Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings of certain organs. It can begin in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or the stomach lining (peritoneal mesothelioma).

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. After exposure, symptoms can take years to manifest. Symptoms often look like other diseases.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer, is caused by asbestos fibers being inhaled or swallowed. The cancer develops in the mesothelium which is a protective layer that covers the majority of internal organs. It can affect the lining of the chest cavity (pleural mesothelioma) or abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma), the heart or testicles. It can take years for the disease to develop and sufferers may develop symptoms before being diagnosed.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually include frequent coughing or difficulty breathing. The condition can cause abdominal pain and weight loss. It is important to see a doctor if you have these symptoms. They will be able to perform a variety of tests to rule out mesothelioma and other illnesses. The doctors will want to know how long you have been exposed to asbestos and where you were exposed to asbestos.

Mesothelioma symptoms typically manifest several decades after exposure to asbestos. The long time between exposure and symptoms can result in misdiagnosis and delay in treatment. In addition symptoms can be confused with other diseases and are difficult to recognize. Patients with mesothelioma should consult a specialist to get an official diagnosis.

Some doctors recommend screening tests, like X-rays, computed tomography scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). These tests can detect certain signs of the illness however they don't reveal the type or extent. A biopsy is required to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. This is done by taking a small sample of the affected tissue to be tested under a microscope.

The biopsy can determine the type of mesothelioma cells. There are two types of mesothelioma: epithelioid and sarc. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 to the majority of diagnoses, and is much easier to treat than mesothelioma sarcomatoid. The more sarcomatoid mesothelioma is, the more difficult it is to treat.

In most cases, mesothelioma of the pleural begins in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It can also occur in the lining of the peritoneum and in the lining of the heart or pericardium. In some cases mesothelioma may have been spread to other areas of the body before it is diagnosed. If mesothelioma progresses to more advanced stages, patients should still be given treatment. These treatments can help control symptoms and ease discomfort towards the end of life.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a rare disease that can take between 10 and 50 years before symptoms begin to appear. The symptoms are often similar to those of other less serious diseases and are sometimes difficult to recognize. The symptoms include coughing, chest pain and breathlessness. If asbestos sufferers are experiencing these symptomsma diagnosis. These resources can include mesothelioma compensation plans along with specialized cancer clinics as well as patient lodging programs. The American Cancer Society maintains a database of these resources and can provide assistance in finding them.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops by the inhalation or swallowing of asbestos fibres that are airborne. These fibres then get lodged in the mesothelium, a thin layer of protective liner that covers the majority of internal organs. Malignant mesothelioma occurs when cells in the mesothelium begin to become abnormal and expand out of control, eventually forming tumors. Mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years following asbestos exposure. It can affect the Pleura (lungs) as well as the peritoneum (abdominal cavity), or the pericardium.

There are four types of mesothelioma. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which starts in the lining of the chest cavity. It is responsible for a majority of all mesothelioma cases. The majority of mesothelioma cases are in the abdomen's lining or in the pericardium (the sac that surrounds the heart). Mesothelioma may also form in the membrane that surrounds the testicles as well as the ovaries.

In the UK mesothelioma kills more than more than 2,500 people each year. The majority of cases are due to asbestos case exposure which was used in the construction of structures up to 1999. Asbestos exposure is usually an occupational danger. However, it can be a problem when people bring home dirty work clothes from the office or disturb asbestos during home renovations or maintenance.

The first symptoms of Mesothelioma are similar to those of other conditions such as a constant cough or difficulty breathing. It can be difficult to diagnose and symptoms may not manifest for several years. This is because mesothelioma can have a long latency, meaning it can take up to 40 years following exposure to be diagnosed with the disease.

A lung X-ray and a biopsied can confirm whether someone has mesothelioma. A biopsy involves taking a small portion of tissue and studying it under microscope. A biopsy can aid doctors in determining whether the cancer is epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 percent to 80% of all mesotheliomas and is among the easiest to treat. Sarcomatoid is less prevalent but it does grow faster and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid.

Prognosis

The rate of survival for mesothelioma malignancy can differ on an individual basis. It is contingent on the severity of mesothelioma, and if it was diagnosed and treated early. Patients with mesothelioma of the pleural region which affects the lung's lining generally have a better chance of survival than those who have peritoneal or testicular mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure can cause several cancers, including mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed and stick to the organ linings, like the lungs, the heart, and abdomen. They cause irritation to the lining of the organ and cause tumors. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body via lymph nodes or blood.

Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can be difficult to diagnose by doctors at first. The symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases and illnesses. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed as a result.

The most common mesothelioma symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing, abdominal pain and chest pain. The signs are caused by many factors, and the cancer may grow anywhere between 20 and 50 years old.

As mesothelioma progresses the symptoms can become worse as the cancer grows. It is important to see the doctor for any symptoms, especially if they persist or cause anxiety. It is also a good idea to tell the doctor about any past exposure to asbestos.

If it isn't detected in time, mesothelioma could be very aggressive and lead to serious complications. It can be a threat to the lungs, heart and abdominal cavity, or the testicles.

The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is mesothelioma of the pleural region, which affects the lining of the lungs. In less frequent instances, it may occur in the tummy's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or in the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or the testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Each type has a distinct prognosis. The lung has the highest chance of recovery, but it is still a serious disease that requires treatment. If a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma they should consult their family doctor or a specialist to help treat the condition. Patients can benefit from joining a support group, undergoing regular health screenings and getting treatment at a reputable mesothelioma center.