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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a cancerous growth that is found in the linings of organs such as the lungs and abdomen (pleura) is caused by asbestos exposure. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals made of tiny fibres. Mesothelioma can appear anywhere between 20 and 60 years after exposure. X-rays and blood tests may aid in diagnosing mesothelioma, well as show how far it has spread. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural Mesothelioma occurs when malignant cells develop in the lining around the lung (pleura). The pleura is a two-layered tissue that covers numerous organs. Msothelioma pleural cancer is most often located in the lungs or the chest wall. It can trigger symptoms such as breathlessness as well as chest pain and breathing difficulties. Asbestos is the leading cause of pleural mesothelioma. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause damage to the lining of the lungs. This can cause scarring and inflammation, which can trigger changes that result in uncontrolled cell growth. Some asbestos-exposure victims may not show symptoms for years after exposure. This is because mesothelioma can take several years or more to develop. Men and people born male are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Other diagnoses that are common include older adults working in industries that used asbestos in large quantities prior to when it was controlled or who were in the Navy. The symptoms can vary depending on the location where the tumor is located and are usually caused by increased pressure or swelling 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 that may be causing similar symptoms. When pleural asbestosis is diagnosed doctors will determine the stage of cancer to determine the best treatment options. The staging system is established by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group. The first step in determining the stage is taking a biopsy and examining the medical history of the patient. X-rays as well as a chest MRI can be used to determine whether there are any abnormalities or tumors that could indicate mesothelioma. There are three types of mesothelioma. They can be classified based on what type of cells form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma is the most frequent malignant mesothelioma (60 to 80 percent of cases). It is generally easier to treat than other kinds. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma: This is the second most prevalent type of mesothelioma (10% to 15% of cases). It is more difficult to treat than epithelioid mesothelioma. Peritoneal Mesothelioma The peritoneum (the liner of the abdominal cavity) is affected by peritoneal cancer. It is less prevalent than mesothelioma of the pleural region. Like all mesotheliomas the cause of peritoneal cancer is asbestos exposure. However, unlike pleural mesothelioma, people are more likely to develop this form of mesothelioma by ingesting asbestos fibers instead of inhaling them. This kind of mesothelioma usually occurs in older people and is more prevalent in women than men. The early stages of mesothelioma are difficult to identify due to the lack of specificity. However, mesothelioma experts know how to spot the condition. Doctors can identify mesothelioma using detailed patient histories and imaging and blood tests. A doctor will employ the TNM system to determine the stage of cancer after an mesothelioma diagnosis. This system of staging outlines how the tumors have spread and affects the treatment options. The lower the stage, the better treatment options available. It is often difficult to recognize peritoneal Msothelioma because it is so rare. This condition can have symptoms that are similar to other conditions that affect the abdomen and gastrointestinal tract including abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. Because of this, those suffering from undiagnosed symptoms should consult a doctor. The doctor will first perform a physical examination and take basic blood tests. If these tests reveal that there is a disease and an oncologist is needed, they can conduct more thorough diagnostic tests, such as biopsies. This will give a clear picture of the patient's health, and identify any possible mesothelioma signs. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma-related cases in general. Asbestos exposure is commonplace in the workplace, but also at home or at school. Asbestos is the most hazardous when exposed for a prolonged period of time. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can develop when asbestos dust or asbestos particles get into the body and cause irritation or inflammation. Over time the inflammation and irritation can cause cells to mutate into cancerous cells and create tumors. The cancerous tissue that is created can later infiltrate other tissues and cause symptoms such as abdominal discomfort as well as fever, weight gain and swelling. Cardiovascular Mesothelioma Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare cancer that affects the pericardium or lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases. It is among the most difficult to identify because the symptoms are similar to heart disease. Many people are diagnosed with heart disease before doctors can confirm that they have pericardial mesothelioma. As with other types of mesothelioma the pericardial mesothelioma may be caused by exposure to asbestos. It is believed that asbestos fibers get into the pericardium through the bloodstream. The fibers be carried to other organs, such as the heart. Pericardial Mesothelioma usually occurs in the outer layer, but can also occur in its inner layer. Pericardial Mesothelioma is correlated with a lower prognosis when in comparison to other types of mesothelioma. new jersey asbestos lawyer , fatigue and difficulty breathing are the main symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma. Due to the rareness of this mesothelioma type, it is especially important for patients to undergo an exhaustive medical examination. It is crucial that patients tell their doctor if they have an asbestos-related exposure. The first step in the diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually a CT scan or echocardiogram. 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 then doctors can perform additional procedures to confirm the diagnosis. This could include a biopsy and radiation. A mesothelioma biopsy is a process in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the affected area, and then examined under microscope. This helps doctors determine the type of mesothelioma they are looking for and the stage of the disease. Patients suffering from mesothelioma may be treated at cancer centers and specialized hospitals across the country. Treatment options for mesothelioma can include chemo, surgery, and radiation. Certain patients may qualify to receive free or low-cost medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This financial aid is essential for mesothelioma patients to help make treatment more affordable. Contact a VA-approved mesothelioma attorney to find out more about the benefits you can avail. Reproductive Mesothelioma Mesothelioma can begin in the linings that cover organs in the abdomen and chest. It may also develop in the lining around the heart and testicles (pericardium and tunica vaginalis). Men are more affected than women for unknown reasons. Exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor. The signs usually don't appear until years after exposure. Mesothelioma is more common in people exposed to asbestos when working. In most instances, chest pains or a persistent cough are the primary symptoms. These symptoms are usually similar to those of other lung diseases which is why mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed. Once diagnosed, the patient can undergo a number of tests to determine the extent the cancer has spread and the stage at which it is. These tests could include imaging scans and blood which include X-rays as well as CT scans. The mesothelioma specialist may also perform a biopsy of the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy can be performed using a core needle or laparoscopically. The biopsy should be done by a specialist in peritoneal mesothelioma. General medical oncologists are not qualified to recognize peritoneal msothelioma and could misdiagnose it. The results of a mesothelioma test will aid doctors in determining the best treatment option. Treatment will depend on the severity of the cancer and your general health. It is usually possible to treat symptoms and treatments include removing fluid from the lungs chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Chemotherapy is a highly effective treatment for most types of mesothelioma. However, these medicines can also affect healthy cells. They can harm the ovarian tissue, which could affect fertility. This is especially true for peritoneal mesothelioma which is found in the region around reproductive organs. The mesothelioma type and the severity you have, aswell as your age and general health, will influence how quickly the cancer is treated and its prognosis. About 2,700 people in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is most common for the disease to develop in the lung lining (pleura) but can also develop in the linings of the tummy (peritoneum) and less often around the testicles or the heart.