Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma lung tumor is a rare asbestos-related cancer which affects the lining of the lungs as well as the chest wall. It can also be found in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and in the tissues surrounding the testicles and heart.
The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Anyone who is exposed to asbestos while at work such as those who clean up their work clothes or threw away asbestos during home renovations or maintenance are at greater risk.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The pleura, the lung's lining, can be affected by malignant asbestosis of the pleural lining. The pleura also lines different organs including the peritoneum and pericardium. This type is diagnosed in 80% of patients with mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos fiber exposure.
Asbestos was utilized in a variety of products such as paint, insulation and fireproofing. People working in industries such as shipbuilding, construction, and the military could have been exposed to asbestos for years. The symptoms of mesothelioma often do not manifest until the disease has reached an advanced stage.
When symptoms do show up and they do, they are persistent and may worsen as time passes. Patients should consult a physician even if they're not certain that their symptoms are due to mesothelioma. Patients should inform their physician if they have ever been exposed to asbestos.
Breathing problems and chest discomfort are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma-pleural. The cancer causes fluid to build up between the pleural layers of the lungs, resulting in an effusion of the pleural membrane. A large amount of pleural effusion can put pressure on the lungs, which can cause pain when breathing in.
There are three types of pleural mesothelioma: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and mixed. The epithelioid variety is typically associated with a better prognosis.
Pleural mesothelioma, or the pleural tumor, is a form of cancer that arises from the mesothelium. It is a type of tissue cell. Asbestos exposure causes the tissue to enflame and then create scars. The resulting scar tissue can develop into abnormal cells, which can then form tumors, referred to as mesothelioma.
There is no cure for pleural mesothelioma however, treatment can ease symptoms and extend the life expectancy. The most effective treatment choice is surgery, which can remove the tumor. However it is not always the case that patients are eligible for surgery. A lot of doctors will recommend chemotherapy in order to prolong life expectancy following surgery. The use of chemotherapy may reduce the chance of a patient's recurrence. Patients are also advised to seek a second opinion by a specialist in mesothelioma. This will help determine if the cancer is at an earlier stage, which can result in more treatment options. The best way to improve your mesothelioma prognosis is to start treatment right now.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) is affected by peritoneal mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of this mesothelioma type. Contrary to pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal cancer can be caused by ingestion of asbestos fibers instead of inhalation.
The ingestion of asbestos fibers may cause peritoneal cancer. Once they are ingested, they travel to the peritoneum, where they may be absorbed and, over time, trigger mutations in the mesothelial cells that surround the peritoneum. This causes tumor growth and eventually leads to malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pain, swelling, fever, unexplained weight loss and a buildup of abdominal fluid (peritoneal effusion). Many people with peritoneal cancer experience these symptoms months or years before they are diagnosed. The disease is often difficult to diagnose as these symptoms are similar to the symptoms of common gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn's or irritable bowel.
The prognosis for peritoneal cancer is bleak However, treatment options can help increase the likelihood of survival. The type of mesothelioma cells can also determine the rate of survival, like pleural msothelioma. Epithelioid cells from mesothelioma for example have a higher chance of survival than more aggressive sarcomatoid and biphasic types of cells. The stage of mesothelioma, as well as the gender of the patient can affect their prognosis.
In addition to a physical exam doctors may also order specific tests to help diagnose mesothelioma. A CT scan or MRI can provide detailed images of the abdomen and reveal any lumps or tumors that might be present. Doctors can also conduct an examination of blood to determine the amount of platelets which are cells that help the body to form blood clots.
The doctor will review the medical records of the patient to determine if exposure to asbestos has occurred. A biopsy sample will be taken to check for the presence of cancerous mesothelial cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will decide the best treatment option. They will take into consideration the patient's gender, age and the stage of their mesothelioma to determine how aggressive it is and what treatments are available.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be described as a cancerous growth that forms in the lining of your heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma is found less frequently than pleural and peritoneal types, and symptoms may not appear for up to 50 years. Because of this, many sufferers are unaware that their asbestos exposure could cause pericardial mesothelioma, and do not consult a doctor about it until later on in life. Pericardial mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of common heart diseases.
Pericardial Mesothelioma manifests itself as chest pain, the accumulation of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion) and a thickening of the pericardium. Because these symptoms mimic many other conditions, mesothelioma can often be misdiagnosed. Symptoms can also be related to other illnesses and asbestos sufferers often have a long-standing history of health issues due to their exposure to asbestos.
Workers may inhale asbestos fibers when they disturb asbestos-containing material. They can adhere to the mucus lining the air passages of the nose and throat, and then travel into the lungs and pericardium. Once asbestos fibers are present in the pericardium they can expand to other organs, and cause irritation or even cancer.
Exposure to asbestos can cause other types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma. Doctors have not yet found any link between mesothelioma, leukemia or lymphoma.
While all types of mesothelioma are linked to asbestos exposure however, pericardial mesothelioma is more likely to occur in males than females and is more common in those over 60. People who have a family history of asbestos exposure or other asbestos-related illnesses such as asbestosis are at greater risk of developing pericardial msothelioma.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma involves a physical examination and a discussion about a patient's asbestos history. Doctors will request an X ray or CT scan to look for lumps, signs and symptoms of inflammation. They will also ask about the patient's past employment and their residential history to determine how much asbestos exposure they have had. They can also order an ultrasound, which utilizes sound waves to look at and measure the fluid around the heart.
Testicular Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma happens when cancerous cells attack the thin layer of tissue that protects organs in the body. Mesothelioma can affect many parts of the body including the lungs, abdomen, testicles, and the heart. The disease is more prevalent among asbestos-related patients. The most frequent mesothelioma that affects the linings of lung, is called pleural. The cancer can also affect the linings in the stomach and testicles. One of the most rare forms of mesothelioma, known as testicular mesothelioma targets the tissues surrounding the sac that surrounds the scrotal area.
Testicular mesothelioma symptoms include swelling or the formation of scrotum-based masses. These tumors may be associated with pain or weight loss, as well as fever. If you suspect you are suffering from symptoms of asbestos-related disease it is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately.
Although researchers haven't yet pinpointed the exact cause of this type of cancer however, they know that exposure to asbestos is a risk factor. Asbestos was a mineral which was widely used in construction materials up until it was banned. It was used most commonly in the production of roofing and insulation materials. lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma are the most likely to have asbestos-related mesothelioma cases.
Asbestos exposure can cause this disease by making tiny asbestos fibers get trapped inside the body. As time passes, asbestos fibers may cause changes in cells that lead to tumors. This is is believed to occur in mesothelioma of the peritoneal and pleural regions. There is no evidence to suggest that asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma in the testicular region.
Surgery is the most common form of treatment for mesothelioma. This is the most effective method to eliminate large amounts of tumors. Some patients will need additional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy to stop the growth or stop the recurrence of tumors.
Asbestos Justice's lawyers can help you file a suit against the person who is responsible for asbestos exposure if been diagnosed with mesothelioma. You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, income loss and pain. To get started contact us today.