbestos. It's usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals made of microscopic fibres. Mesothelioma can develop anywhere between 20 and 60 years after exposure. X-rays or 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 double-layered tissue that covers various organs. Pleural mesothelioma, a cancerous form of pleural affects the chest wall and lungs and can cause symptoms such as breath shortness, pain in the chest or breathing problems. Asbestos is the primary cause of pleural mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers in the air are inhaled, they can travel down the throat and into the lungs, which can cause damage to the lining. This may cause inflammation and scarring, which could cause changes that result in out of control cell growth. Some asbestos-exposure victims may not show symptoms for decades after exposure. Mesothelioma may take several years to develop. Males and those born male are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Other common diagnoses include older adults working in industries that employed asbestos in large quantities prior to the time it was regulated, or those who served in the Navy. The symptoms can vary based on the location of the tumor and are typically caused by increased swelling or pressure near the affected lung. The symptoms may include coughing, back or chest pains, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. X-rays or CT or MRIs may be used as a diagnostic tool to rule out other conditions that could be causing the same symptoms. If pleural asbestosis is identified doctors will determine 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 of the disease is to perform a biopsy and review the patient's medical records. X-rays or a chest MRI are also used to determine if there is any tumors, or other abnormalities that could be indicative of mesothelioma. There are three distinct kinds of mesothelioma that can be classified according to the kind of cells that form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma: The most frequent kind of malignant mesothelioma (60 percent to 80% of cases). It is less difficult to treat in comparison to other kinds. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma: This is the second most frequent type of mesothelioma (10 15% to 15 percent of cases). It is more difficult than epithelioid. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It is less common than pleural mesothelioma. Like all mesotheliomas, peritoneal cancer is caused by asbestos exposure. However, unlike pleural mesothelioma, people are more likely to develop this type of mesothelioma through ingestion of asbestos fibers instead of inhaling asbestos particles. 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 initial stages makes it difficult to identify. However, mesothelioma experts know how to identify the illness. Complete patient histories and imaging and blood tests will help doctors make the mesothelioma diagnosis. A doctor will use the TNM system to determine the stage of cancer after an mesothelioma diagnosis. This staging system describes how far the tumors have spread and affects treatment options. The lower the stage, the more treatment options are available. Since peritoneal mesothelioma can be so uncommon, it can be hard to recognize. The symptoms of this disease are similar to those of a variety of conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen, such as abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. elizabeth asbestos attorneys who experience symptoms that are not clear are advised to see an expert. The doctor will perform physical examinations and will then conduct basic blood tests. If these tests show the possibility of a disease, an oncologist can conduct more thorough diagnostic tests, including biopsies. This will provide a clear picture of the patient's health, and identify any possible mesothelioma-related signs. Asbestos is the most significant reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is commonplace in the workplace, but it can also occur at home or in schools. Asbestos can be dangerous if it is exposed for a long period of time. Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos dust or particles entering the body and causing inflammation or irritation. As time passes, irritation and inflammation may cause cells to change and develop into cancerous. The cancerous tissue that is created can later infiltrate other tissues and cause symptoms like abdominal discomfort as well as weight gain, fever and swelling. Cardiovascular Mesothelioma Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the heart's lining, or the pericardium. This kind of mesothelioma makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma. It is also difficult to diagnose due to the similar symptoms to heart disease. Many patients are diagnosed with heart disease before doctors can confirm they have pericardial msothelioma. As with other types of mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos can cause pericardial cancer. Asbestos fibers can be introduced into the pericardium through the bloodstream. These fibers can be transported to other organs, such as the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma is typically found in the outer layer of the pericardium, however, it can also be found in the inner layer. Pericardial mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis than other types mesothelioma. The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are chest pain, breathing problems and fatigue. It is essential that patients undergo a thorough medical exam due to the fact that this form of mesothelioma is so rare. If they have any prior history of exposure to asbestos, it is essential to tell their doctor. A CT scan or an echocardiogram is often the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. These tests can identify the presence of fluid around the heart, as well as any visible pericardial tumors. If these tests reveal 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 where a small portion of tissue is removed from the affected area, and then examined under microscope. This will help doctors determine the type of mesothelioma and the stage of the disease. Patients suffering from mesothelioma are treated at cancer centers and specialized hospitals across the country. Treatment options for mesothelioma include chemo, surgery and radiation. Some victims may be eligible for low-cost or free medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This financial assistance is crucial for mesothelioma sufferers to reduce the cost of treatment. Contact a VA-approved mesothelioma attorney to find out more about the benefits you can avail. Reproductive Mesothelioma Mesothelioma can start in the linings of organs in the abdomen and chest. It can also develop in the tissue of the heart (pericardium) and testicles. Men are affected more than women for unknown reasons. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor. The signs usually don't appear until decades after exposure. People exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. In most cases, the first sign is an ongoing cough or chest pains. Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed because these symptoms are akin to other lung disorders. Once diagnosed, the patient will undergo a series of tests to determine how far the cancer spreads and its stage. 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 with a laparoscopic needle or a core-needle. The biopsy should be done by a specialist in peritoneal mesothelioma. Medical oncologists who are generalists are not competent to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, and may misdiagnose it. The results of a mesothelioma test will aid doctors in determining the most effective treatment plan. The treatment plan will be based on the extent to which the cancer has spread, and your general health. It is usually possible to control symptoms, and treatments include removing the lungs of fluid, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Chemotherapy is a highly effective treatment for most types of mesothelioma. These drugs can also affect healthy cells. They can cause damage to ovarian tissues, which can affect fertility. This is particularly likely for peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the area surrounding reproductive organs. The mesothelioma type and the severity you have, aswell as your age and general health will affect how quickly the cancer is treated and its prognosis. In the UK, around 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 heart and testicles.