Mesothelioma – A Rare Asbestos Disease
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the linings of various organs. It can begin in the lung (pleural mesothelioma) or the stomach the lining (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. After exposure, symptoms can be delayed for years before they appear. The symptoms can be similar to other diseases.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that is aggressive and caused by inhaling or swallowing asbestos fibers. The cancer begins in the mesothelium, a protective lining covering most internal organs. It can affect the lining of the chest cavity (pleural mesothelioma) and abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the testicles or heart. The disease can take years to develop after exposure and victims often suffer symptoms before being diagnosed.
The first signs of mesothelioma can be persistent coughing and difficulty breathing. The disease can cause abdominal pain as well as weight loss. It is essential to consult a doctor if you have these symptoms. They will run a variety of tests to rule out mesothelioma as well as other diseases. The doctors will need to know how long you have been exposed to asbestos and where you were exposed to asbestos.
Mesothelioma symptoms typically manifest after a period of time following exposure to asbestos litigation. This long latency can lead to misdiagnosis or delay in treatment. In addition the symptoms could be confused with other conditions and are difficult to detect. Patients with mesothelioma should always consult a doctor for an official diagnosis.
Certain doctors recommend screening tests, like X rays, computed Tomography scans, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). These tests can identify certain symptoms of the disease, but do not indicate the type or severity of mesothelioma. A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. This involves taking a small sample of the affected tissue to be examined under microscope.
The biopsy will reveal which kind of cells are mesothelioma. There are two types of mesothelioma: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80percent of diagnoses and is more straightforward to treat than mesothelioma sarcomatoid. The more sarcomatoid mesothelioma is more difficult it is to treat.
Pleural mesothelioma usually begins in the liner (pleura) of the lungs. It can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum or the pericardium. In certain cases mesothelioma may have been spread to other areas of the body before it is discovered. Even in cases where the cancer has progressed to a more advanced stage however, the patient must receive treatment. These treatments can help control symptoms and ease discomfort at the end of life.
Diagnosis
It could take as long as 50 years before symptoms of mesothelioma begin to manifest. The symptoms are typically similar to those of other less serious diseases, and can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms include chest pain, coughing and shortness in breath. Asbestos patients should visit a doctor immediately when they notice these symptoms. This will ensure that the disease is detected and 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, such as an X-ray of the chest or an CT scan. These tests will check for signs of asbestos exposure, such as pleural plaques and the buildup of fluid between the lungs, known as an pleural effusion.
The imaging tests can aid doctors in determining the area and the severity of a mesothelioma tumor that could be present. They will also determine if the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.
Another way to diagnose mesothelioma is through biopsy. A bronchoscope can be inserted into the mouth or throat area of a patient under anesthesia. The tube is connected to a camera at the end. This enables doctors to see the area between the lung and to take tissue samples for testing.
A PET scan can help doctors determine the extent of cancer’s spread and find other mesothelioma areas in the body. Other options for biopsy include fine needle aspiration and thoracoscopy.
Even with these tests, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma accurately due to the nature of the disease and the difficulty of collecting biopsy samples. This is why it’s so important for asbestos case victims to inform their doctors of their asbestos exposure and to explain all the symptoms, including any that are unclear or unusual. Asbestos victims should also seek out support groups and other resources for assistance with financial, legal and emotional challenges that arise with mesothelioma diagnoses. These include mesothelioma compensation programs, specialized clinics for cancer 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 type of cancer that develops by inhaling or swallowing airborne asbestos fibres. The asbestos fibres are then lodged in the mesothelium, which is a thin layer of protective layer that protects the internal organs. Melanoma maligna occurs when cells in mesothelium’s lining begin to multiply uncontrollably and form tumors. Mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years after exposure to asbestos and can occur in the Pleura (lungs), and peritoneum (abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (heart cavity).
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. The most popular kind is pleural mesothelioma which begins in the lining of the chest cavity. It is responsible for 90% of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also develop in the pericardium. This is the sac that protects the organs of the heart. It is also possible to find mesothelioma in the membrane surrounding the testicles or the ovaries.
In the UK mesothelioma is the leading cause of death for around 2,500 people every year. Most cases are related to exposure to asbestos, which was commonly used in construction until it was banned in 1999. Exposure to asbestos is most often a risk for workers however, it can occur when people bring home dirty work clothes or disturb asbestos in the home during renovations or maintenance.
The first signs of mesothelioma may be similar to other health issues, like a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or weight loss. It is often difficult to diagnose and symptoms may not appear for many years. This is because mesothelioma may have a long latency period, meaning it can take up to 40 years after exposure for a person to be diagnosed with the disease.
A lung X-ray as well as a biopsy can confirm whether a person is suffering from mesothelioma. A biopsy involves taking a small portion of tissue and examining it under a microscope. A biopsy can help doctors determine whether the cancer is epithelioid biphasic or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent to 80% of all mesotheliomas and is the easiest to treat. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is rarer but grows faster than epithelioid and has a less favorable prognosis.
Prognosis
The survival rate for mesothelioma that is malignant varies from case to. It depends on the extent of mesothelioma, and if it was detected and treated early. People who suffer from mesothelioma of the pleural region (which affects the lining of the lungs) generally have a more favorable prognosis compared to those who suffer from testicular, peritoneal, or peritoneal mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure can cause several kinds of cancers, including mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and adhere to the lining of organs like the lungs, the heart and abdomen. The fibers can cause irritation to the lining, causing tumors. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body via lymph nodes or blood.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can be difficult to diagnose by doctors at the beginning. Mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases or conditions. Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed and underdiagnosed as a result.
The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms are difficulties breathing, coughing, abdominal pain, and chest pain. The symptoms can be caused by a number of causes and it can vary between 20 and 50 years for the cancer to grow.
As mesothelioma progresses the symptoms may get worse as the cancer progresses. It is essential to consult a doctor with any symptoms particularly if they persist or cause anxiety. It is also an excellent idea to inform the doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos.
If it isn’t detected at an early stage, mesothelioma may be extremely aggressive and cause serious complications. It can affect the lungs, heart and abdominal cavity, or the testicles.
The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining of the lungs. It may also affect the lining of your stomach and the heart (pericardial perithelioma) or testicles (testicular perithelioma). Each type has a different prognosis. The lung has the greatest chance of recovery, but this is still a serious disease that requires treatment. If someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma they should consult their family physician or another specialist to help deal with the condition. Patients can benefit from being part of a support group, undergoing regular health screenings and getting treatment from a highly experienced mesothelioma center.