Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the organ's lining, including the lung pleura and abdomen It is typically caused by asbestos exposure a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers It can take between 20 to 60 years after exposure for mesothelioma to begin to show up X-rays and blood tests may aid in diagnosing mesothelioma, well as reveal how far it has spread Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural Mesothelioma is caused by malignant cells that develop in the lung's lining The pleura is a multi-layered tissue that is surrounded by various organs Cancerous pleural msothelioma is most typically located in the lungs or chest wall This can cause symptoms like a breathing difficulty, chest pain, and breathing difficulties Asbestos exposure is the most frequent cause of pleural mesothelioma 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 that could cause changes that lead to out of control cell growth Some people exposed to asbestos may not notice symptoms until years after the initial exposure This is because mesothelioma can take a long time to develop People diagnosed with the disease typically are men and people assigned male at birth older adults who have worked in industries that employed large quantities of asbestos prior to when it was regulated or used in the military, especially in the Navy Symptoms vary depending on where the tumor is located are typically caused by an increase in pressure or swelling in the affected lung These symptoms can include coughing, back or chest pains and weight loss that is not explained and fatigue X-rays or CT or MRIs can be used to diagnose to rule out other conditions that may be causing the same symptoms If pleural mesothelioma is identified, doctors will determine the stage of the disease to help determine the most effective treatment options The International Mesothelioma Interest Group has developed the staging system The first step to determining the stage of the disease is to take a biopsy and review the medical records of the patient X-rays and a chest MRI can also be used to determine if there are any abnormalities or tumors that indicate mesothelioma There are three different types of mesothelioma which can be categorized based on the kind of cells that make up Epithelioid Mesothelioma The most commonly encountered kind of malignant mesothelioma 60 to 80percent of cases It is generally easier to treat than other kinds Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is the second-most commonly diagnosed kind of mesothelioma between 10 15 and 10 of cases It is more difficult than epithelioid Peritoneal Mesothelioma Peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the abdominal cavity's lining peritoneum It is less frequent than pleural mesothelioma Like all mesothelioma forms the peritoneal mesothelioma is a result of asbestos exposure However, unlike pleural mesothelioma, people are more likely to develop this type of mesothelioma when they consume asbestos fibers instead of inhaling asbestos particles https//vimeocom/704895239 of mesothelioma generally occurs in older individuals and is more prevalent in women than men Mesothelioma can take a long time to show symptoms, and the nonspecific nature of its early stages makes it difficult to identify However, experts in mesothelioma know how to spot the condition Complete patient histories, as well as imaging and blood tests can help doctors make an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma A doctor will use the TNM system to determine the stage of cancer after the diagnosis of mesothelioma The staging system outlines the extent of the tumor's spread and influences treatment options The lower the stage, the greater treatments are available Because peritoneal mesothelioma is so uncommon, it can be difficult to identify This condition may present symptoms that are similar to other conditions that affect the abdomen and gastrointestinal tract, such as abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss This is why patients who have unexplained symptoms should consult a physician Doctors will start with a physical examination and performing basic blood tests If these tests reveal that a condition is present, an oncologist may perform more specific diagnostic tests, like biopsies This will provide an accurate picture of the patient's health, and identify any possible mesothelioma-related signs Asbestos is the most significant cause of mesothelioma Asbestos exposure can occur in the workplace but also at home or at school Asbestos exposure is most dangerous when it is for an extended period of time Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos dust or particles entering the body and causing inflammation or irritation In time the inflammation and irritation can cause cells to transform into cancerous cells and create tumors The cancerous tissue that is created can spread to other tissues and cause symptoms like abdominal discomfort, weight gain, fever and swelling Cardiovascular Mesothelioma Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that affects the pericardium or lining of the heart This kind of mesothelioma accounts for less than 1 all mesothelioma and is difficult to diagnose due to the similar signs that heart disease sufferers experience In the end, many people receive a diagnosis of heart disease before doctors can confirm that they have mesothelioma pericardial As with other types of mesothelioma, asbestos exposure can cause pericardial cancer Asbestos fibers can be introduced into the pericardium through the bloodstream The fibers be carried to other organs like the heart Pericardial Mesothelioma typically occurs in the outer layer, but it may also occur in its inner layer Pericardial mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis than other types of mesothelioma Fatigue, chest pain, and breathing difficulties are all symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma It is essential that patients undergo a thorough medical exam due to the fact that this type of mesothelioma can be found in very few It is important that patients tell their doctor if they've had any asbestos exposure in the past A CT scan or echocardiogram is often the first step to diagnose mesothelioma These tests can detect the presence of fluid 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 diagnoses This could include a biopsy and radiation A mesothelioma biopsy is a procedure by which a small sample of tissue is removed from the affected area, and then examined under a microscope This allows doctors to determine the type and stage of mesothelioma Patients suffering from mesothelioma are treated in cancer centers and specialist hospitals across the country Based on the type of mesothelioma, treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation Certain patients may qualify for free or low-cost health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs This financial assistance is crucial for mesothelioma victims to reduce the cost of treatment To find out more about your rights get in touch with a VA-approved attorney for mesothelioma Reproductive Mesothelioma Mesothelioma may begin in the linings of organs in the abdomen and chest It can also grow in the heart's lining 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 years after exposure Mesothelioma is more prevalent for those exposed to asbestos while at work In most cases, chest pains or a persistent cough are the first symptoms These symptoms are usually similar to those of other lung conditions and, therefore, mesothelioma is often mistakenly diagnosed If diagnosed, patients could undergo several tests to determine how far the cancer has spread and the stage These tests could include imaging scans such as X-rays or CT scans The mesothelioma doctor may also perform a biopsy of the affected area to confirm the diagnosis The biopsy can be done using a core needle or laparoscopically It is essential that a specialist in peritoneal mesothelioma conducts the biopsy General medical oncologists don't have the knowledge to identify peritoneal mesothelioma and could miss diagnosing the condition The results of mesothelioma test will help doctors decide on the best treatment option for you The treatment will depend on the extent to which the cancer has spread, and your general health It is often possible to treat symptoms and treatments may include draining fluid from the lungs, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery Most types of mesothelioma can be treated with chemotherapy These medications can also cause harm to healthy cells They can damage the ovarian tissue, which can impact fertility This is particularly true for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, which is found in the region surrounding reproductive organs The type and severity of the cancer, as well as age and general health will determine how quickly you are treated and your prognosis Around 2700 people in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year The condition is typically found in the linings surrounding the abdomen and lungs peritoneum however, it can also manifest around the testicles and heart