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Mesothelioma Cancer Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Inhaling asbestos fibers cause mesothelioma of the pleura and swallowing asbestos can lead to mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. The symptoms may manifest 10 to 50 years after the initial diagnosis. Symptoms include shortness of breath, abdominal pain and chest pain. Risk Factors Asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma. The most well-known mesothelioma type is mesothelioma pleural, which develops in the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. Mesothelioma can also develop in the peritoneum (the membrane surrounding the heart) or in the pericardium. It can take between 20 and 50 years for the cancer to develop and manifest symptoms, which can often be mistaken for flu-like illness. Mesothelioma is more common in older people and more frequent in males than females. Exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos is a natural mineral made up of tiny fibres which were utilized in construction materials, like ceilings and walls, because of its resistance heat and fire. It was also widely utilized in the manufacturing of goods like insulations, pipes, shingles and cement. People who worked in industries where asbestos was prevalent like shipbuilding, mining, or construction are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma. However even those who had a secondary exposure to asbestos, such as relatives who brought home asbestos-contaminated clothing and skin, are at risk. A small percentage (less than five percent) of mesothelioma can be traced to an alteration in the BAP1 gene. This genetic change increases the risk of developing mesothelioma among those who have been exposed to asbestos. Age is another significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma most commonly affects people over the age of 45, and two-thirds of those diagnosed are aged 65 or older. This is largely due to the lengthy latency period associated with asbestos exposure, but it could also be because the disease is more prevalent in older patients who have experienced longer-term and more intense exposure to the cancer-causing substance. Mesothelioma is more prevalent among white males than females or those belonging to any other racial group. This is due to the fact that historically, more white males have been employed in occupations which put them at higher risk of asbestos than other groups. Additionally, mesothelioma is most often seen in those who were exposed to asbestos prior to when better regulations were put in during the 1980s. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is caused by asbestos, occurs in the protective linings of several organs. The cancerous tumors can cause severe pain and can damage the tissues. The malignancy may be spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. It usually takes between 10 and 50 years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This delay in time makes it difficult to diagnose mesothelioma early. Additionally, the symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions. In the majority of cases, malignant tumors originate in the chest cavity and lungs (pleura). However, mesothelioma may also develop in the linings of the heart and abdomen. In rare instances the disease can affect the lining of the testes or the sac that surrounds the heart (pericardium). Asbestos is a group of minerals that create long, thin fibers. These fibers are so durable that they can't be broken down by chemicals, water or bacteria. They were widely used in a variety of household and construction products for decades before scientists understood the dangers they pose to health. The majority of patients with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or at home, and the majority of those exposed worked in the US Navy and the air force, the shipbuilding or construction. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Veterans comprise around 30% of all cases. Imaging scans and medical tests can help doctors identify mesothelioma. These include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. The doctor may also send a sample of tissue to a laboratory for testing. The results will help determine the mesothelioma's type and stage which affects prognosis as well as treatment options. Most types of mesothelioma are epithelioid or sarcomatoid and between 10% and 15 percent are biphasic, or mixed. Epithelioid mesothelioma tends to be less aggressive and has the best survival rates. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is more difficult to treat. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to detect particularly in its early stages. The first step is to see their primary care doctor with any symptoms, such as coughing or chest pains. The doctor will utilize a stethoscope to listen to the patient's breathing and take note of their medical history and work history. This includes any asbestos exposure background, which is essential for diagnosing mesothelioma. Doctors must rule out other diseases before they can confirm the diagnosis, as mesothelioma signs are similar to those of other diseases. Cancer can infect the lungs of a patient from other organs like the chest or abdomen. Pomona asbestos attorneys -related victims are more prone to lung issues, such as pneumonia, and pleural mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other respiratory ailments. Mesothelioma can be detected with blood tests as well as imaging tests and biopsies. These tests can aid doctors in identifying the cancerous area which is usually located in the lungs but can also be located in the testicles or stomach. The tests will also help doctors determine the extent of the cancer is growing in the body. A CT scan or MRI may reveal signs of mesothelioma. This includes calcium deposits (also known as plaque) in the pleura and an accumulation of lung tissue and chest wall. These tests can also show whether the lungs of a person are more prominent on one side or the other. In many cases, a biopsied is necessary to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. This procedure involves taking the tissue in a small amount and analyzing it in a laboratory for mesothelioma cell. Some patients may require additional tests such as FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) which allows doctors to examine the lymph nodes that are located in the middle of the chest, and to test them, or endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) which uses sound waves to look at the mesothelium and lungs. Mesothelioma is a rare condition and doctors are still learning how to treat it effectively. As a result those diagnosed with cancer must consider their options carefully and determine the best treatment for them. Treatment Mesothelioma can affect the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). The symptoms are not usually evident for several decades after exposure to asbestos. This is why it's important for people who have worked around asbestos to be examined when they experience unusual symptoms. A doctor will go over your medical history in order to determine if you are at risk of mesothelioma risk. This is based on how long and how frequently you were exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an examination to detect symptoms of mesothelioma for example, fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. The type of cells found in the mesothelium, and the location of those cells, are used to categorize mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60 to 80% of mesothelioma. Other mesothelioma types include biphasic mesothelioma and sarcomatoid which account for 10% to 15% of mesothelioma cases. There are a myriad of treatment options for mesothelioma. The kind of treatment you choose is dependent on the stage and type of mesothelioma. In some cases, the mesothelioma is treated using radiation or chemotherapy. During these treatments doctors inject powerful cancer-fighting medications or use special equipment to eliminate cancerous tumors and decrease the chance of mesothelioma returning. Other mesothelioma types are treated with surgery that eliminates a part of the lining of the affected organ. This may also help alleviate symptoms like breathing difficulties. A person with asbestosis pleural may undergo a procedure referred to as VATS. This involves inserting a camera into the lung and then removing a piece of the pleura and lung. This can improve the breathlessness that is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, however it does not cure the condition. Other options for treatment include pain management or support services. It is essential for patients with mesothelioma to get as much information as possible about the disease and how to manage it. The more knowledgeable they are, the better they can plan for a future that includes a full range of wellness and health activities.