swimping42

Mesothelioma Cancer Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause pleural cancer, and swallowing asbestos can cause cancer of the peritoneal region. Symptoms may mimic symptoms of less serious diseases and can take 10 – 50 years to appear. The symptoms could include chest pain, abdominal distress and a shortness of breath. Risk Factors Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibres enter the body. Pleural mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in linings of the chest cavity or the lungs. Less commonly, mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum or the heart's pericardial membrane (pericardium). The cancer may take up to 50 years to manifest symptoms. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. Mesothelioma is more common in older people and more prevalent in males than females. The biggest risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of tiny fibres, was utilized as a building material like in walls and ceilings. It is impervious to heat and fire. It was also extensively used in the manufacturing of goods like pipes, insulation, shingles and cement. Mesothelioma is a serious disease for people who work in industries that make use of asbestos, such as shipbuilding, mining, or construction. However even those who had secondary exposure, such as family members who brought home asbestos on their clothing and skin, are at risk. A small percentage (less than 5%) of mesothelioma is due to a mutation in the BAP1 gene. This genetic change increases the likelihood of developing mesothelioma among those who have been exposed to asbestos. Age is another important risk factor for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most common among those who are older than 45 and two-thirds of those diagnosed with the disease are 65 years old or older. This is due to the prolonged duration of exposure to asbestos. However it is also possible that older people are more likely to develop the disease because of the prolonged exposure. White males are more likely develop mesothelioma than anyone else of any race or gender. This is because historically, more white men worked in jobs that put them at greater risk of asbestos exposure than other groups. Additionally, mesothelioma is typically seen in people who were exposed to asbestos before better regulations were put into the 1980s. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer that develops in the protective linings around various organs in the body. The cancerous tumors that form in the tissue can cause damage and severe pain. The malignancy could spread to other parts through the lymphatic or bloodstream system. Mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to other diseases, like pneumonia or the flu. They often take 10 – 50 years to show up after exposure to asbestos. This latency period makes it difficult to identify mesothelioma early, and the symptoms may be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses. In most cases, the malignant tumors originate in the chest cavity and lungs (pleura). But mesothelioma can also grow in the tissues surrounding 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 one of the minerals that create long, thin fibers. The fibers are so strong that they are unable to be broken down by chemicals or water, or even bacteria. These materials were used widely in various construction and household products 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 who were exposed worked in the US Navy or air force, construction or shipbuilding industries. It is more prevalent in men than women and veterans account for about 30% of mesothelioma cases. Pearland asbestos lawsuits and medical tests can aid doctors in identifying mesothelioma. These include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. The doctor may also send a tissue sample to a laboratory for analysis. The results will allow doctors to determine the type of mesothelioma and stage of the disease which influences prognosis and treatment options. Most types of mesothelioma are epithelioid or sarcomatoid and between 10 and 15 percent are biphasic or mixed. Epithelioid cancers are less aggressive and usually has the highest survival rate. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is more difficult to treat. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to detect, especially in its early stages. The first step is for patients to visit their primary physician with any symptoms, like chest pains or coughing. The doctor will utilize a stethoscope to listen to the patient breathing and take note of their health history and work history. This includes any history of asbestos exposure, which is important in determining mesothelioma's diagnosis. Because mesothelioma's symptoms resemble other diseases, doctors must be able to rule out other conditions prior to confirming the diagnosis. For example, the cancer often spreads to the lungs of patients from another part of their body, such as their chest wall or abdomen. Asbestos victims are prone to lung diseases, such as mesothelioma, pneumonia, and pleural symptoms can be confused with other respiratory illnesses. Imaging tests, blood tests and biopsy can all be used to diagnose mesothelioma. These tests can help doctors find the cancerous region which is usually located in the lungs, but could also be found in the testicles or stomach. These tests can also help doctors determine how much of the cancer is spreading within the body. A CT scan or MRI can reveal mesothelioma-related signs including calcium deposits in the pleura (known as plaque) and a buildup of fluid between the lungs and the chest wall. These tests can also determine whether a person has lung tissue on one side or the other. In many instances, a biopsy is necessary to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. This involves removing small portions of tissue and analyzing them in the lab for mesothelioma. Certain patients may require additional tests, such as FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) which helps doctors understand how the tumor is affecting blood supply to the lungs. mediastinoscopy, which allows doctors to examine and collect lymph nodes that are located in the center of the chest; or endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), which uses sound waves to examine the mesothelium and lungs. Mesothelioma is a rare condition, and doctors are still learning to treat it effectively. Patients who have been diagnosed with cancer should carefully consider their options to determine the best treatment option for them. Treatment Mesothelioma can affect the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) or the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). The symptoms are not usually evident for several decades following asbestos exposure. It is essential that those who have been exposed to asbestos be examined if they exhibit unusual symptoms. A doctor will collect an medical history to look for mesothelioma risk factors including how long and how often an individual was exposed to asbestos. A doctor may also conduct an examination to determine mesothelioma-related symptoms like the accumulation of fluids in the chest cavity. The type of cells that reside in mesothelium, as well as the location of these cells, are used to classify mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is epithelioid. It makes up 60% to the majority of mesothelioma patients. The other types of mesothelioma are sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma which account for about 10% to 15% of mesothelioma patients. There are many treatment options for mesothelioma. The type of treatment depends on the stage and type of the mesothelioma. In some cases, the mesothelioma may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy. During these treatments doctors administer powerful chemotherapy drugs or utilize special equipment to destroy tumors and reduce the chances of mesothelioma recurring. Other forms of mesothelioma are treated by surgery that eliminates a part of the lining from the affected organ. It can also alleviate symptoms such as breathing difficulties. A person suffering from pleural asbestosis may undergo a procedure referred to as VATS. This involves placing a camera in the lungs and removing a part of the pleura and lung. This procedure can alleviate breathlessness caused by fluid build-up in the lungs, but does not cure the condition. Other options for treatment include pain management or support services. It is vital that people with mesothelioma get as much information about the disease as they can, and the best ways to treat it. The more knowledgeable they are more prepared they will be to prepare for a future that includes a full range of health and wellness-related activities.