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Mesothelioma Cancer Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is triggered by exposure to asbestos. Inhaling asbestos fibers causes mesothelioma of the pleura and swallowing asbestos can lead to mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. Symptoms can appear 10 to 50 years after the initial diagnosis. The symptoms include breathlessness, abdominal pain, and chest pain. Risk Factors Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma pleural, which develops in the chest cavity's lining and lungs. Less commonly, mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, or the heart's membrane (pericardium). It can take between 20 and 50 years for the cancer to form and manifest symptoms that can be mistaken for flu-like illnesses. Mesothelioma typically affects older people, and is more common in men than women. The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos, a natural mineral composed of tiny fibres, was utilized as a building material, like in walls and ceilings. It is resistant to fire and heat. It was also widely used in the manufacture of goods such as pipes insulation, shingles, and cement. Workers in industries where asbestos was prevalent 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-contaminated clothes and skin, are at risk. A small percentage (less than 5percent) of mesothelioma can be traced to a mutation in the gene BAP1. This genetic change increases the risk of developing mesothelioma in those who have been exposed to asbestos. The age of the patient is also an important risk factor. Mesothelioma is most common in those who are who are older than 45 and two-thirds of those diagnosed with it are 65 years old or older. This is due in part to the long latency time associated with asbestos exposure, but it could be due to the fact that the condition is more prevalent in older people who have had more prolonged and heavy exposure to the cancer-causing material. Mesothelioma is more common in white males than women or people of any other racial group. This is because historically, more white men worked in occupations that put them at greater risk of exposure to asbestos than other groups. In addition, mesothelioma is typically seen in people who were exposed to asbestos prior to when more stringent regulations were put in the 1980s. Symptoms Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related tumor that forms in the protective linings of various organs in the body. The cancerous tumors can cause extreme pain and can damage the tissues. The malignancy can spread to other parts through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to other diseases, like pneumonia or the flu. It can take up to 50 years after asbestos exposure before they show symptoms. The latency period can make it difficult to diagnose the disease in the early stages and symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions. The majority of malignant tumors originate in the chest cavity, or lungs (pleura). But mesothelioma can also form in the tissues of the abdomen and the heart. In rare instances, it can affect the lining around the heart or the testes. Asbestos is a collection of minerals which form long, thin fibres. These fibers are so durable that they are unable to be broken down by chemicals and water, or by bacteria. These materials were used widely in many household and construction materials for a long time before scientists realized how harmful they were to health. The majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure to asbestos at work or at home. The majority of patients who were exposed worked for the US Navy or Air Force, Shipbuilding Industry or Construction. It is more common in males than females and veterans account for about 30 percent of mesothelioma patients. Medical tests and imaging scans can aid in diagnosing mesothelioma. This includes X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. The doctor can also send a tissue sample to a laboratory for testing. The results will help determine the mesothelioma's type and stage, which impacts prognosis as well as treatment options. The majority of mesothelioma types are epithelioid or sarcomatoid and between 10 and 15 percent are biphasic or mixed. Epithelioid mesothelioma is generally less aggressive and has the best survival rates. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is more difficult to treat. Diagnosis It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma, especially in its early stages. The first step is for patients to visit their primary physician with any signs, like coughing or chest pains. The doctor will observe the patient's breathing with an stethoscope, and record their medical history and work. This includes any history of asbestos exposure, which is crucial in determining mesothelioma's diagnosis. Since mesothelioma's symptoms mirror those of other diseases, doctors must be able to rule out other conditions prior to making the diagnosis. Cancer can develop in the lungs of a patient from other organs such as the abdomen or chest. Asbestos-related lung diseases, including pneumonia, are very common among asbestos victims. Pleural mesothelioma can be mistaken for other respiratory illnesses. Blood tests, imaging tests and biopsy are all used to detect mesothelioma. These tests will aid in locating the site of the cancer, which is commonly in the lungs but could also be found in the stomach or the testicles. The tests will also assist doctors determine the extent of the cancer is spreading throughout the body. A CT scan or MRI may reveal mesothelioma signs, such as calcium deposits in the pleura (known as plaque) and an accumulation of fluid between the chest wall and the lungs. These tests can also determine whether a patient has more lung capacity on one side or the other. In many instances biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. hawthorne asbestos attorneys involves removing some of the tissue and analyzing it in the laboratory for mesothelioma cell. Some patients may need additional tests, for example FDG-positron emission tomography (PET), which can help doctors see how the tumor is affecting blood supply to the lungs; mediastinoscopy, which allows doctors to examine and sample lymph nodes in the center of the chest and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) which makes use of sound waves to examine the mesothelium and lungs. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, is being treated by medical professionals. Therefore, patients who are diagnosed with cancer need to weigh their options carefully to decide which treatment is the best for them. Treatment Mesothelioma can affect the linings of the lungs or abdomen (peritoneal cancer), or heart (pericardial cancer). Symptoms usually do not appear for a long time after asbestos exposure. As a result, it's important for people who have had to work with asbestos to have their health checked for any unusual symptoms. A doctor will collect an examination of the medical history to check for mesothelioma-related risk factors, such as how long and how intensely an individual was exposed to asbestos. A doctor will also perform an exam to check for signs of mesothelioma such as fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of cells that form in the mesothelium as well as the site where these cells are. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60% to 80% mesothelioma. Other types of mesothelioma are biphasic mesothelioma and sarcomatoid, which both represent approximately 10 to 15% of mesothelioma patients. There are a variety of treatment options for mesothelioma. The type of treatment depends on the type and stage of mesothelioma. In some instances, mesothelioma is treated using radiation or chemotherapy. During these treatments, doctors administer powerful chemotherapy medications or use special equipment to kill cancerous tumors and decrease the chance of mesothelioma returning. Other types of mesothelioma may be treated surgically which involves the removal of parts of the tissues of the organ that are affected. This can also ease symptoms such as breathing difficulties. A person with pleural asbestosis may undergo a procedure called VATS. This involves inserting a camera into the lungs and removing a part of the lung and pleura. This procedure can alleviate breathlessness caused by fluid build-up in the lungs, however it does not cure the condition. Other options for treatment include support or pain management. It is crucial for those who suffer from mesothelioma, to gather the most information they can about the disease and how to deal with it. The more they are aware of the more equipped they will be to plan for a the best possible and happy future.