Mesothelioma CausesMesothelioma could occur in the lining of the lung (pleural) or the chest wall's lining and diaphragms (peritoneal). The cancer can spread to other parts of the body.The first signs are breathlessness and pain. As the cancer progresses the symptoms get worse.There are a variety of options for treatment for mesothelioma. Specialists create individualized treatment plans based upon the patient's prognosis as well as health information.AsbestosMesothelioma is often caused by asbestos exposure, a cluster of microscopic fibers once used in construction. Exposure to asbestos-containing products may cause a variety of health problems. But mesothelioma is believed to be the most serious.Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lung lining and the abdomen. It can also affect the heart. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma may take anywhere from 10 to 50 years before it begins to display symptoms. The first symptoms of the disease are usually confused with other illnesses. It can be accompanied by fatigue, breathlessness and constant coughing.The most commonly used type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the layer that surrounds lungs. Other mesothelioma forms in the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or around the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).Asbestos can be inhaled, handled or exposed when in close proximity to it during work. Workers can also carry asbestos fibers home with them on their clothes and expose their family members to secondhand exposure. Mesothelioma risk can be increased in those with an ancestral history of exposure to radiation from medical treatment for another disease.Some asbestos-related diseases don't show visible signs. Patients can wait long periods of time before being diagnosed with mesothelioma. Ask your doctor about screening for mesothelioma and referrals to specialists if you've been exposed.Imaging scans are used by doctors to determine mesothelioma's presence and determine its stage. There are four stages of mesothelioma and the cancer is less likely to spread if discovered in its earliest stages.Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can receive compensation from companies who knowingly put them at risk. Asbestos was a well-known building material and millions of people may have been exposed to asbestos without knowing. The companies knew asbestos was dangerous, but they did not offer warnings to their workers and customers. Some of these companies are in bankruptcy due to financial losses. An attorney for mesothelioma can help those who have been afflicted by asbestos to seek compensation.Exposure to toxic substancesMesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissue around the chest and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the most frequent cause. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in, ingested or inhaled. This can cause irritation and inflammation of the mesothelium. The mesothelium cells may grow into tumors that later spread to other parts of the body.Exposure to asbestos can happen in the course of work or as a result of living or working near asbestos-containing materials. Exposure to asbestos for a long time increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos for short periods of time can cause mesothelioma too. This is particularly relevant for those who removed or handled asbestos insulation or were exposed to asbestos secondhand.The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms are an ongoing cough and breathing difficulties, chest pain and fatigue. The symptoms usually do not show until the disease is at an advanced stage. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as other diseases that share similar symptoms, such as chronic bronchitis, pneumonia and the common cold. When mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is often in a stage of advanced development, making treatment more difficult.Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was once used to make many different products such as flooring, brakes, insulation and even flooring. Its durability and resistance to fire as well as heat, and its low cost made it popular with builders, shipbuilders and manufacturers.In recent decades asbestos was banned in the past due to its potential health risks. However, those who have been exposed to asbestos may endure symptoms for decades after their initial exposure.Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because the tumors do not produce much fluid, which makes them difficult to spot on scans of imaging. When it is detected, doctors will take samples of fluid or tissue to look for mesothelioma-related cells.Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are the three most common treatments for mesothelioma. The three treatments can be utilized in combination or separately, based on the needs of the patient. Options for surgery include a procedure known as pleurodesis, where drugs are used to make the lung's lining scar and prevent the buildup of fluid in the lungs. Another option is a lung transplant. This can improve a patient's quality of life however it's not a cure for the condition.GeneticsResearchers believe that genetics may play a role in mesothelioma. Cancer is formed when a series of events disturbs a cell's genetic balance. In time, this leads to abnormal cells replicating themselves and creating clusters of cancerous cells which transform into tumors. In pleural mesothelioma these tumors develop in the thin membrane that protects the chest wall and lungs known as the pleura. Asbestos can cause mesothelioma when it penetrates tissue and disturbs the DNA inside cells. After this happens, the genetics are altered in those cells and they start to expand and multiply.While asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma Researchers are discovering that certain genes can increase your risk. One study revealed that asbestos exposure caused a mutation of the BAP1 gene. The mutation in the gene can be passed down through generations, meaning you could inherit mesothelioma from your parents. The mesothelioma type is known as hereditary pleural mesothelioma (FPM).Researchers have discovered in a separate study that a particular gene mutation in patients suffering from FPM is linked to a higher survival rate. This gene mutation leads to an imbalance in the cellular proteins needed to control and kill cancerous precancerous cells. The mutations may affect the body's response to asbestos.It can be challenging for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma because it is similar to other diseases, such as pneumonia and lung cancer. The best way to test mesothelioma is by taking the procedure of a biopsy. This involves removing an amount of tissue or liquid from the tumor. The biopsy is then examined under a microscope, by doctors to determine if the cells are cancerous.If you have mesothelioma in your family it is recommended you undergo regular medical exams. Doctors can utilize these tests to spot any early signs and offer preventative treatment.Enjoy the Life you liveThe lifestyle a person lives is not directly the cause of mesothelioma. It could affect how fast the cancer grows and how serious the symptoms become. Certain factors can make people more likely to get mesothelioma. These include drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes.The thin layer of tissue that covers your internal organs is susceptible to being affected by mesothelioma. There are many different types of cancer, and each has its own set of symptoms. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining surrounding the lung (pleura). It can also develop in the abdomen's lining or around the heart (peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma) as well as in other less-common locations.The lifestyle choices of an individual can affect the speed at which they develop mesothelioma, but there is no way to prevent mesothelioma from occurring. To avoid mesothelioma, is best to avoid asbestos. how is mesothelioma caused is important to avoid asbestos-related industries and stay clear from former mills and mines. If you are concerned about exposure to asbestos and health concerns, consult your doctor. They can determine if you are at risk and then refer you to a specialist.A multidisciplinary team of specialists in a reputable mesothelioma clinic will diagnose the disease. The team usually includes the general physician and a medical oncologist as well as an interventional radiologist and a thoracic surgeon. The specialists collaborate to identify the condition, and determine the most effective treatment options for mesothelioma.It's important to see your doctor regularly, even if you don't have any risk factors for mesothelioma. This is because mesothelioma can be difficult to identify, and the earlier it's detected the better your mesothelioma treatment will be. It is also easier to treat mesothelioma at an early stage. Your doctor's visit can help you get a mesothelioma diagnosis more quickly if you do have risk factors that increases your chances of getting mesothelioma treatment. Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center has mesothelioma specialists.