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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining of organs including the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It is usually caused by asbestos exposure, an amalgamation of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. It could take between 20 to 60 years after exposure before mesothelioma begins to appear. Blood tests or X-rays can be used to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which it has spread. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural Mesothelioma occurs when malignant cells grow in the lining surrounding the lung (pleura). Pleura is a two-layer of tissue that covers most organs. Pleural mesothelioma, a cancerous form of pleural affects the chest wall and lungs and can cause symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain or breathing difficulties. Asbestos is the primary cause of pleural msothelioma. When asbestos fibers from the air are inhaled, they can travel through the throat and into the lungs, which can cause damage to the lining. This can lead to inflammation and scarring, which may cause changes that lead to out-of-control cell growth. Some asbestos-exposure victims might not exhibit symptoms for decades after exposure. This is due to the fact that mesothelioma can take a long time to develop. Men and people born male are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Other diagnoses that are common include older people who worked in industries that used asbestos in large quantities prior to the time it was controlled or who were in the Navy. The symptoms may vary depending on the location of the tumor. They are typically caused by increased pressure or swelling around 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 as a diagnostic tool to rule out any other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms. If pleural cancer is detected doctors will determine the stage of the disease to help determine the best treatment options. The International Mesothelioma Interest Group has developed the staging system. The first step to determine the stage is taking an in-person biopsy and looking over the patient's medical history. X-rays or a chest MRI can also be used to determine if there is any tumors or other abnormalities that could be indicative of mesothelioma. There are three different types of mesothelioma which can be categorized based on the type of cells that form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma: The most commonly encountered kind of malignant mesothelioma (60 percent to 80% of cases). It is less difficult to treat compared to other types. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma: This is the second most frequent type of mesothelioma (10 15% to 15% of cases). It is more difficult than epithelioid. Peritoneal Mesothelioma The peritoneum (the liner of the abdominal cavity) is affected by peritoneal mesothelioma. It is less frequent than the pleural variant. Like all mesothelioma forms, peritoneal mesothelioma stems from asbestos exposure. This type of mesothelioma is more likely to result from ingestion than inhalation, unlike pleural. This kind of mesothelioma usually occurs in older people and is more common in women than men. The initial stages of mesothelioma are difficult to identify because of the lack of specificity. Experts in mesothelioma know how to diagnose the disease. Doctors can identify mesothelioma using detailed patient histories and imaging and blood tests. When mesothelioma is discovered the doctor will determine the stage of the cancer using the TNM system. This staging system describes the extent of the tumor's spread and affects treatment options. The lower the stage, the more treatment options are available. It is often difficult to detect peritoneal msothelioma because it is so rare. This condition may present symptoms that are similar to other diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen, such as abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss. Patients with unexplained symptoms are advised to consult a doctor. The doctor will perform a physical examination and take basic blood tests. If these tests reveal the possibility of having a disease, an oncologist will conduct more thorough diagnostic tests, such as biopsies. This will provide an accurate picture of the health of the individual, and identify any possible mesothelioma-related signs. Asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can occur in the workplace, but it can also occur at home or in schools. Asbestos exposure is most dangerous when it occurs over an extended period of time. Mesothelioma can form 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 change into cancerous cells and create tumors. The cancerous tissue that is created can spread to other tissues and cause symptoms like abdominal discomfort and weight gain, fever and swelling. Cardiovascular Mesothelioma Pericardial mesothelioma, a rare cancer, that affects the lining of the heart, or the pericardium. The mesothelioma type is less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases. It is among the most difficult cancers to identify because the symptoms are so similar to heart disease. This is why many people are diagnosed of heart disease before doctors are able to confirm that they have mesothelioma pericardial. Like other types of mesothelioma Pericardial mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. It is thought that asbestos fibers are absorbed into the pericardium via the bloodstream. These fibers may be carried to other organs like the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma is typically found in the outer layer of the pericardium but it can also occur in the inner layer. Pericardial Mesothelioma is correlated with a lower prognosis when than other mesothelioma types. The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue. It is essential that patients undergo a thorough medical exam because this rare form of mesothelioma is so rare. It is important that patients tell their doctor if they have any asbestos exposure in the past. The first step in the diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually an CT scan or echocardiogram. These tests can detect fluid buildup around the heart, and also any visible pericardial tumors. If these tests show the presence of mesothelioma then doctors may perform additional procedures to confirm the diagnosis. This could include a biopsy or radiation. A mesothelioma biopsy is a procedure where a small piece of tissue is taken from the area affected and then examined under the microscope. This will enable doctors to determine the type and stage of mesothelioma. Patients with mesothelioma can be treated at cancer centers and specialized hospitals across the country. Treatment options for mesothelioma can include surgery, chemo and radiation. In certain cases, patients can qualify for health insurance at no cost or at a reduced cost through the Department of Veterans Affairs. boston asbestos lawsuit is essential for mesothelioma patients to reduce the cost of treatment. To find out more about your benefits, contact a VA-approved lawyer for mesothelioma. Reproductive Mesothelioma Mesothelioma can begin in the linings that surround organs in the abdomen and chest. It may also develop in the lining surrounding the testicles and heart (pericardium and tunica vaginalis). The risk for men is higher than women for unknown reasons. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor. The symptoms do not typically show for many years after exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people exposed to asbestos when working. In most cases, the first symptom is an ongoing cough or chest pains. Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed because these symptoms are akin to other lung disorders. Once diagnosed, the patient will undergo a series of tests to determine the extent the cancer has spread and its stage. These tests can include imaging scans and blood such as X-rays and CT scans. The mesothelioma doctor may also take a biopsy from the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy can be performed with a laparoscopic needle or a core-needle. The biopsy should be done by a specialist in peritoneal mesothelioma. Medical oncologists who are generalists are not qualified to recognize peritoneal msothelioma and could misdiagnose it. Test results for mesothelioma can help doctors determine the best treatment option. Treatment will depend on the degree of the cancer as well as your general health. It is usually possible to control symptoms, and treatments include removing fluid from the lungs, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Chemotherapy is a successful treatment for all types of mesothelioma. However, these medications can also affect healthy cells. They can damage the ovarian tissue, which could impact fertility. This is particularly the case with peritoneal asbestosis which affects the area surrounding the reproductive organs. The mesothelioma type and severity you suffer from, as well as your age and general health will affect how quickly the cancer is treated as well as its prognosis. About 2,700 people in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is typical for the disease to be found in the lung's lining (pleura) but can be found in the linings of the stomach (peritoneum) and less frequently around the heart or testicles.