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Mesothelioma Cancer Mesothelioma which is a cancerous tumor that is caused by asbestos exposure is a serious illness. Inhaling asbestos fibers causes mesothelioma pleural and swallowing asbestos can lead to mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. Symptoms can appear within 10 to 50 years of the initial diagnosis. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, chest pain and shortness of breathe. Risk Factors Mesothelioma is a form of asbestos that develops when asbestos fibres enter the body. The most common mesothelioma type is mesothelioma pleural, which develops in the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. The most common form of mesothelioma is in the peritoneum or the membrane around the heart (pericardium). It takes between 20-50 years for the cancer to develop and to show signs that can be mistaken for flu-like illnesses. Mesothelioma most often affects older people, and is more common in men than women. The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of tiny fibres, was employed as a building material like in walls and ceilings. It is abrasive to fire and heat. It was also widely utilized in the manufacturing of goods like pipes, insulations, shingles and cement. People who worked in industries where asbestos was prevalent like shipbuilding, mining, or construction are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma. Even those who have had secondary exposure to asbestos such as relatives who brought home asbestos-covered clothing and skin, are at risk. A small portion (less than 5percent) of mesothelioma is linked to a mutation in the BAP1 gene. This genetic change can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma in those who have been exposed asbestos. Age is another important risk factor for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most common among those who are who are older than 45, and two thirds of those who are diagnosed with the disease are 65 years old or older. This is partly due to the lengthy latency period associated with asbestos exposure, however, it could also be because the disease tends to affect older those who have had a more prolonged and heavy exposure to the cancer-causing substance. White males are more likely develop mesothelioma than any other race or gender. This is because historically, more white males worked in occupations which put them at a greater risk of exposure to asbestos than other groups. Mesothelioma most commonly affects those who were exposed asbestos prior to the 1980s, when more stringent regulations were in place. Symptoms Mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by asbestos, occurs in the protective linings of various organs. The cancerous tumors that form in the tissue can cause irreparable damage and pain. The malignancy could be spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be similar to other illnesses such as influenza or pneumonia. They typically take between 10 and 50 years to appear after exposure to asbestos. The time of latency can make it difficult to diagnose the disease in the early stages and symptoms may be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses. In most cases, the malignant tumors originate in the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). However, mesothelioma may also develop in the tissues surrounding the abdomen and the heart. In rare cases it may affect the lining of the heart or the testes. Asbestos is a group of minerals that make long thin fibers. These fibers are so tough that they can't be broken down by chemicals, water or bacteria. They were commonly used in a variety construction and household products before scientists realized the dangers they posed to people's lives. The majority of mesothelioma cases were triggered by exposure to asbestos at work or home. The majority of patients exposed were employed in the US Navy Air Force, Shipbuilding Industry, or Construction. It is more common in men than women, and veterans make up around 30 percent of mesothelioma patients. If mesothelioma begins to develop, doctors can identify it by performing imaging scans and medical tests. These include X-rays CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. The doctor may also send a tissue sample to a laboratory for testing. The results will aid in determining the mesothelioma's stage and type, which impacts prognosis as well as treatment options. Most types of mesothelioma are epithelioid or sarcomatoid and between 10 and 15% are biphasic or mixed. Epithelioid mesothelioma is generally less aggressive and has the best survival rates. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is more difficult to treat. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is difficult to identify particularly in its early stages. Patients should first visit their primary care physician when they are experiencing any symptoms such as chest pains or coughing. The doctor will observe the patient's breathing with a stethoscope and take down their medical history and work. decatur asbestos attorney includes any past history of asbestos exposure, which is essential to determine if mesothelioma is present. Because mesothelioma's symptoms resemble other diseases, doctors must be able to rule out other conditions prior to concluding the diagnosis. For example, the cancer often spreads to a person's lungs from a different part of their body, like their abdomen or chest wall. Asbestos-related victims are more prone to lung problems, including pneumonia, and pleural mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other respiratory illnesses. Imaging tests, blood tests and biopsy are all used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can help doctors find the cancerous area that is typically located in the lungs but can also be in the testicles or stomach. The tests will assist doctors determine how far cancer has spread in the body. A CT scan or MRI could reveal the signs of mesothelioma like calcium deposits in the pleura (known as plaque) and a buildup of fluid between the lungs and the chest wall. These tests can also reveal whether a person's lungs are more prominent on one side or the other. In many instances biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. This procedure involves taking small portions of tissue and analyzing them in the laboratory for mesothelioma. Some patients may need additional tests, for example FDG-positron emission tomography (PET), which can help doctors see how the tumor is affecting the lungs' blood supply; mediastinoscopy, which allows doctors to examine and sample lymph nodes that are located in the center of the chest; or endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), which uses sound waves to study the mesothelium and lungs. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and doctors are still learning how to treat it effectively. Therefore patients diagnosed with cancer must be aware of their options and determine the best treatment for them. Treatment Mesothelioma can affect the linings of the lungs and abdomen (peritoneal cancer), or heart (pericardial cancer). The symptoms generally don't appear until several years after exposure to asbestos. Because of this, it's crucial for those who have had to work with asbestos to be examined for any unusual symptoms. A doctor will collect an examination of the medical history to check for mesothelioma risk factors, for example, how long and how often an individual was exposed to asbestos. A doctor may also conduct an examination to determine mesothelioma-related symptoms like the accumulation of fluids in the chest cavity. Mesothelioma is categorized by the kind of cells that develop in the mesothelium and the site where these cells are. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common type of percent to 80% mesothelioma. Other mesothelioma types include biphasic and sarcomatoid mesothelioma which represent between 10% and 15% of all mesothelioma cases. There are many treatment options for mesothelioma. The treatment option depends on the type and stage of the mesothelioma. In certain cases, mesothelioma may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation. During these treatments, doctors administer powerful chemotherapy drugs or utilize special equipment to kill cancerous tumors and decrease the chance of mesothelioma returning. Other mesothelioma types can be treated with surgery which involves the removal of parts of the tissues of the organ that are affected. This may also help alleviate breathing difficulties and other symptoms. If a person has mesothelioma of the pleura and their doctor recommends a procedure called VATS, which involves inserting a camera into the lungs in order to remove part of the pleura and lung. This can improve breathing problems caused by the build-up of fluid in the lungs, however it is not a cure for the disease. Other options for treatment include pain management or 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 health and wellness activities.