Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is found in the lining of organs, including the lungs pleura and abdomen It is typically caused by asbestos exposure, which is a grouping of minerals that is made up of microscopic fibers It can take between 20 and 60 years after exposure before mesothelioma starts to show up X-rays and blood tests are a way to identify mesothelioma and determine how far it has spread Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural Mesothelioma occurs when malignant cells develop in the lining around the lung pleura Pleura is a two-layer of tissue that covers most organs Cancerous pleural mesothelioma most often affects the lungs and chest wall and can trigger symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain or breathing difficulties Asbestos is the most significant cause of pleural mesothelioma Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause damage to the lung's lining This could cause scarring and inflammation that can trigger changes that result in an out of control growth of cells Some people exposed to asbestos might not be able to recognize symptoms until decades after their initial exposure This is because mesothelioma may take a long time to develop Those diagnosed with the disease typically are men and people assigned male at birth older adults who have worked in industries that utilized large quantities of asbestos prior to when it was regulated or used in the military, specifically in the Navy The symptoms can vary based on the location of the tumor They are usually caused by an increase in pressure or swelling near the affected lung The symptoms include fatigue, undiagnosed chest pain, weight loss, and back pain X-rays, CT or MRI scans can be used to determine the cause of other ailments that may be causing similar symptoms When pleural asbestosis is discovered by doctors, they will evaluate the stage of cancer to determine the most effective treatment options The International Mesothelioma Interest Group has developed the staging system The first step in determining the stage of the disease is to take a biopsy and examine the patient's medical records X-rays as well as a chest MRI can also be used to determine whether there are any abnormalities or tumors that could indicate mesothelioma There are three distinct types of mesothelioma which can be classified based on the type of cells that form Epithelioid Mesothelioma The most commonly encountered type of malignant mesothelioma 60 to 90 of cases It is generally easier to treat than other kinds Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is the second most common type of mesothelioma between 10 percent and 15 percent of cases It is more difficult than epithelioid Peritoneal Mesothelioma The peritoneum the inner lining of the abdominal cavity is affected by peritoneal mesothelioma It is less common than the pleural variant Like all mesothelioma kinds the peritoneal mesothelioma is a result of asbestos exposure However, unlike pleural mesothelioma, people are more likely to develop this type of mesothelioma through ingestion of asbestos fibers, rather than inhaling asbestos fibers This type of mesothelioma generally occurs in older people and is more common for women than men The initial stages of mesothelioma are difficult to recognize due to the lack of specificity Experts in mesothelioma know how to identify the disease Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma by conducting thorough patient histories, as well as blood and imaging tests A doctor will use the TNM system to determine the stage of cancer after an mesothelioma diagnosis The staging system outlines how the tumors are spreading and affects the treatment options The lower the stage, the better treatments are available Because peritoneal mesothelioma is rare, it is difficult to identify This condition can have symptoms that are similar to other diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen like abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss For this reason, patients with unprovoked symptoms should consult a doctor The doctor will first perform a physical examination and take basic blood tests If these tests show a possible disease, an oncologist will perform more extensive diagnostic tests, including biopsies https//vimeocom/704937158 will give an accurate picture of the health of the individual and will identify any possible mesothelioma symptoms Asbestos exposure is the main cause of all mesothelioma cases Exposure to asbestos typically occurs at work, but it can also occur at home or in schools Asbestos exposure can be extremely dangerous when it takes place for prolonged periods of time Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos dust or particles that enter the body, causing irritation or inflammation As time passes, irritation and inflammation may cause cells to mutate and turn cancerous The resulting cancerous tissue can then invade and attack other tissues within the body which can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, weight loss and swelling Cardiovascular Mesothelioma Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare cancer that 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 detect because of the similar symptoms 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 exposure to asbestos can cause pericardial cancer It is believed that asbestos fibers enter the pericardium through the bloodstream The fibers could later travel to other organs, such as the heart Pericardial mesothelioma usually occurs in the outer layer of the pericardium, however, it can also be found in the inner layer Pericardial Mesothelioma has been associated with a less favorable prognosis as compared to other types of mesothelioma The symptoms of fatigue, chest pain and difficulty breathing are the main symptoms of pericardial Mesothelioma It is important that victims undergo a thorough medical exam due to the fact that this type of mesothelioma is extremely rare If they have an prior history of exposure to asbestos, it's essential to inform their doctor A CT scan or echocardiogram is often the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma These tests can reveal fluid accumulation around the heart, as well as any visible pericardial tumors If these tests show mesothelioma in the body, doctors can perform additional procedures to confirm the diagnosis These include a biopsy, or radiation A mesothelioma biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the affected area, and then examined under microscope This will allow doctors to determine the type and stage of mesothelioma Patients suffering from mesothelioma are treated in cancer centers and special hospitals across the nation Treatment options for mesothelioma can include surgery, chemo and radiation Some victims may be eligible for free or low-cost medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs For victims of 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 you can avail Reproductive Mesothelioma Mesothelioma may begin in the linings of organs in the chest or abdomen It can also develop in the tissue of the heart pericardium and the testicles Men are affected more than women for reasons that are not known The exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor Symptoms do not usually appear for decades after asbestos exposure Workers exposed to asbestos at work are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma than other people In the majority of cases, the first sign of mesothelioma is a persistent cough or chest pains These symptoms are often similar to those of other lung conditions which is why mesothelioma can be mistakenly diagnosed Once diagnosed, the patient may undergo a series of tests to determine how far the cancer spreads and the stage at which it is These tests may include blood and imaging scans such as X-rays and CT scans A biopsy may be taken by the mesothelioma expert to confirm the diagnosis The biopsy can be done by using a core needle or laparoscopically The biopsy should be carried out by a peritoneal-mesothelioma expert Medical oncologists who are generalists are not qualified to recognize peritoneal msothelioma and may misdiagnose it The results of the mesothelioma test will aid doctors in determining the most effective treatment plan for you The treatment you receive will depend on how far the cancer has spread as well as your overall health It is often possible to manage symptoms and treatments may include draining the lungs of fluid, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery Chemotherapy is a successful treatment for most types of mesothelioma These drugs can also harm healthy cells They can cause damage to the ovarian tissue, which could impact fertility This is particularly true for peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the area around reproductive organs The type and severity, as well as your age and general health will determine the speed at which you are treated and your prognosis In the UK about 2700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma per year It is typical for the disease to occur in the lung lining pleura but it could also form in the linings of the stomach peritoneum and less frequently, around the heart or testicles