Mesothelioma CancerMesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the linings that surround various organs. This includes the pleura, peritoneum and the pericardium. In rare cases, it may form in the tunica vaginalis (testicular).Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. It could be caused by a genetic mutation or exposure to radiation.Pleural MesotheliomaMesothelioma is a type of cancer that primarily affects linings of the lungs or abdomen. It may also affect the membrane surrounding the testicles and the heart. Typically, the signs of mesothelioma fade over time and may not appear until it is at its later stages.The exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. People develop the disease when asbestos fibers that are stray get into their bodies via breathing, swallowing or contact with their skin. The fibers stick to organ linings and cause tumors to slowly form. It could take between 10 and 50 years, which is the reason it is so difficult for doctors to recognize mesothelioma in its early stages.The most common pleural mesothelioma symptoms include difficulty breathing and chest pain. These symptoms are similar to an illness such as a cold or flu and might not be noticed until later in the cancer's progression. A physician can determine if these symptoms are associated with mesothelioma, by performing an examination and examining a patient's exposure history.A doctor can test a patient's blood for specific proteins that are produced when mesothelioma cells grow. They can also request a CT or MRI scan to look for the signs of mesothelioma. In addition, a doctor can perform a thoracoscopy to look inside the chest cavity to detect signs of asbestos-related illness.Pleural mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining or chest wall. However, it could be found in the abdomen lining or the heart. This form of mesothelioma is more common in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work. Family members of asbestos workers could be more likely to develop the disease if they carry fibers from their clothing or skin.There are two main types of mesothelioma: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. 60 70 to 80% of mesothelioma patients have epithelioid tumors, which are more likely to be cured. The remaining 10% to 15% are sarcomatoid, with a less favorable prognosis. A small number of cases are classified as biphasic, or mixed, with epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells.Peritoneal MesotheliomaPeritoneal Mesothelioma is caused asbestos fibers inhaled, swallowed or deposited in the lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Asbestos fibers that settle in the peritoneum cause irritation to the mesothelial cells and cause them to grow abnormally. As time passes, mesothelioma forms and grows to other organs. The symptoms of mesothelioma are not specific and are often difficult to identify. People with peritoneal mesothelioma may suffer from abdominal pain nausea, fever and weight loss among other health issues. Those with mesothelioma should share their history of exposure to a physician to ensure they are receiving the correct treatment.The exposure to asbestos puts people at risk of developing all types of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a latency-based disease and it can take years before symptoms appear.Asbestos exposure can also affect other parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract and lungs. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to speak with an expert in mesothelioma.When mesothelioma has been diagnosed it is treated by doctors for both the cancer and symptoms. Patients can expect chemotherapy, surgery, and palliative treatment.A doctor will test for mesothelioma with a biopsy. This is an invasive procedure that involves inserting a needle in the body of a patient to take out tiny pieces of tissue. The specimen will then be examined in a lab for evidence of malignant mesothelioma cells.If mesothelioma is detected the surgeon will perform surgery to remove the tumor, as well as any lymph nodes that are nearby. They also will drain the fluid that has collected in the abdomen, a process called ascites. This is accomplished with a procedure called abdominal paracentesis or an ascitic tape.In certain instances doctors may employ a form of chemotherapy known as intraperitoneal chemotherapy to destroy mesothelioma tumor cells directly in the stomach. This is typically done in conjunction with a surgical procedure known as cytoreductive surgeries with HIPEC or the Sugarbaker procedure.Patients with mesothelioma are able to sue companies who manufactured and sold asbestos-containing products. A successful lawsuit may help victims and their family members get the money they are entitled to. To learn more about bringing a lawsuit get your free Mesothelioma guide.Thoracic MesotheliomaMesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). It can also be found in the lining of the abdomen and chest cavity (peritoneum), or around the heart and testicles (pericardium). Mesothelioma is a tumor that can be cancerous that is formed from cells known as mesothelium. mesothelioma vs lung cancer can develop if you've been exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed 20 to 60 years after exposure. People who have worked with asbestos or in close proximity to it, for example blue collar workers and veterans, are at greater risk.The exact cause of mesothelioma is not identified. Researchers believe that when asbestos is inhaled or swallowed it causes irritation and changes to the genetics of the mesothelium. These changes could lead to cancerous tumors over time. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma.Patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have an average life expectancy of one to four years following diagnosis. The reason for this is that the tumors expand and spread quickly, which reduces the chance of survival.The majority of cases of pleural mesothelioma are related to long-term, high-level exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma may also be caused by low-level, short-term exposure.The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain, breathing difficulties and weight loss, coughing and swelling of the abdomen. Pleural mesothelioma can also be caused by the accumulation of fluid between the chest wall, lungs, and abdomen (pleural effusion).The most effective method to detect mesothelioma is to collect tissue samples during the procedure of taking a biopsy. This can be done through a CT-guided semi-invasive procedure or open surgery. A doctor may use MRI to determine if the mesothelium is expanding beyond the lung into the chest wall and diaphragm.Avoiding asbestos is the best method to avoid mesothelioma. Speak to your GP in the event that you suspect you have been exposed. Even if the patient does not remember being exposed to asbestos, their occupational history should be documented. Countries that continue to mine and produce asbestos should be subject to international pressure to stop producing. People who live close to demolition sites or mines where asbestos was produced should wear protective gear.Vascular MesotheliomaMesothelioma is a cancer that is related to asbestos is a rare condition. It affects the lining of body organs, including the lungs and abdomen. Asbestos fibers may cause this condition. Asbestos is comprised of fibers that are flexible and fireproof. They are used by builders to make their buildings and products more durable. Asbestos is still used in certain places but it is now banned in a lot of countries.Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos when it enters the lungs or abdomen through your nose or mouth. Asbestos particles may then go into the bloodstream and be transported to other organs of your body. Mesothelioma can take decades to develop after exposure to asbestos.There are three types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen. Pericardial mesothelioma, the rarest type and attacks the lining of the heart.Pleural mesothelioma can be diagnosed using chest X-ray computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The treatment options are based on the kind of cancer you are suffering from.In general, mesothelioma that is malignant is more rapid than benign tumours. It can also have an inactive period of up to 40 years.To be able to claim medical benefits it is crucial to distinguish between mesothelioma (malignant) and serous membrane sarcomas. Malignant mesothelioma is the only one that has been recognised as asbestos-related neoplasms for compensation. However, no legitimate case of vascular sarcoma of the pleura has been linked to asbestos exposure until now.A small number of patients with diffuse pleural epithelioid haemangioendotheliomas and lymphovascular sarcomas of the pleura have been reported to have claimed previous exposure to asbestos. These tumors closely resemble malignant mesothelioma in clinical and pathologically. However, studies of immunohistochemistry show that they are unlikely to be aetiologically related to asbestos as they do not express the endothelial markers CD31 and CD34. Furthermore, the presence of pleural fibrisis and ferruginous bodies typical of asbestos exposure was also not found.