MesotheliomaMesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the lining of organs, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals made of microscopic fibres.Mesothelioma can develop anywhere between 20 and 60 years after exposure. Blood tests or X-rays can be used to diagnose mesothelioma and determine how far it has spread.Pleural MesotheliomaPleural Mesothelioma occurs when malignant cells grow in the lining of the lungs (pleura). The pleura is a double-layered tissue that covers various organs. Pleural mesothelioma, a cancerous form of pleural affects the chest wall and lungs, which can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain or breathing difficulties.Asbestos is the primary cause of pleural mesothelioma. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause damage to the lining of the lungs. This can lead to inflammation and scarring, which could trigger changes resulting in out-of control cell growth.People who have been exposed to asbestos might not be able to recognize symptoms until years after their initial exposure. Mesothelioma can take a long time to develop. People diagnosed with the disease generally are men and people assigned male at birth, older adults who worked for a long time in industries that employed asbestos in large quantities prior to when it was regulated or served in the military, specifically in the Navy.Symptoms vary depending on where the tumor is located. are usually caused by increased pressure or swelling near the affected lung. The symptoms include fatigue, undiagnosed weight loss, chest pain and back pain. X-rays, CT or MRI scans can be used to determine the cause of other ailments which could be causing similar symptoms. If pleural mesothelioma is diagnosed doctors will determine the stage of the disease to help determine the most effective treatment options.The International Mesothelioma Interest Group has developed the staging system. The first step in determining the stage is taking a biopsy and examining the patient's medical history. X-rays or a chest MRI are also used to determine if there are tumors, or other abnormalities, that may indicate mesothelioma.There are three types of mesothelioma. They can be classified based on the type of cells that form: Epithelioid Mesothelioma is the most common malignant mesothelioma (60 to 80 percent of cases). It is less difficult to treat when compared to other types. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma It is the second most frequent kind of mesothelioma (10 15% to 15% of cases). It is more difficult than epithelioid.Peritoneal MesotheliomaThe peritoneum (the inner lining of the abdominal cavity) is affected by peritoneal cancer. It is less common than the pleural variant. Like all mesotheliomas peritoneal cancer is caused by asbestos exposure. However, unlike pleural mesothelioma, people are more likely to develop this type of mesothelioma by ingesting asbestos fibers, rather than inhaling asbestos fibers. This type of mesothelioma typically occurs in older adults and is more common in women than men.Mesothelioma can take years to show symptoms, and the nonspecific nature of its initial stages makes it difficult to identify. However, mesothelioma experts know how to identify the illness. Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma taking detailed patient histories and imaging tests and blood tests.When mesothelioma is discovered A doctor will determine the stage of the cancer by using the TNM system. The staging system outlines the extent of the tumors' spread and impacts the treatment options. The lower the stage the more treatment options are available.It can be difficult to identify peritoneal msothelioma because it is so uncommon. The symptoms of this condition are similar to those of a variety of conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen, including abdominal discomfort, fever and weight loss. Patients with unexplained symptoms should consult an expert.Doctors will begin by conducting a physical exam and performing basic blood tests. If these tests indicate a possible disease, an oncologist will perform more in-depth diagnostic tests, like biopsies. This will give an accurate picture of a person's health and identify any potential mesothelioma symptoms.Asbestos exposure is the main reason behind all mesothelioma cases. Asbestos exposure is commonplace in the workplace, but also at home or at school. Asbestos is the most hazardous when exposed for a prolonged period of time. Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos dust or particles entering the body and causing inflammation or irritation. In time inflammation and irritation can cause cells to change and become cancerous. The cancerous tissue that has been created can later infiltrate other tissues and cause symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and fever, weight gain and swelling.Cardiovascular MesotheliomaPericardial mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the heart's lining, or pericardium. This type of mesothelioma is less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases, and is one of the most difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of heart disease. As a result, many people are diagnosed of heart disease before doctors are able to confirm that they have mesothelioma of the pericardium.Like other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to asbestos. It is believed that asbestos fibers are absorbed into the pericardium via the bloodstream. These fibers can be carried to other organs such as the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma is typically found in the outer layer of the pericardium, but it can also occur in the inner layer. Pericardial Mesothelioma is correlated with a lower prognosis when than other mesothelioma types.Fatigue, chest pain, and difficulty breathing are the main symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma. It is important that victims undergo a thorough medical exam because this rare form of mesothelioma can be found in very few. If they have a history of exposure to asbestos, it's essential to tell their doctor.The first step to make the diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually an CT scan or echocardiogram. These tests can reveal an accumulation of fluid around the heart and visible pericardial tumours. If these tests reveal mesothelioma, doctors can carry out additional procedures to confirm the diagnoses. These include a biopsy, or radiation.A mesothelioma biopsies procedure is an procedure in which a small portion of tissue is removed from the affected area, and then examined under a microscope. This helps doctors determine the type of mesothelioma and the stage of the disease.Mesothelioma patients can get treatment at specialized cancer centers and hospitals across the nation. Treatment options for mesothelioma include chemo, surgery and radiation. In some instances, patients can qualify for free or reduced-cost health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. For patients with mesothelioma this financial aid is essential in making treatment more accessible. Contact a VA-approved mesothelioma attorney to find out more about the benefits you can avail.Reproductive MesotheliomaMesothelioma may begin in the linings that surround organs in the chest and abdomen. It can also develop in the heart's lining (pericardium) and the testicles. asbestos cancer lawyer mesothelioma settlement for men is higher than women for unknown reasons. Exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor. Symptoms usually do not appear until several decades after exposure.People exposed to asbestos while at work are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. In the majority of cases, mesothelioma's first sign is an ongoing cough or chest pains. These symptoms are typically similar to those of other lung diseases and, therefore, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed. After being diagnosed, the patient may undergo a series of tests to determine how much the cancer has spread and the stage at which it is.These tests could include imaging scans and blood which include X-rays as well as CT scans. The mesothelioma specialist can also take a biopsy of the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy may be done by using a laparoscopic needle or core needle. It is crucial that a specialist in peritoneal cancer is the person who performs the biopsy. General medical oncologists are not competent to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma and may misdiagnose it.The results of mesothelioma test will help doctors decide on the most effective treatment plan for you. Treatment will depend on the extent of the cancer and your general health. Treatments include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. It is possible to manage symptoms.Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for all types of mesothelioma. These medications can also cause harm to healthy cells. They can cause damage to the ovarian tissues, and this could affect fertility. This is particularly the case with peritoneal asbestosis which affects the area surrounding the reproductive organs.The mesothelioma type and the severity you have, as well as your age and general health, will influence how quickly the cancer is treated and its prognosis. In the UK, around 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma per year. It is common for the disease to be found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but can also form in the linings of the tummy (peritoneum) and less frequently around the testicles or heart.