Mesothelioma Cancer Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is triggered by exposure to asbestos Inhaling asbestos fibers cause mesothelioma pleural and swallowing asbestos can cause peritoneal mesothelioma The symptoms can manifest 10 to 50 years after the initial diagnosis The symptoms include breathlessness, chest pain and abdominal distress Risk Factors Asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma The most well-known mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the chest cavity's lining and lungs Mesothelioma may also grow in the peritoneum the membrane that surrounds the heart or the pericardium The cancer may take up to 50 years to manifest symptoms These symptoms are frequently misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms Mesothelioma is more common in older people and more prevalent in males than females Exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of tiny fibres which were employed in building materials, such as ceilings and walls due to its resistance to fire and heat It was also used in the manufacture of products like pipes insulation, shingles, and cement People who worked in industries where asbestos was a common ingredient like construction, mining or shipbuilding are at risk of developing mesothelioma However even those who experienced secondary exposure such as family members who brought home asbestos on their clothes and skin, are at risk A small proportion less than 5 of mesothelioma can be traced to an alteration in the BAP1 gene This genetic change increases the chance of developing mesothelioma among those who have been exposed asbestos The patient's age is also an indicator of risk Mesothelioma is most often found in those who are over 45 and two-thirds of those diagnosed are 65 or older This is due to the long duration of exposure to asbestos However it is also possible that older people are more likely to develop the disease due to the long-term exposure to asbestos White males are more likely develop mesothelioma more than any other race or gender This is due to the fact that historically white men were more likely to work in occupations that put them at a greater risk of exposure to asbestos than other groups Mesothelioma typically affects those who were exposed asbestos before the 1980s, a time when more stringent regulations were in place Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by asbestos, occurs in the protective linings of various organs The cancerous tumors can cause severe pain and damage the tissue The malignancy could extend to other areas of the body through the lymphatic system or the bloodstream Mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu It can take up to 50 years after asbestos exposure before they show symptoms https//vimeocom/704935500 makes it difficult to recognize mesothelioma early Additionally, the symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions In most cases, the malignant tumors originate in the lungs and chest cavity pleura Mesothelioma is also able to develop in the linings that surround the heart and abdomen In rare instances, it can affect the lining of the heart or the testes Asbestos is a collection of minerals that forms long, thin fibers These fibers are so strong that they are unable to be broken down by chemicals, water or bacteria They were commonly used in a variety construction and household products before scientists realised how harmful they were to people's lives Most mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or at home and the majority of those exposed worked in the US Navy or air force, construction or shipbuilding industries It is more prevalent in males than females and veterans account for around 30 of mesothelioma cases When mesothelioma is diagnosed doctors can spot it with imaging scans and medical tests These include X-rays CT scans, MRIs and PET scans The doctor can also send a tissue sample to a laboratory for testing The results can help doctors determine the type of mesothelioma and stage of the disease which can affect the prognosis as well as treatment options Most types of mesothelioma are epithelioid or sarcomatoid and between 10 and 15 percent are biphasic, or mixed Epithelioid cancers are less aggressive and usually has the highest survival rates Sarcomatoid mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is more difficult to treat Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma, especially in its early stages The first step is to visit their primary physician with any symptoms, like chest pains or coughing The doctor will examine the patient's breathing through the stethoscope and document their medical history and work This includes any past history of asbestos exposure, which is important in determining mesothelioma's diagnosis Doctors must rule out any other diseases before they can confirm the diagnosis, as mesothelioma signs are similar to those of other diseases For instance mesothelioma is a cancer that usually spreads to a person's lungs from other parts of the body, such as their abdomen or chest wall Asbestos-related victims are more prone to lung problems, including pneumonia, and pleural mesothelioma symptoms can be confused with other respiratory ailments Mesothelioma can be detected with blood tests and imaging tests, as well as biopsies These tests can aid doctors in identifying the cancerous region which is usually located in the lungs, but may also be in the testicles or stomach The tests will help doctors determine the extent to which the cancer has spread in the body A CT scan or MRI may reveal signs of mesothelioma These include calcium deposits also known as plaque in the pleura, and an accumulation between the lungs and chest wall These tests can also show whether a person has more lungs on one side or the other In many cases, a biopsied is required to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma This procedure involves removing the tissue in a small amount and analyzing it in a laboratory for mesothelioma cell Some patients may require additional tests such as FDG-positron emissions tomography PET, allowing doctors to examine the lymph nodes that are located in the middle of the chest and sample them, or endobronchial ultrasonography EBUS which uses sound waves to look at the mesothelium and lungs Mesothelioma is a rare condition, and doctors are still learning how to treat it effectively Patients who have been diagnosed with cancer should be aware of their options and determine the best treatment for them Treatment Mesothelioma can affect the lung's lining pleural mesothelioma and abdomen peritoneal mesothelioma or the heart pericardial mesothelioma The symptoms usually don't manifest until years after exposure to asbestos It is important that people who have been exposed to asbestos get checked for any strange symptoms A doctor will go over your medical history in order to determine if you have mesothelioma-related risks This includes how long and how often you were exposed to asbestos The doctor will also do an exam to look for mesothelioma-related signs, for example, fluid accumulation in the chest cavity Mesothelioma is categorized by the type of cells that form in the mesothelium, and where those cells are located Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common type of to 80 mesothelioma The other types of mesothelioma are sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma which represent approximately 10 to 15 of mesothelioma patients There are a variety of treatment options for mesothelioma The type of treatment you choose depends on the type of mesothelioma and the stage of the disease In certain cases, mesothelioma can be treated with radiation or chemotherapy During these treatments doctors administer powerful chemotherapy drugs or utilize special equipment to eliminate cancerous cells and reduce the risk of mesothelioma recurring Other types of mesothelioma can be treated with surgery that removes part of the lining from the affected organ This can also ease breathing difficulties and other symptoms A person suffering from pleural asbestosis may undergo a procedure referred to as VATS This involves inserting a camera into the lung and then removing a portion of the lung and pleura This procedure can help with breathing problems due to the accumulation of fluid in the lung However, it can not cure mesothelioma Other options for treatment include pain management and support services It is important for people suffering from mesothelioma to obtain as much information as possible about the disease and ways to deal with it The more knowledgeable they are, the better they can plan for a future which includes a variety of wellness and health activities