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Mesothelioma Cancer Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause pleural tumors, and swallowing asbestos can cause cancer of the peritoneal region. Symptoms can appear within 10 to 50 years of the initial diagnosis. Symptoms include shortness of breath, abdominal pain and chest pain. Risk Factors Mesothelioma is a form of asbestos that develops when asbestos fibers are introduced into the body. The most common mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma that is found in the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. Mesothelioma can also develop in the peritoneum (the membrane surrounding the heart) or the pericardium. The cancer may take up to 50 years to manifest symptoms. These symptoms are often misinterpreted as flu-like illnesses. Mesothelioma most often affects older people, and is more common in men than women. The main risk factor for mesothelioma involves exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral composed of tiny fibres, was used in the construction of buildings, such as in ceilings and walls. It is abrasive to fire and heat. It was also used extensively in the production of products like insulations, pipes, shingles, and cement. Mesothelioma is an extremely serious illness for people who work in industries that employ asbestos, like shipbuilding, mining or construction. Even those who only had secondary exposure to asbestos, such as family who brought home asbestos-covered clothing or skin are at risk. A small proportion (less than five percent) of mesothelioma can be traced to mutations in the BAP1 gene. This genetic mutation increases the chance of developing mesothelioma among people who have been exposed to asbestos. The age of the patient is also an important risk factor. Mesothelioma is most often found in those who are over 45 and two-thirds of those diagnosed are 65 or older. This is due to the prolonged time between exposure to asbestos. However, it could also be that older people are more likely to develop the disease due to the prolonged exposure to asbestos. White males are more likely develop mesothelioma than any other race or gender. This is because historically more white men have worked in jobs that put them at higher risk of asbestos than other groups. In addition, mesothelioma is most often seen in those who were exposed to asbestos prior to when more stringent regulations were put in place in the 1980s. Symptoms Mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by asbestos, occurs in the linings that protect various organs. The cancerous tumors which form in the tissue could cause irreparable damage and pain. The malignancy could spread to other parts through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to other illnesses like pneumonia or influenza. They can take up to 50 years after asbestos exposure before they show symptoms. The time of latency can make it difficult to diagnose the disease early and symptoms may be misinterpreted as other conditions. In most cases, the malignant tumors begin in the chest cavity and lungs (pleura). Mesothelioma may also develop in the linings around the abdomen and heart. In rare instances it can affect the lining of the heart or the testes. Asbestos is made up of a grouping of minerals that forms long, thin fibers. These fibers are so tough that they are unable to be broken down by chemicals and water, or by bacteria. They were widely used in a variety of household and construction materials for decades before scientists understood how dangerous they were for health. The majority of patients with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or at home, and the majority of those exposed were employed in the US Navy or the air force, the shipbuilding industry or construction. It is more prevalent among males than females, and veterans make up around 30 percent of mesothelioma patients. Medical tests and imaging scans can help doctors identify mesothelioma. This includes X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. The doctor may also send a sample of tissue to a lab for testing. The results will help doctors determine the type of mesothelioma and stage of the disease, which affects the prognosis and treatment options. The majority of mesothelioma types are epithelioid or sarcomatoid. Between 10% and 15% of cases are biphasic or mixed. Epithelioid cancer is less aggressive and usually has the highest rate of survival. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is more difficult to treat. Diagnosis It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma, particularly at an early stage. Patients should consult their primary physician if they are experiencing any symptoms such as chest pains or coughing. The doctor will listen to the patient's breathing through the stethoscope and document their health history and work. This includes any asbestos exposure background, which is essential in determining mesothelioma's diagnosis. Since mesothelioma's symptoms mirror those of other illnesses, doctors must exclude other conditions prior to confirming a diagnosis. Cancer can spread to the lung of a patient from other organs such as the abdomen or chest. Asbestos-related lung diseases, including pneumonia, are very common among asbestos-related victims. Pleural mesothelioma may be confused with other respiratory illnesses. Mesothelioma is diagnosed through blood tests as well as imaging tests and biopsies. These tests can help doctors identify the cancerous region which is usually located in the lungs but can also be in the stomach or testicles. The tests will assist doctors determine the extent to which the cancer has spread within the body. A CT scan or MRI may show signs of mesothelioma. This includes calcium deposits (also called plaque) in the pleura and an accumulation of lung tissue' and chest wall's walls. These tests can also show whether the lungs of a person are more pronounced on one side than the other. In many instances, a biopsy is required to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. This involves removing small amounts of tissue and testing them in the lab for mesothelioma. Some patients may require additional tests, for example FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) which can help doctors see how the tumor is affecting lungs' blood supply; mediastinoscopy, which enables doctors to examine and collect lymph nodes located in the middle of the chest and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) which makes use of sound waves to look at mesothelium and the lungs. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and doctors are still learning how to treat it effectively. lincoln asbestos lawyer who have been diagnosed with cancer should carefully consider their options to determine the best treatment option for them. Treatment Mesothelioma can affect the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). The symptoms are not usually evident for several decades after exposure to asbestos. This is why it's crucial for those who have been exposed to asbestos to get checked out for any unusual symptoms. A doctor will review your medical history in order to determine if you are at risk of mesothelioma risks. This includes how long and intensely you were exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an examination to detect signs of mesothelioma, such as fluid build-up in the chest cavity. The type of cells in the mesothelium and the location of those cells, are used to classify mesothelioma. Epithelioid-like mesothelioma comprises 60% to 80% mesothelioma. The other types of mesothelioma are biphasic mesothelioma and sarcomatoid that both account for around 10 to 15% of mesothelioma patients. There are a myriad of treatment options for mesothelioma. The type of treatment is based on the stage and type of mesothelioma. In some instances, mesothelioma may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy. During these treatments doctors use powerful cancer-fighting medications or special equipment to destroy tumors. This lowers the risk of mesothelioma returning. Other forms of mesothelioma are treated by surgery that eliminates a part of the lining from the affected organ. It can also alleviate symptoms like breathing problems. If a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma of the pleura and their doctor recommends a procedure called VATS, which uses a camera inserted into the lungs to remove part of the lung and pleura. This procedure can ease breathing problems due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. However, it will not treat mesothelioma. Other treatment options include support or pain management. It is vital that people who suffer from mesothelioma have as much knowledge about the disease as they can and the best ways to treat it. The more educated they are and the more they are able to plan for a future which includes a variety of wellness and health activities.