Mesothelioma - A Type of Asbestos Related Cancer
Mesothelioma, a cancerous condition caused by asbestos exposure, is a rare but serious disease. It typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos during work such as manufacturing, construction or shipping.
Asbestos fibers as small as human hair can cause genetic changes that lead to mesothelioma. There are different types of mesothelioma. Each type has its own specific symptoms and treatment options.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the pleura, the thin lining of tissue that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs. It's the most common mesothelioma type and is caused by exposure to asbestos. It can affect both men and women, and it develops over the course of 20 to 50 years. However, it is easier to treat when it is detected early. Symptoms include chest pain, fluid in the lungs, and difficulty breathing.
The exposure to asbestos usually comes through ingestion or inhalation. Asbestos fibers inhaled travel through the lungs and cause irritation to the pleura. This irritation causes cells in the pleura to change and eventually grow into cancerous tumors. These tumors can be spread to other parts of the body, causing further complications.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to other illnesses such as flu, making it difficult for doctors diagnose the condition. When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request blood tests as well as imaging scans to find signs of disease in the lungs or in the surrounding areas. Imaging tests include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) scans.
Doctors can also check for mesothelioma using lung biopsy. The biopsy will involve removing one or two small portions of lung to check for mesothelioma cell. The results of the biopsy may take up to three weeks.
The mesothelioma type determines the type of treatment that patients will receive. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60% to 80% of cases and is regarded as the most treatable. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is more invasive and harder to treat. Biphasic mesothelioma, also known as mixed meso a combination of both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells and accounts for 10% to 15 percent of all cases.
Construction workers as well as asbestos miners and naval shipyard workers are all at a high risk of developing pleural Mesothelioma. This includes construction workers, as well as asbestos miners and sailors. Mesothelioma may develop over many years, and a majority of the men diagnosed with the disease have been in these occupations.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The mesothelioma type of cancer is a type that is found in the mesothelium. It is an underlying layer of tissue that covers various areas of the body, like the lung (pleura), the chest wall, and abdominal cavity. It can also develop within the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs.
There are three types of mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal and testicular. The type of mesothelioma you are suffering from will determine the treatment options available to you.
Pleural mesothelioma usually develops in the lung lining also known as the pleura. This is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma. It occurs most often in the pleural sac that is located at the bottom of your lungs however it can also develop on the lining of your chest wall as well as abdominal cavity.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma aren't always apparent and are often mistaken for other diseases. It is important to consult your doctor if any of the symptoms cause you concern. Inform your doctor if asbestos was inhaled.
It could take anywhere from 20 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos before mesothelioma is developed. Mesothelioma can be caused by breathing in microscopic asbestos fibers. They irritate the lining of the lungs, leading to gene mutations and leading to cancerous cells.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a very rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen. It is less common than pleural mesothelioma, but it is still linked to asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma of the stomach lining, intestines, and liver, as well as other organs in the abdominal region.
Signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to other conditions, such as the flu or common illnesses. This makes it hard to recognize, especially in the beginning stages. A review of your medical documents, a physical examination and a series of diagnostic tests can help doctors detect mesothelioma symptoms that could be present. This includes the CT scan as well as an MRI of your stomach. Additionally, doctors could take an incision of a tumor or fluid sample for further testing.
Cardiac Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma, the most rare form of this asbestos-related cancer. It develops when tumors form in the lining of the heart (pericardium). Asbestos is the cause of many kinds of mesothelioma. However, this form only accounts for approximately one percent of all cases diagnosed. Pericardial mesothelioma, which is a rare type, has received less attention. Less research has been conducted on this type, leading to less refined methods for diagnosis and treatment.
Pericardiocentesis, echocardiograms and effusion can be used to identify pericardial cancers of the pericardium. Doctors can extract fluid from a swell of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. Doctors can examine this fluid to detect mesothelioma. This method has an efficiency of 20 percent in identifying malignant mesothelioma pericardial cells.
Another way to identify asbestos cancer is to perform an in-person biopsy. Through this procedure, doctors take out pieces of the affected lining of the chest cavity and send samples to a lab to be tested further. Tissue biopsies are more invasive than fluid biopsies, however they are more precise in diagnosing mesothelioma.
Patients with pericardial msothelioma are usually treated by surgical removal. Some doctors may also suggest chemotherapy or radiation to kill any remaining cancerous cells. To make the best choice patients should discuss with their physician all of their treatment options for mesothelioma.
Asbestos is the sole known cause of pericardial cancer and other asbestos-related cancers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma. This includes construction workers and electricians as well as factory workers as well as shipbuilders, veterans and many others.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, some patients have extended their life expectancy for pericardial mesothelioma by following the correct treatment plan. Patients with mesothelioma should seek treatment from a mesothelioma expert. Patients should also think about enrolling in a mesothelioma clinical study since new advances are being developed all the time. A free mesothelioma lawyer can help patients explore treatment options. They can also review the patient's mesothelioma survivability rates or how long they can be expected to live after diagnosis.
Thoracic Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects the thin tissue that surrounds most internal organs. It is most often found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). It can be benign or malignant. Asbestos exposure can cause numerous health issues including mesothelioma. It is very rare, however, it can be difficult detect. It takes a long time for symptoms to develop, and even then, some doctors might not be able to recognize them.
Asbestos is a collection of fibrous minerals that are heat resistant and extremely robust. It is utilized in a diverse variety of products, from flooring to insulation to roof tiles. It's only harmful if it is disturbed and releases tiny particles into the air which can be inhaled. These fibers can cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs that could result in tumors. Inhalation can trigger the condition known as pleural effusion, which is a fluid buildup in the lungs.
The most common location for pleural mesothelioma be found is in the lungs. However, it can also form in the linings of the heart and stomach. In patients with pleural mesothelioma, the most frequently reported symptoms are chest pain, a coughing up of blood, difficulty breathing and fatigue, fever and abdominal pain, weight loss and an accumulation of fluid in the pleura.
Doctors should suspect mesothelioma when the patient has an history of asbestos exposure. The doctor mesothelioma asbestos cancer should inquire with the patient about their employment history, and use the most comprehensive and current method to determine whether the patient was exposed to asbestos.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can be non-specific and patients can be misdiagnosed months or even years. However, a diagnosis of mesothelioma is best confirmed with a biopsy. Ideally, biopsy should be done using a CT-guided semi-invasive procedure or open surgery. This should be done in a mesothelioma-specialist center.