This Week's Most Popular Stories About Mesothelioma Asbestos Mesothelioma Asbestos

Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a cancerous growth that occurs in the organs' linings like the abdomen and lungs (pleura), is caused by exposure to asbestos. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals that are made of microscopic fibres. It can take between 20 and 60 years after exposure for mesothelioma to begin to show signs. X-rays and blood tests are a way to identify mesothelioma and assess the extent to which it has spread. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural Mesothelioma is a malignant cells develop in the lining of the lung (pleura). Pleura is a two-layer of tissue that covers the majority of organs. The cancerous pleural msothelioma of the pleura typically located in the lungs or the chest wall. It can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulty as well as chest pain and breathing difficulties. Asbestos is the primary cause of pleural mesothelioma. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause damage to the lining of the lungs. This can cause inflammation and scarring, which could cause changes that lead to out of control cell growth. People who have been exposed to asbestos may not experience symptoms until decades after their initial exposure. This is because mesothelioma may take several years or more to develop. Males and those born male are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Other common diagnoses include older people working in industries that employed asbestos in large quantities prior to the time it was controlled or served in the Navy. The symptoms vary depending on the area of the tumor. The symptoms are usually caused by an increase in swelling or pressure near the affected lung. These symptoms include fatigue undiagnosed chest pain, weight loss, and back pain. X-rays, CT or MRI scans can be used to determine if there are other conditions which could cause similar symptoms. If pleural mesothelioma is identified doctors will determine the stage of the disease to help determine the best treatment options. The staging system is set by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group. The first step in determining the stage is to take an in-person biopsy and looking over the patient's medical history. X-rays and chest MRI can also be used to determine if there are tumors or other abnormalities that could indicate mesothelioma. There are three different types of mesothelioma that can be classified according to the type of cells that form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma: The most frequent kind of malignant mesothelioma (60 percent to 90% of cases). It is generally easier to treat than other kinds. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma: This is the second most prevalent type of mesothelioma (10 15% to 15 percent of cases). It is more difficult than epithelioid. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It is less prevalent than the pleural form. Like all mesothelioma types the peritoneal mesothelioma is a result of asbestos exposure. This type of mesothelioma is more likely to result from ingestion rather than inhalation, which is not the case with pleural. This type of mesothelioma typically occurs in older adults and is more common in women than men. The mesothelioma's early stages are difficult to recognize due to the lack of specificity. Experts in mesothelioma know how to recognize the disease. Detailed patient histories and imaging and blood tests, will help doctors make a mesothelioma diagnosis. A doctor will employ the TNM system to determine the stage of cancer after an mesothelioma diagnosis. The staging system outlines how the tumors have spread and affects treatment options. The lower the stage the more treatment options are available. Since peritoneal mesothelioma can be so rare, it is difficult to identify. The symptoms of this disease are similar to those of other diseases that affect the digestive tract and abdomen, such as abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss. For this reason, those suffering from undiagnosed symptoms should consult a doctor. Doctors begin by conducting a physical exam and performing basic blood tests. If these tests indicate that a condition is present, an oncologist may perform more detailed diagnostic tests, like biopsies. This will give an accurate picture of a person's health and will identify any possible mesothelioma symptoms. Asbestos exposure is the main reason for mesothelioma cases in all forms. The exposure to asbestos is usually in the workplace, however it can also occur at home or in schools. Asbestos is the most hazardous if it is exposed for a long time. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos dust or particles that enter the body and causing inflammation or irritation. Over time the inflammation and irritation can cause cells to change into cancerous cells and form tumors. The cancerous tissue created can later infiltrate 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, is a cancer of the pericardium, or lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma is less than 1% all mesothelioma and is difficult to identify because of the similar symptoms similar to heart disease. As a result, many people are diagnosed of heart disease before doctors are able to confirm that they have mesothelioma pericardial. Like other mesothelioma types the pericardial mesothelioma may be caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can be introduced into the pericardium through the bloodstream. These fibers may then travel 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 has been associated with a less favorable prognosis as compared to other mesothelioma types. The symptoms of fatigue, chest pain and breathing difficulties are all symptoms of pericardial Mesothelioma. Due to the rarity of this type of mesothelioma and its resemblance to pericardial mesothelioma for patients to undergo an exhaustive medical examination. If they have any prior history of exposure to asbestos, it is even more critical that they inform their doctor. The first step in the diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually the CT scan or echocardiogram. These tests can reveal fluid accumulation around the heart and visible pericardial tumors. If these tests reveal mesothelioma, doctors may perform additional procedures to confirm the diagnosis. This could 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 a microscope. This helps doctors determine the type of mesothelioma and the stage of the disease. Mesothelioma patients can receive treatment at special hospitals and cancer centers across the country. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, treatment options may include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. In certain cases, patients can qualify for free or reduced-cost health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. For patients with mesothelioma this financial aid is essential in making treatment more accessible. Contact a VA-approved mesothelioma attorney to find out more about the benefits available to you. Reproductive Mesothelioma Mesothelioma can start in the linings that cover organs in the abdomen and chest. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) and the testicles. It is more prevalent in men than women, although the reason for this isn't known. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor. Symptoms usually do not appear until years after exposure. Mesothelioma is more frequent for those exposed to asbestos during work. In the majority of cases, mesothelioma's first symptom is a persistent cough or chest pains. Mesothelioma may be misdiagnosed as these symptoms are akin to other lung conditions. After being diagnosed, the patient will undergo a variety of tests to determine the extent the cancer has spread and its stage. These tests could include imaging scans and blood which include X-rays as well as CT scans. A biopsy may be performed by a mesothelioma specialist in order to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy can be performed with a laparoscopic needle or a core-needle. The biopsy should be carried out by a peritoneal-mesothelioma specialist. Medical oncologists who are generalists are not competent to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma and could misdiagnose it. The results of the mesothelioma test will help doctors decide on the best treatment option for you. The treatment you receive will depend on how far the cancer has spread, and your overall health. Treatments include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. It is possible to control the symptoms. The majority of mesothelioma types can be treated with chemotherapy. These medications can also cause harm to healthy cells. They can damage ovarian tissue, and this could impact fertility. This is especially true for peritoneal asbestosis, which affects the area around the reproductive organs. The type and severity of mesothelioma you have, aswell as your age and general health will affect how quickly the cancer is treated as well as its prognosis. In centennial asbestos lawyer about 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma per year. It is common for the disease to be found in the lung lining (pleura) but it could be found in the linings of the stomach (peritoneum) and, less commonly around the heart or testicles.