Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the organ's lining, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It's usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of tiny fibres.
It could take between 20 and 60 years after exposure before mesothelioma starts to show signs. X-rays and blood tests can aid in diagnosing mesothelioma as well as reveal how far it has spread.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma is caused by malignant cells that grow in the lung's lining. Pleura is a double layer of tissue that surrounds most organs. Pleural mesothelioma, a cancerous form of pleural affects the chest wall and lungs and can trigger symptoms such as breath shortness, pain in the chest or difficulty breathing.
Asbestos is the primary cause of pleural mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers from the air are inhaled, they can be absorbed by the throat and into the lungs where they can damage the lining. This can cause inflammation and scarring which may cause changes that result in out of control cell growth.
Certain asbestos-related exposure victims may not notice symptoms until decades after their initial exposure. Mesothelioma can take a long time to develop. The patients diagnosed with the disease usually are men and people assigned male at birth older adults who have spent years working in industries that employed large quantities of asbestos prior to when it was controlled or used in the military, especially in the Navy.
The symptoms can vary depending on the location where the tumor is located. They are usually caused by increased pressure or swelling around the affected lung. These symptoms include fatigue undiagnosed weight loss, chest pain and back pain. X-rays or CT or MRIs can be used as a diagnostic tool to rule out other conditions that may be causing the same symptoms. If pleural mesothelioma is diagnosed, doctors will determine the stage of the disease to help 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 examine the medical records of the patient. X-rays or a chest MRI can also be used to determine if there are abnormalities, or tumors that could be indicative of mesothelioma.
There are three kinds of mesothelioma which can be classified according to the kind of cells that form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma: The most commonly encountered kind of malignant mesothelioma (60 percent to 80percent of cases). It is generally easier to treat than other kinds. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is the second most common kind of mesothelioma (between 10% and 15 percent of cases). It is more difficult to treat than epithelioid melanoma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It is less common than the pleural form. Like all mesotheliomas, the peritoneal cancer is caused by asbestos exposure. This mesothelioma type is more likely to be caused by ingestion rather than inhalation, as opposed to pleural. This type of mesothelioma generally occurs in older people and is more prevalent for women than men.
The early stages of mesothelioma are difficult to diagnose due to the lack of specificity. Experts in mesothelioma are able to recognize the disease. Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma by using detailed patient histories and imaging tests and blood tests.
Once mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will determine the stage of the cancer using the TNM system. This staging system describes the extent of the tumors' spread and influences treatment options. The lower the stage the more treatment options are available.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma is rare, it can be hard to recognize. This condition can have symptoms that are similar to other conditions affecting the abdomen and gastrointestinal tract like abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Patients with unexplained symptoms are advised to see a doctor.
Doctors will start by conducting a physical exam and taking basic blood tests. If these tests show that a condition is present, an oncologist may perform more thorough diagnostic tests, including biopsies. This will give a clear image of a person's health and identify any potential mesothelioma symptoms.
Asbestos exposure is the main cause of all mesothelioma cases. Exposure to asbestos typically occurs in the workplace, however it can also happen at home or in schools. Asbestos exposure is most dangerous when it takes place for prolonged periods of time. Mesothelioma is caused due to asbestos dust or particles that enter the body, causing irritation or inflammation. As time passes inflammation and irritation can cause cells to change and develop into cancerous. The resulting cancerous tissue can then invade and attack other tissues within the body and cause symptoms like abdominal pain as well as fever, weight loss and swelling.
Cardiovascular Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare cancer, is a cancer of the pericardium, or lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma makes up less than 1% of all mesothelioma, and is difficult to identify because of the similar symptoms that heart disease sufferers experience. This is why many people receive a diagnosis of heart disease before doctors can confirm that they have mesothelioma pericardial.
Like other forms of mesothelioma, asbestos exposure can cause pericardial cancer. It is believed that asbestos fibers enter the pericardium through the bloodstream. These fibers can be carried 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 lower prognosis when in comparison to other types of mesothelioma.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are chest pain, breathing problems and fatigue. Because of the rarity of this type of mesothelioma it is crucial for victims to have an extensive medical exam. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, it is even more critical that they inform their doctor.
A CT scan or echocardiogram is typically the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. These tests can reveal fluid accumulation around the heart, and also any visible pericardial tumors. If these tests show the presence of mesothelioma then doctors can carry out additional procedures to confirm the diagnosis. This could include a biopsy or radiation.
A mesothelioma biopsy is an operation where a tiny piece of tissue is removed from the area affected and then examined under the microscope. This will allow doctors to determine the stage and type of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma patients can receive treatment from specialized hospitals and cancer centers across the country. Depending on the kind of mesothelioma that is being treated, options for treatment could include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. In some cases, victims are eligible for health care at no cost or with a reduced price through the Department of Veterans Affairs. For rock hill asbestos attorneys with mesothelioma this financial aid is essential in making treatment more accessible. Contact a mesothelioma lawyer who is VA-approved to learn more about the benefits available to you.
Reproductive Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can begin in the linings that cover organs in the abdomen and chest. It can also develop in the lining surrounding the heart and testicles (pericardium and tunica vaginalis). It is more common in males than women, although the reason is not known. The exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor. Symptoms do not usually appear for many years after exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is more frequent in people exposed to asbestos while at work. In the majority of cases chest pains or persistent cough are the first symptoms. Mesothelioma may be misdiagnosed as the symptoms are similar to other lung diseases. Once diagnosed, patients may undergo a series of tests to find out how far the cancer has spread and its stage.
These tests could include imaging scans like X-rays or CT scans. The mesothelioma doctor may also take a biopsy from the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy can be performed using a core needle or laparoscopically. It is crucial that a peritoneal mesothelioma specialist is the person who performs 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 help doctors decide on the most effective treatment plan for you. The treatment will depend on how far the cancer has spread, and your overall health. It is often possible to treat symptoms and treatments include removing fluid from the lungs, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Chemotherapy is a successful treatment for most types of mesothelioma. These medications can also harm healthy cells. They can cause damage to the ovarian tissue, which could impact fertility. This is especially true for peritoneal mesothelioma which is found in the region surrounding 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 and the prognosis. In the UK approximately 2700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma per year. The condition is typically located in the linings of the lungs and abdomen (peritoneum) however it can also be found around the testicles and heart.