Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the linings of specific organs. It can start in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or the stomach lining (peritoneal mesothelioma). The exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. After exposure, symptoms can be delayed for years before they appear. The symptoms can be similar to other illnesses. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer that is aggressive and caused by swallowing or inhaling asbestos fibers. The cancer begins in the mesothelium - the lining that protects most internal organs. It can affect the chest cavity's lining (pleural mesothelioma) and abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart or testicles. The disease can take years to develop following exposure, and patients often experience symptoms before it is diagnosed. The first signs of mesothelioma include frequent coughing and breathing problems. The disease can cause abdominal pain as well as weight loss. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor. They will run a variety of tests to rule out mesothelioma as well as other illnesses. The doctors will ask you how long you've been exposed to asbestos, and where you worked. Symptoms of mesothelioma usually appear several decades after asbestos exposure. The long time between exposure and symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis and delay in treatment. In addition the symptoms could be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses and are difficult to recognize. Patients with mesothelioma should seek out a specialist for a formal diagnosis. Certain doctors may recommend screening tests such as X-rays or computed tomography scans. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests can identify certain signs of illness however they don't reveal the nature or extent of the disease. A biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. This involves taking a tiny sample of the affected tissue to be examined under a microscope. The biopsy will reveal which kind of cells are mesothelioma. There are two types of mesothelioma, epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is the most popular type of mesothelioma, accounting for 70-80% of the cases. It is also less difficult to treat than its sarcomatoid cousin. The more sarcomatoid mesothelioma develops, the more difficult it is to treat. Pleural mesothelioma typically begins in the wall (pleura) of the lung. It can also develop in the peritoneal lining or the pericardium. In certain cases mesothelioma can expanded to other parts of the body at the time it is diagnosed. Even in cases where the cancer has progressed to a more advanced stage it is still recommended that the patient receive treatment. These treatments can help control symptoms and ease discomfort near the end of their lives. Diagnosis It could take up to 50 years before the symptoms of mesothelioma show. The symptoms are typically similar to those of other less serious illnesses and are often difficult to recognize. The symptoms include coughing, chest pain and shortness in breath. Asbestos sufferers should consult a doctor immediately when they notice these signs. This will ensure that the illness is diagnosed and treated as early as is possible. Doctors will perform an examination of the body and ask the patient to provide their history of asbestos exposure. They can also request imaging tests, such as a CT scan or a chest X-ray. These tests are used to check for signs of asbestos-related disease including lesion of the pleura and the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, referred to as an pleural effusion. The tests using imaging will aid in determining a potential mesothelioma tumor's location and extent. The tests will also reveal whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the human body. Another method of diagnosing mesothelioma is through a biopsy. This involves placing a small tube, known as a bronchoscope, inside the throat or mouth of a patient who is sedated. The tube connects to a camera at the end which allows doctors to observe the lung's area and take samples of tissue to be tested. A PET scan can help doctors determine the extent of the cancer's spread and identify other mesothelioma areas in the body. Other biopsy options include fine-needle aspiration or thoracoscopy. However, despite these tests, it may be difficult for doctors to determine mesothelioma properly due to the rareness of the disease and the difficulty in collecting biopsy samples. This is why it's so important for asbestos victims to inform their physicians of their exposure to asbestos and to explain all the symptoms, including any that are not clear or unusual. Asbestos sufferers should also seek out support groups and other resources for assistance with legal, financial and emotional challenges that arise with a mesothelioma diagnosis. These resources include mesothelioma compensate programs, specialized clinics for cancer and patient lodging programs. The American Cancer Society has a database that contains these resources. They can help you find them. Treatment Mesothelioma is a cancerous condition caused by asbestos fibres inhaled or swallowed, is a form of cancer which can be fatal. These fibres then get lodged in the mesothelium, which is a thin layer of protective lining that surrounds most internal organs. Melanoma maligna occurs when cells in the lining of the mesothelium begin to grow in uncontrolled ways and form tumors. Mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years after exposure to asbestos and it can be found in the pleura (lungs) as well as the the peritoneum (abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (heart cavity). There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. The most common form is pleural, which begins in the lining of the chest cavity. It accounts for 90% mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may also develop in the pericardium, which is the sac that is the area that surrounds the organs of heart. It is also possible to have mesothelioma that is located in the membrane around the testicles or the ovaries. In the UK there are 2,500 deaths every year of mesothelioma. The majority of cases are due to exposure to asbestos, which was widely used in construction until it was banned in 1999. Asbestos exposure is usually a workplace danger. However, it could be a problem when workers bring home dirty work clothes from their workplace or cause asbestos to be disturbed during home renovations or maintenance. The first symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to other health conditions, such as an ongoing cough, difficulty breathing, or weight loss. It is often difficult to identify, and symptoms may not show up for several years. This is due to the fact that mesothelioma suffers from a long time to wait for diagnosis that means it could take a person up to 40 years before they are diagnosed. A lung X ray and a biopsied can confirm whether someone has mesothelioma. A biopsy is the process of taking a small amount of tissue and then examining it under a microscope. A biopsy can help doctors determine whether the cancer is epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent to 80percent of mesotheliomas and is the easiest to treat. Sarcomatoid is a lesser-known cancer, but it grows faster and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid. Prognosis The rate of survival for malignant mesothelioma can vary on an individual basis. It is based on the extent of mesothelioma as well as whether it was diagnosed and treated early. People with mesothelioma of the pleural region (which affects the lining lining the lungs) usually have a more favorable outlook compared to those with peritoneal, testicular mesothelioma or peritoneal. Asbestos exposure can trigger a variety of kinds of cancers such as mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed and stick to the organ linings, such as the lungs, the heart and the abdomen. These fibers cause irritation to the lining of the organs, leading to tumors. Cancer cells can be spread to other parts of the body via lymph nodes or blood. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can be difficult for doctors to diagnose at first. The symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses and conditions. Because of this, mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed or not properly diagnosed. Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms, such as chest pain, abdominal pain and breathing problems. The signs can be caused by a variety of factors and the cancer can grow anywhere between 20 and 50 years. Once mesothelioma begins, the symptoms can get worse as the cancer grows. It is important to see a doctor with any symptoms particularly if they are persistent or alarming. Consult your physician if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. It can be extremely aggressive and cause severe complications if it's not detected early enough. It can affect the lungs and the heart. It can also affect the abdomen cavity or testicles, as well as the abdomen. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma of the pleural region, which affects the lung's lining. peritoneal mesothelioma not caused by asbestos may also affect the lining of your tummy or your heart (pericardial perithelioma) or testicles (testicular perithelioma). The prognosis for each of these types is different. The lung has the best chance of recovery, but it is still a serious illness that requires treatment. If a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma, they should consult their physician of choice or a specialist to help deal with the disease. Patients can benefit by joining a support network and getting regular health screenings. They can also get treatment at a mesothelioma hospital with experience.
peritoneal mesothelioma not caused by asbestos
