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Mesothelioma Cancer Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is triggered by exposure to asbestos. Inhaling asbestos fibers causes mesothelioma of the pleura and swallowing asbestos can lead to peritoneal mesothelioma. Symptoms may mimic symptoms of less serious diseases and can take 10 – 50 years to show. Symptoms include shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and chest pain. Risk Factors Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibres get into the body. Pleural mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in linings of the chest cavity or the lungs. Mesothelioma can also form in the peritoneum (the membrane surrounding the heart) or the pericardium. It can take between 20 and 50 years for the cancer to develop and show symptoms, which can often be mistaken for flu-like illnesses. Mesothelioma most often affects older people and is more common in men than women. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of tiny fibres, was used in the construction of buildings, for example, in ceilings and walls. It is impervious to fire and heat. It was also extensively used in the manufacturing of products like pipes insulation, shingles, insulation and cement. Workers in industries where asbestos was prevalent like construction, mining or shipbuilding are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma. Even those who only had a second exposure to asbestos, such as family who brought home asbestos-covered clothing and skin, are at risk. A small proportion (less than 5percent) of mesothelioma can be traced to a mutation in the BAP1 gene. This genetic mutation increases the risk of developing mesothelioma in people who have been exposed to asbestos. Age is another important risk factor for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most prevalent in those who are who are older than 45 and two thirds of those who are diagnosed with the disease are 65 years old or older. This is due to the lengthy duration of exposure to asbestos. However, it could also be that older people are more likely to develop the disease because of the prolonged exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is more common in white males than females or members of any other racial group. This is due to the fact that historically more white men have worked in jobs that put them at higher risk of asbestos than other groups. Mesothelioma most commonly affects those who were exposed to asbestos before the 1980s, a time when more stringent regulations were in place. Symptoms Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer that forms in the protective linings around several body organs. The cancerous tumors that form in the tissue could cause damage and severe pain. The malignancy can expand to other areas through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be similar to those of other illnesses such as influenza or pneumonia. They can take up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos before showing symptoms. This time of latency makes it difficult to recognize mesothelioma early, and the symptoms could be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses. The majority of malignant tumors start in the chest cavity, or lungs (pleura). But mesothelioma can also form in the tissues surrounding the abdomen and the heart. In rare instances, the disease can even affect the testes' lining, or the sac that surrounds the heart (pericardium). Asbestos is made up of a grouping of minerals that form long, thin fibres. These fibers are so tough that they are unable to be broken down by chemicals, water or bacteria. These materials were widely used in a variety construction and household products before scientists realized the dangers they posed to people's lives. The majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure to asbestos either at work or home. The majority of patients who were exposed were employed by the US Navy Air Force, Shipbuilding Industry, or Construction. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Veterans make up approximately 30% of all cases. Medical tests and imaging scans can aid doctors in identifying mesothelioma. These include X rays, CT scanners, MRIs, and PET scans. The doctor may also send a sample of tissue to a laboratory for testing. The results can help determine the type and stage of mesothelioma which affects prognosis as well as treatment options. The majority of mesothelioma forms are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Between 10 percent and 15 percent of cases are biphasic, or mixed. Epithelioid mesothelioma is generally less aggressive and has the highest survival rates. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma can be more difficult to diagnose and has a poorer prognosis. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma, especially in its early stages. Patients should consult their primary care physician when they experience any symptoms like chest pain or coughing. The doctor will examine the patient's breathing through the stethoscope and document their health history and work. This includes any asbestos exposure background, which is essential for diagnosing mesothelioma. Doctors must rule out any other diseases before they can make the diagnosis, as mesothelioma signs are similar to those of other diseases. For example mesothelioma is a cancer that usually spreads to the lungs of patients from other parts of the body, such as the chest wall or abdomen. Asbestos victims are prone to lung issues, such as mesothelioma and pneumonia. symptoms can be confused with other respiratory ailments. Macon asbestos attorney for blood, imaging and biopsy are all used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can help doctors identify the cancerous site that is typically located in the lungs, but may also be located in the stomach or in the testicles. The tests will also help doctors determine the extent of the cancer is growing in the body. A CT scan or MRI could show 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 patient has more lung capacity on one side or the other. In many cases, a biopsied is required to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. This involves removing small quantities of tissue and testing them in the laboratory for mesothelioma. Some patients may require additional tests, such as FDG-positron emission tomography (PET), which can help doctors see how the tumor is affecting blood supply to the lungs; mediastinoscopy, which permits doctors to look at and sample lymph nodes located in the middle of the chest as well as endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) which makes use of sound waves to study mesothelium and the lungs. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, is being treated by doctors. In the end patients diagnosed with the cancer must be aware of their options and determine the best treatment for them. Treatment Mesothelioma can affect the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). The symptoms usually don't show up for several decades after exposure to asbestos. It is essential that those who have been exposed to asbestos get checked for unusual symptoms. A doctor will go over your medical history to determine if you have mesothelioma risks. This is based on how long and how frequently you were exposed to asbestos. A doctor may also conduct an examination to determine mesothelioma signs, such as fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. Mesothelioma is classified by the type of cells that form in the mesothelium and where those cells are located. Epithelioid-like mesothelioma comprises 60 to 80% of mesothelioma. Other types of mesothelioma include biphasic mesothelioma and sarcomatoid, which make up between 10% and 15% of mesothelioma cases. There are a variety of treatment options available for people with mesothelioma. The type of treatment depends on the type of mesothelioma and the stage of the disease. In some instances, mesothelioma can be treated with radiation or chemotherapy. When treating mesothelioma, doctors utilize powerful cancer-fighting drugs or equipment to eliminate tumors. This lowers the risk of mesothelioma recurring. Other types of mesothelioma may be treated through surgery which involves the removal of parts of the lining of the affected organ. This may also help alleviate symptoms such as breathing problems. If a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma pleural the doctor can perform a procedure called VATS, that involves the use of a camera into the lungs in order to remove part of the lung and pleura. This can improve breathlessness caused by fluid build-up in the lungs, however it is not a cure for the disease. Other treatment options could include pain management and support services. It is essential that patients who suffer from mesothelioma have as much information on the disease as possible and the best way to manage it. The more they know the more equipped they will be to plan for a an enjoyable and healthy future.