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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the organ's lining, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It's usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals comprised of tiny fibres. Mesothelioma can develop anywhere between 20 and 60 years after exposure. X-rays and blood tests can be used to detect mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which it has spread. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural Mesothelioma occurs when malignant cells form in the lining surrounding the lung (pleura). Pleura is a two-layer of tissue that covers most organs. The cancerous pleural mesothelioma affects the chest wall and lungs, which can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain in the chest or difficulty breathing. Asbestos is the most significant cause of pleural mesothelioma. When airborne asbestos fibers are inhaled, they could travel through the throat and into the lungs which could cause damage to the lining. This can lead to scarring and inflammation, which may cause changes that lead to uncontrolled cell growth. People who have been exposed to asbestos might not be able to recognize symptoms until decades after the initial exposure. This is because mesothelioma can take a long time to develop. People diagnosed with the disease generally are men, and those who were assigned male at birth or older adults who worked for a long time in industries that employed large quantities of asbestos prior to when it was regulated or used in the military, especially in the Navy. The symptoms can vary based on the area of the tumor. The symptoms are usually caused by an increase in pressure or swelling near the affected lung. These symptoms include fatigue undiagnosed chest pain, weight loss and back pain. X-rays, CT or MRI scans can be used to rule out other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms. If pleural mesothelioma is diagnosed, doctors will determine the stage of the disease and determine the most effective treatment options. The International Mesothelioma Interest Group has created the staging system. The first step to determine the stage is taking an in-person biopsy and looking over the medical history of the patient. X-rays and chest MRI can be used to determine whether there are any abnormalities or tumors that suggest mesothelioma. There are three kinds of mesothelioma which can be classified based on the kind of cells that make up: Epithelioid Mesothelioma: The most frequent kind of malignant mesothelioma (60% to 90% of cases). It is generally easier to treat than other kinds. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma: This is the second most common type of mesothelioma (10% to 15% of cases). It is more difficult than epithelioid. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the abdominal cavity's lining (peritoneum). It is less common than the pleural form. Like all mesotheliomas, the peritoneal cancer is caused by asbestos exposure. However, unlike pleural mesothelioma, people are more likely to develop this kind of mesothelioma through ingestion of asbestos fibers instead of inhaling them. This kind of mesothelioma usually occurs in older people and is more prevalent in women than men. Mesothelioma can take a long time to show signs and the non-specific nature of its early stages makes it difficult to determine the cause. However, mesothelioma experts are able to recognize the disease. Complete patient histories along with imaging and blood tests can aid doctors in making a mesothelioma diagnosis. When mesothelioma is discovered, a doctor will determine the stage of the cancer by using the TNM system. The staging system outlines how the tumors are spreading and influences the treatment options. The lower the stage, the more treatment options are available. Since peritoneal mesothelioma can be so rare, it is difficult to identify. The symptoms of this disease are similar to those of other illnesses that affect the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen, such as abdominal discomfort, fever and weight loss. Because of this, patients with unprovoked symptoms should see a doctor. The doctor will then conduct physical examinations and will then conduct basic blood tests. If these tests show that there is a disease an oncologist can perform more detailed diagnostic tests, like biopsies. This will give an accurate picture of the patient's health and reveal any potential mesothelioma symptoms. Asbestos is the most significant cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can happen in the workplace but also at home or in schools. Asbestos is the most hazardous when exposed for a prolonged period of time. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos dust or particles entering the body which cause inflammation or irritation. Over time, the irritation and inflammation can cause cells to change into cancerous cells, and eventually form tumors. The cancerous tissue that results can then infiltrate and attack other tissues within the body and cause symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, fever and swelling. Cardiovascular Mesothelioma Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the heart's lining, or pericardium. The mesothelioma type is less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases, and is among the most difficult cancers to identify because the symptoms are similar to heart disease. Many patients are diagnosed with heart disease before doctors are able to confirm they are suffering from pericardial msothelioma. Like other types of mesothelioma Pericardial mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. It is believed that asbestos fibers enter the pericardium through the bloodstream. These fibers can then travel to other organs such as the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma typically occurs in the outer layer of the pericardium, however, it may also occur in the inner layer. Pericardial Mesothelioma has been associated with a less favorable prognosis as than other types of mesothelioma. The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue. It is important that victims undergo a thorough medical examination due to the fact that this type of mesothelioma is extremely rare. It is essential that patients tell their doctor if they have any asbestos exposure in the past. A CT scan or echocardiogram is typically the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. These tests can detect an accumulation of fluid around the heart as well as visible pericardial tumors. If these tests reveal mesothelioma in the body, doctors can carry out additional procedures to confirm the diagnoses. These include a biopsy or radiation. alaska asbestos attorney is a process in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. This will aid doctors in determining the type of mesothelioma they are looking for and the stage of the disease. Mesothelioma patients can get treatment at special hospitals and cancer centers across the country. Depending on the kind of mesothelioma, treatment options could include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. In certain cases, patients may be eligible for free or reduced-cost health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. This financial aid is essential for mesothelioma patients 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 that surround organs in the chest and abdomen. It can also form in the lining around the heart and testicles (pericardium and tunica vaginalis). Men are more affected than women due to unknown causes. Asbestos exposure is the most significant risk factor. Symptoms do not usually appear for many years after exposure to asbestos. People exposed to asbestos while at work are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. In the majority of cases, the first sign is an ongoing cough or chest pains. These symptoms are often similar to those of other lung diseases, so mesothelioma is frequently not diagnosed correctly. Once diagnosed, the patient can undergo a series of tests to determine how far the cancer has spread and its stage. These tests may involve imaging scans such as X-rays or CT scans. A biopsy may be performed by a mesothelioma specialist to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy may be done by using a laparoscopic needle or core needle. The biopsy should be done by a peritoneal-mesothelioma expert. General medical oncologists aren't qualified to recognize peritoneal msothelioma, and may misdiagnose it. The results of mesothelioma test will help doctors decide on the most effective treatment plan for you. The treatment plan will be based on the extent to which the cancer has spread, and your general health. It is typically possible to treat symptoms and treatments include draining the lungs of fluid, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for the majority of mesothelioma. These drugs can also harm healthy cells. They can cause damage to ovarian tissues, which can affect fertility. This is particularly true for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, which is found in the region around reproductive organs. The type and severity, as well as your age and general health will determine how quickly you are treated and your prognosis. In the UK, around 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is common for the disease to be found in the lung lining (pleura) but it could also develop in the linings of the stomach (peritoneum) and, less commonly around the testicles or heart.