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Mesothelioma Cancer Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor caused by asbestos exposure is a serious disease. Inhaling asbestos fibers causes mesothelioma pleural and swallowing asbestos can lead to mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. The symptoms may be similar to those of less serious illnesses and may take between 10 and 50 years to show. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, chest pain and a shortness of breath. Risk Factors Mesothelioma is a form of asbestos that develops when asbestos fibers are introduced into the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma that is found in the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. Less commonly, mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum or the membrane around the heart (pericardium). It takes between 20-50 years for the cancer to grow and manifest symptoms that can be mistaken for flu-like illness. Mesothelioma typically affects older people, and it is more prevalent in males than women. The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of tiny fibres which were used in construction materials, including ceilings and walls, due to its resistance to heat and fire. It was also extensively used in the manufacture of products like pipes, insulation, shingles and cement. Mesothelioma is a deadly disease for those who work in industries that employ asbestos, such as mining, shipbuilding, or construction. Even those who have only had a second exposure to asbestos such as relatives who brought home asbestos-covered clothing or skin are at risk. A small percentage of mesothelioma cases can be traced to a genetic mutation known as BAP1. This genetic mutation increases the risk of developing mesothelioma in those who have been exposed to asbestos. The age of the patient is also a risk factor. Mesothelioma most commonly affects those who are over 45, and two-thirds of those diagnosed are aged 65 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 long exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more common in white males than females or people of any other racial group. This is due to the fact that historically, more white males worked in jobs that put them at a higher risk of exposure to asbestos than other groups. Mesothelioma typically affects those who were exposed to asbestos prior to the 1980s, when better regulations were in place. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is caused by asbestos, is found in the protective linings of many organs. The cancerous tumors that form within the tissue may damage them and cause severe pain. The malignancy can be spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to other diseases such as influenza or pneumonia. They can take up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos before showing symptoms. The time of latency can make it difficult to detect the disease early and symptoms could be misinterpreted as signs of other diseases. In the majority of cases, malignant tumors originate in the chest cavity and lungs (pleura). However, mesothelioma may also develop in the tissues of the heart and abdomen. In rare cases the disease may affect the lining of the testes or the sac that surrounds the heart (pericardium). Asbestos is a group of minerals that form long thin fibers. These fibers are so durable that they can't be broken down by chemical or water, or even bacteria. They were extensively used in various construction and household products for a long time before researchers realized how harmful they were to health. The majority of patients with mesothelioma were exposed to the material in the workplace or at home, and the majority of those who were exposed were employed in the US Navy and the air force, the construction or shipbuilding industries. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Veterans account for 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 can also send a sample of tissue to a lab for testing. The results will allow doctors to determine the type of mesothelioma and stage of the disease which can affect the prognosis as well as treatment options. The majority of mesothelioma forms are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Between 10% and 15% of cases are biphasic or mixed. Epithelioid mesothelioma tends to be less aggressive and has the highest survival rates. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma can be more difficult to detect and has a lower prognosis. Diagnosis It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma, especially in its early stages. The first step is to see their primary care physician if they experience any signs, like coughing or chest pains. The doctor will listen to the patient's breathing using a stethoscope and take down their work and health history. This includes any asbestos exposure history, which is crucial for diagnosing mesothelioma. Doctors must rule out any other diseases before they can make the diagnosis, as mesothelioma signs are similar to other diseases. For example the cancer is often spread to a person's lungs from a different part of the body, like their abdomen or chest wall. Asbestos-related lung diseases, like pneumonia, are very common among asbestos-related victims. Pleural mesothelioma may also be mistaken for other respiratory diseases. Imaging tests, blood tests and biopsy can all be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests aid in locating the site of the cancer, which is often found in the lungs, but could also be found in the stomach or the testicles. The tests will assist doctors determine how far cancer has spread in the body. A CT scan or MRI could reveal signs of mesothelioma. These include calcium deposits (also called plaque) in the pleura and an accumulation between the lungs and chest wall. These tests can also reveal whether a person has lung tissue on one side or the other. In many instances, a biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. This involves removing some of the tissue and analyzing it in a laboratory for mesothelioma cells. Some patients may require additional tests like FDG-positron emission tomography (PET), allowing doctors to examine the lymph nodes located in the middle of the chest, and to take samples of them, or endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) which uses sound waves to examine the lungs and mesothelium. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, is being treated by doctors. Patients who have been diagnosed with cancer should carefully weigh their options to find the best treatment for them. Treatment Mesothelioma may affect the linings of the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal cancer) or the heart (pericardial cancer). The symptoms typically do not show up until a few years after exposure to asbestos. It is essential that those who have been exposed to asbestos get checked for any strange symptoms. A doctor will take an medical history to look for mesothelioma risk factors including how long and how intensely someone was exposed to asbestos. A doctor will also perform an examination to look for mesothelioma-related symptoms like the accumulation of fluids in the chest cavity. The type of cells in mesothelium, as well as the location of those cells, are used to identify mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60 percent to 80% mesothelioma. Other mesothelioma types include biphasic and sarcomatoid mesothelioma, which make up between 10% and 15% of all mesothelioma cases. There are a myriad of treatment options for patients with mesothelioma. The kind of treatment you choose is based on the type and stage of mesothelioma. In iowa city asbestos attorney , mesothelioma can be treatable by radiation or chemotherapy. In these procedures, doctors inject powerful cancer-fighting drugs or utilize special equipment to eliminate tumors and reduce the chances of mesothelioma recurring. Other types of mesothelioma may be treated with surgery, which removes parts of the lining of the affected organ. This may also help alleviate breathing difficulties and other symptoms. If someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma pleural the doctor can perform a procedure called VATS, which uses a camera inserted into the lungs in order to remove part of the pleura and lung. This can improve breathing problems caused by the build-up of fluid in the lungs, however it does not cure the condition. Other treatment options could include pain management and support services. It is vital that people suffering from mesothelioma receive as much knowledge about the disease as possible and how to deal with it. The more they know, the better equipped they are to plan a an enjoyable and healthy future.