What is Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer?

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma which is a serious and deadly type of cancer. Mesothelioma patients are often affected by asbestos-related diseases for years before they are diagnosed.

The majority of mesothelioma cases start in the lining around the lungs (pleura) or in the stomach (peritoneum). Other risk factors include genetic changes as well as radiation treatment for another illness.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, is a cancer that develops within the linings that protect the lungs (peritoneum), abdomen (peritoneum), and heart (pleura) or the chest wall. Asbestos is made up of a group minerals that create long, thin fibers. When asbestos is disturbed, it releases fibers that can be breathed in by people. When mesothelioma tumors develop, they cause inflammation of surrounding organ tissue and create scar tissue plaques on organs.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary based on the what type of cancer is mesothelioma, stage and location of the tumor. In the initial stages, malignant mesothelioma might not cause any symptoms at all. Patients should talk to their physician about any changes in symptoms or history of asbestos exposure.

When asbestos fibers that are swallowed or inhaled enter the body, they cling to the lining of the affected organ and irritate it. In time these irritations can lead to tumors that may be spread to surrounding tissues. Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the linings of the lungs. However it can be found in the stomach's lining and the heart as well as in the testes.

The initial mesothelioma symptoms generally are related to breathing issues such as difficulty breathing deeply or coughing for long periods of time, as well as chest pain. Other typical symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite and an unproven weight loss.

A physical examination and a review of your medical history are usually the first steps to determine if you have mesothelioma. X-rays and CT scans can assist doctors to detect any lumps or irregularities in the lungs or other areas of the body. These tests can also reveal fluid accumulation between the lungs (pleural effusion) or in the lining of the abdomen, called mesothelioma of the peritoneal region.

The cancer has spread to different organs within the body when mesothelioma is in its final stages. This can cause existing mesothelioma symptoms to become worse and new, severe symptoms to manifest.

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. Many patients are misdiagnosed and they endure for a long time before they receive a definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma. In addition to regular medical examinations patients must keep track of their symptoms and discuss them with their doctor. Patients should be aware of any unusual situations that could suggest they are suffering from mesothelioma. For instance, a family history of asbestos-related illnesses or frequent diagnosis of pneumonia.

Diagnosis

The asbestos fibers that cause mesothelioma can remain in the body for many years. They may eventually cause cancerous tumors called mesothelioma. It is most prevalent in the lungs, but it can also occur in the abdomen or testicles. The disease is rare however, those who are diagnosed with it must undergo a series of tests to determine the likelihood of their diagnosis.

After a physical examination doctors may order imaging tests to determine whether mesothelioma tumors or fluids have formed. These tests include X rays, CT scanners and MRIs. The X-rays, CT scans and MRIs are used to look at the chest and abdomen for abnormalities or lumps that could be mesothelioma.

It can take up to 50 years before symptoms appear. The disease is often misdiagnosed with other illnesses such as lung cancer and pneumonia.

The most precise method to diagnose mesothelioma is through a biopsy. A mesothelioma biopsies involves the removal of the tissue in a small amount to test for cancer cells. The tissue is examined under a microscope in order to confirm the diagnosis.

A doctor may perform mesothelioma biopsy in a variety of ways, based on the site of the cancer. If a doctor suspects the tumor is pleural it is possible to use an ultrasound-guided aspiration technique to drain excess fluid. They can also utilize the surgical procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or conduct a CT-guided needle biopsy.

A surgeon can use laparoscopic surgery to collect samples and locate a mesothelioma cancer in the abdomen. Mediastinoscopy is a technique that is used to study and sample lymph nodes in the middle of the chest. A doctor may also conduct an examination with the help of a robot. This is referred to as the robotic-assisted radical pleurectomy (RAPC).

Treatment

Most mesothelioma cases involve the lung lining (pleura) or the abdomen (peritoneum). Other cases can be located in the linings of the heart (pericardium), and the testes (tunica vulginalis). Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous and used in many products including insulation, brakes, and shingles. Exposure to asbestos can cause fibers to break down, which in turn causes people to breathe in the fibers. Mesothelioma is not usually diagnosed until years after exposure to asbestos. The condition can cause breathing problems and chest pressure.

The first step in the diagnosis of mesothelioma is a physical examination conducted by your doctor. Your doctor will ask you about your exposure to asbestos and any symptoms you experience. The doctor may order imaging tests, such as an CT or MRI to determine if you have mesothelioma.

The treatment options for mesothelioma include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. These treatments are available as a set or in conjunction at different intervals and levels. They can be curative, meaning they attempt to treat cancer or palliative, which is to relieve the symptoms.

The mesothelioma type you have determines the best treatment options available to you. Pleural mesothelioma which is the most common form of the disease, can be treated surgically. The tumor will be removed from the lung and surrounding tissues. Radiation may be used, especially if the tumor is located in the middle or on the outside of the lung. The use of 3D CT or IMRT may lessen the risk of injury to surrounding tissues. These techniques allow doctors to control the strength of radiation as well as the direction of the radiation.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma what is epithelioid mesothelioma less prevalent and difficult to treat is less common. The peritoneum is a thick layer surrounded by other organs, making it more difficult to remove the tumor. The most popular treatment for mesothelioma peritoneal is surgery and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy attempts to shrink and kill the cancerous cells. It can be administered orally or intravenously. It can also be combined with other mesothelioma treatments, like targeted therapy or immunotherapy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on the location where it began, the stage at which it developed and whether it has spread. This is known as metastasis and can drastically impact treatment options, and even the length of life. Mesothelioma may develop in the lung (pleural mesothelioma), the liner of the chest wall or tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma) and various other areas of the body, such as the testicles or the heart.

90% of diagnosed cases are mesothelioma of the pleural region. The cancerous cells are encased in the lining of the lungs, called the pleura. It is less common and can develop in the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs of a person.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the symptoms being similar to those of other diseases and conditions. Many patients are not diagnosed until their condition has progressed to a late stage and What is Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer the cancer has taken over.

The people who are exposed to asbestos are at the risk of developing mesothelioma. They typically worked in a field like construction, shipbuilding or automotive repair where they were directly exposed to asbestos. They may have brought asbestos fibers home on their hair or clothing, putting their children and spouses at risk of exposure, too. In addition, mesothelioma is passed down genetically from one family member to the next.

Pleural what does mesothelioma look like on ct scan is characterized by persistent coughing, chest discomfort and difficulty breathing. A patient suffering from pleural mesothelioma might be suffering from fluid accumulation in the lung space called the pleural effusion. Other signs include a lump or mass in the chest and fatigue.

A good prognosis can be given to people with Pleural Msothelioma, if the cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages and What is Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer the cancer cells are epithelioid. A better outlook can be obtained if the cancer what is malignant mesothelioma not peritoneal, sarcomatoid or sarcomatoid cells. Doctors also consider a person's individual health history, the staging of their mesothelioma and the cell type when creating a mesothelioma treatment plan.