Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the organ's lining, including the lung pleura and abdomen It is usually caused by asbestos exposure a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers It could take between 20 to 60 years after exposure for mesothelioma to begin to show signs Blood tests or X-rays can be used to detect mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which it has spread Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural Mesothelioma occurs when malignant cells develop in the lining around the lung pleura The pleura is a double-layered tissue that surrounds numerous organs Msothelioma pleural cancer is most commonly located in the lungs, or chest wall It can trigger symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, and breathing difficulties Asbestos is the most significant cause of pleural msothelioma When airborne asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can travel down the throat and into the lungs where they can damage the lining This can cause scarring and inflammation, which can cause changes that result in out-of-control cell growth Some asbestos-exposure victims may not show symptoms for decades after exposure Mesothelioma may take several years to develop Males and male-born individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma Other common diagnoses include older adults who worked in industries that employed asbestos in large quantities prior to when it was banned or who were in the Navy The symptoms can vary based on the location of the tumor They are usually caused by an increase in swelling or pressure near the affected lung The symptoms may include coughing, chest or back pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue X-rays, CT or MRI scans can be used to rule out other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms If pleural asbestosis is identified, doctors will assess the stage of the cancer to determine the most effective treatment options The staging system is set by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group The first step in determining the stage is to take a biopsy and examining the medical history of the patient X-rays or chest MRI can also be used to determine if there are any tumors, or other abnormalities that could indicate mesothelioma There are three different kinds of mesothelioma that can be classified according to the type of cells that form Epithelioid Mesothelioma The most commonly encountered kind of malignant mesothelioma 60 to 80 of cases It is usually easier to treat than other kinds Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma This is the second most prevalent kind of mesothelioma 10 15 to 15 of cases It is more difficult than epithelioid Peritoneal Mesothelioma Peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdominal cavity peritoneum It is less frequent than the pleural form As with all mesothelioma, the peritoneal cancer is caused by asbestos exposure However unlike pleural mesothelioma people are more likely to develop this form of mesothelioma when they consume asbestos fibers, rather than inhaling asbestos fibers This form of mesothelioma occurs more common in women than men and can be found in older people The mesothelioma's early stages are difficult to recognize because of the lack of specificity However, mesothelioma experts are able to recognize the disease Detailed patient histories along with blood and imaging tests, can aid doctors in making a mesothelioma diagnosis A doctor will utilize the TNM system to determine the stage of cancer following a mesothelioma diagnosis This staging system describes how the tumors are spreading and affects the treatment options https//vimeocom/704884265 , the greater treatment options are available Because peritoneal mesothelioma is uncommon, it can be difficult to identify The symptoms of this disease are similar to those of other illnesses that affect the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen, including abdominal discomfort, fever and weight loss This is why patients who have unexplained symptoms should consult a doctor Doctors will start with a physical examination and taking basic blood tests If these tests indicate that a disease is present and an oncologist is needed, they can conduct more specific diagnostic tests, such as biopsies This will provide an accurate picture of the person's health and will identify any possible mesothelioma signs Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of all mesothelioma cases Asbestos exposure is commonplace in the workplace, but also at home or at school Asbestos is the most hazardous if it is exposed for a prolonged period of time Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos dust or particles entering the body, causing irritation or inflammation In time the inflammation and irritation can cause cells to mutate into cancerous cells and create tumors The cancerous tissue that has been formed can then invade other tissues and cause symptoms such as abdominal discomfort as well as fever, weight gain and swelling Cardiovascular Mesothelioma Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the heart's lining, or the pericardium The mesothelioma type is less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases and it is one of the most difficult cancers to identify because the symptoms are so similar to those of heart disease Many patients are diagnosed with heart disease before doctors are able to confirm they have pericardial msothelioma Like other mesothelioma types Pericardial mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos Asbestos fibers are believed enter the pericardium via the bloodstream These fibers can be transported to other organs such as the heart Pericardial mesothelioma is typically found in the outer layer of the pericardium, however, it can also be found in the inner layer Pericardial Mesothelioma is correlated with a lower prognosis when than other types of mesothelioma The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are chest pain, breathing difficulties and fatigue Due to the rarity of this type of mesothelioma, it is especially important for victims to have a thorough medical examination It is crucial that patients tell their doctor if they've had any asbestos exposure in the past The first step in the diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually the CT scan or echocardiogram These tests can reveal an accumulation of fluid around the heart as well as visible pericardial tumors If these tests reveal the presence of mesothelioma then doctors may perform additional procedures to confirm the diagnoses These can include a biopsy or radiation A mesothelioma biopsy is a procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the affected area and examined under microscope This will allow doctors to determine the stage and type of mesothelioma Patients with mesothelioma can be treated at cancer centers and specialized hospitals across the nation Treatment options for mesothelioma can include chemo, surgery and radiation In certain cases, patients can qualify for health care at no cost or with a reduced price through the Department of Veterans Affairs For victims of mesothelioma, this financial assistance is vital to making treatment more accessible To find out more about your rights, contact a VA-approved lawyer for mesothelioma Reproductive Mesothelioma Mesothelioma can start in the linings that cover organs in the chest and abdomen It may also be found in the tissue of the heart pericardium and testicles The risk for men is higher than women for unknown reasons Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor Symptoms are not common for many years after exposure to asbestos Mesothelioma is more prevalent for those exposed to asbestos during work In the majority of instances, chest pains or a persistent cough are the first symptoms These symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other lung disorders which is why mesothelioma can be mistakenly diagnosed Once diagnosed, patients may undergo an array of tests to find out how far the cancer has spread and the stage at which it is These tests may include imaging scans, such as X-rays or CT scans The mesothelioma specialist can also take a biopsy from the affected area to confirm the diagnosis The biopsy may be done using a core-needle or laparoscopically It is crucial that a specialist in peritoneal cancer is the person who performs the biopsy General medical oncologists do not have the expertise to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma and could misdiagnose the condition The results of the mesothelioma test will aid doctors in determining the best treatment option for you The treatment you receive will depend on how far the cancer has spread, and your general health Treatments include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery It is possible to control the symptoms Most types of mesothelioma can be treated by chemotherapy However, these drugs can also affect healthy cells They can damage ovarian tissue, and this could affect fertility This is particularly true for peritoneal asbestosis, which affects the region around the reproductive organs The severity and type of mesothelioma, as well as age and general health will determine the speed at which you are treated and your prognosis About 2,700 people in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year It is common for the disease to be found in the lung lining pleura but it could also form in the linings of the stomach peritoneum and, less commonly, around the testicles or the heart