Mesothelioma - A Rare Asbestos Disease
Mesothelioma is a cancerous growth that develops in the tissues and linings of certain organs. It may begin in the lungs (pleural msothelioma), or the stomach the stomach lining.
Exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. After exposure, symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may resemble other illnesses.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma, a deadly cancer, is caused by asbestos fibers that are inhaled or swallowed. Chandler asbestos attorney starts in the mesothelium, an ointment that protects the majority of internal organs. It can affect the linings of the chest cavity the abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma of the pleural), the heart or testicles. It can take years for the disease to manifest and victims may experience symptoms before they are diagnosed.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma tend to be chronic coughing or breathing difficulties. The disease can cause abdominal pain as well as weight loss. If you experience these symptoms it is essential to see a doctor. They can run a number of tests to rule out mesothelioma as well as other diseases. The doctors will ask you how long you've been exposed to asbestos, and where you were employed.
Mesothelioma symptoms usually manifest several decades after exposure to asbestos. The long time between exposure and symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis and delay in treatment. The symptoms can be difficult to detect and may be mistaken for other conditions. Mesothelioma patients should always see a specialist for a formal diagnosis.
Certain doctors will suggest screening tests such as Xrays, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests can identify certain signs of the disease but do not provide any indication of the type or extent of mesothelioma. A biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. This is done by taking a small sample of the affected tissue to be tested under microscope.
The biopsy will determine the type of mesothelioma cells. There are two types: epithelioid, and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80percent of diagnoses and is easier to treat than mesothelioma sarcomatoid. The more sarcomatoid mesothelioma is, the harder it is to treat.
Pleural mesothelioma usually begins in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. It may also be found in the peritoneal lining or the pericardium. In some instances mesothelioma can been spread to other areas of the body before it is detected. Even if the cancer has advanced to a later stage it is still recommended that the patient receive treatment. These treatments can help manage the symptoms and ease discomfort at the end of their lives.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a rare illness that may take 10 to 50 years for symptoms to begin to appear. When it does symptoms do appear, they often resemble other illnesses that are less severe and are difficult to determine. The symptoms include chest pain, coughing and breath shortness. When asbestos victims experience these symptoms, they must immediately consult a doctor. This will ensure that the illness is treated as soon as it is possible.
Doctors will start with a physical exam and inquire about the patient's past of asbestos exposure. They will also order imaging tests, like chest X-rays or an CT scan. These tests will look for evidence of asbestos exposure, such as pleural plaques or the accumulation of fluid between the lungs, also known as an effusion of the pleura.
The imaging tests will help doctors discover a potential mesothelioma tumor's location as well as its severity. The tests will also reveal whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the human body.
A biopsy is another way to identify the illness. A bronchoscope can be inserted into the mouth or throat area of a patient who is under anesthesia. The tube is connected to a camera at the other end. This enables doctors to examine the area between the lung and to take tissue samples to test.
A PET scan can assist doctors determine the extent of cancer's growth and also identify other mesothelioma areas in the body. Other biopsy options include thoracoscopy or fine-needle aspiration.
Even with these tests, it may be difficult for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma properly due to the nature of the disease and the difficulty in collecting biopsy samples. It is important that asbestos victims inform their doctors of their asbestos exposure, and describe all symptoms, even those that are vague or uncommon. Asbestos patients should also seek support groups and other resources to help them overcome the financial, legal and psychological challenges associated with the diagnosis of mesothelioma. These include mesothelioma compensation programs, special clinics for cancer patients, and patient lodging programs. The American Cancer Society maintains a database of these resources and can provide assistance in finding them.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a cancerous condition caused by asbestos fibres when inhaled or swallowed, is a form of cancer that is potentially fatal. The asbestos fibres are absorbed into the mesothelium, a thin protective layer that covers many organs of the body. Malignant mesothelioma occurs when cells in the mesothelium develop abnormalities and grow out of control, forming tumors. Mesothelioma typically occurs between 20 and 60 years after asbestos exposure. It can affect the pleura (lungs), the peritoneum, (abdominal cavity) or the pericardium.
There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. The most popular type is pleural, which begins in the lining of the chest cavity. It is responsible for a majority of mesothelioma-related cases. Less commonly, mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen or in the pericardium (the sac that is the heart's lining). It is also possible to have mesothelioma in the membrane surrounding the testicles, or the ovaries.
In the UK mesothelioma kills more than more than 2,500 people each year. Most cases are related to asbestos exposure which was used in the construction of buildings until 1999. Asbestos exposure is most commonly an occupational danger. However, it could also happen when people bring home dirty work clothes from their workplace or cause asbestos to be disturbed during home renovations or maintenance.
The first signs of Mesothelioma are comparable to those of other conditions such as a persistent cough or breathing difficulties. It is often difficult to diagnose, and symptoms may not manifest for many years. This is due to the fact that mesothelioma is a cancer that has an extended latency, which means it can take a person up to 40 years to be diagnosed.
A lung X-ray and biopsies can determine if the patient has mesothelioma. A biopsy is the procedure of taking a small amount of tissue and then examining it under microscope. A biopsy can be used to determine if the cancer is epithelioid (sarcomatoid), biphasic (biphasic) or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60% to 80percent of mesotheliomas and is the easiest to treat. Sarcomatoid is a lesser-known cancer but it does grow faster and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid.
Prognosis
The survival rate for malignant mesothelioma differs from case to case. It is contingent on how much mesothelioma has an effect on the body and whether it is diagnosed and treated early. Patients with mesothelioma pleural (which affects the lining that surrounds the lung) generally have a more favorable prognosis compared to those with peritoneal, testicular, or peritoneal mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure has been linked to mesothelioma and other cancers. Asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and adhere to the linings of organs like the lungs the heart, and abdomen. They cause irritation to the lining of the organ and create tumors. Cancer cells can be spread to other parts of the body via lymph nodes or blood vessels.
Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that can be difficult for doctors to diagnose at first. The symptoms can be similar to those of many other illnesses and conditions. Because of this, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed.
Mesothelioma is identified by a myriad of symptoms, such as chest pain, abdominal discomfort, and difficulty breathing. The symptoms can be caused by a number of causes and it can take anywhere between 20 and 50 years for the cancer to manifest.
When mesothelioma is diagnosed the symptoms can become worse as the cancer progresses. If you experience any symptoms it is crucial to consult a doctor especially when the symptoms are constant or alarming. Tell your doctor if you have ever been exposed to asbestos.
It can be extremely aggressive and cause severe complications if not detected in time. It can affect the lungs, the heart, abdominal cavity or testicles.
The most prevalent mesothelioma form affects the lining of the lungs. It can also affect the lining of your stomach, the heart (pericardial perithelioma), or testicles (testicular perithelioma). Each type has a different prognosis. The lung has the best chance of recovery, however it's still a very serious disease that requires treatment. If someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma, they should talk to their family doctor or another specialist to manage the disease. Patients can benefit from joining an organization that offers support, having regular health screenings and getting treatment at a reputable mesothelioma clinic.