Information on Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer (malignancy) that most frequently arises from the cells lining the sacs of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum).

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Mesothelioma Information at mesothelomiaasbestoscancer.info is an educational resource for those who suffer from the lung cancer mesothelioma, also known as asbestoscancer, or who know someone who does. Please fee free to contact us for any suggestions or general inquires you may have.

Most people who develop mesothelioma, have worked on jobs where they have inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways. Other ways involve washing clothes of a family members who have worked with asbestos. Unlike lung cancer, there has yet to been determination of a link between mesothelioma and smoking.

MESOTHELIOMA ASBESTOS CANCER

What Is Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is mainly caused by previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining which covers most internal organs.

Causes: Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked in and around jobs containing asbestos. Unlike most other lung cancers, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking.

Symptoms: Symptoms of mesotheliomamay not appear untill many many years of working with asbestos. Anywhere from 20-50 years is a common cycle. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain the chest area are due to an accumulation of fluids in the pleuralspace which are often symptoms of pleuralmesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms: Signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, which is abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites(Build up of fluids in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, anemia, blood clotting abnormalities and fever. If the mesothelioma cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, new symptoms such as pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face may occur.

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Diagnosis Of Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often a difficult process, this is due to the symptoms being similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis of mesothelioma usually begins with a review of the patient's medical history. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase the clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. The next usual step is a physical examination to be performed, this followed by chest X-ray and, usually a lung function test. The X-ray may reveal pleural thickening, commonly seen after asbestos exposure, a main factor in mesothelioma. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI is usually performed. When either procedure is performed, if a large amount of fluid is present, abnormal cells may be detected by cytology if this fluid is aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid this is done by a pleural tap or chest drain, in ascites with an paracentesis or ascitic drain and in a pericardialeffusion with pericardiocentesis. While the absence of malignant cells does not completely exclude mesothelioma, it makes it much more unlikely, especially if alternative diagnosis can be found (e.g. tuberculosis, heart failure).

If cytology is positive or a plaque is regarded as being that of suspicious, a biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. At this point, a doctor will remove samples of the tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. At this time a biopsy may be performed in different ways, , usually depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the (cancer) is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples.

If the cancer is found within the abdomen, the doctor may perform a laparoscopy. If any procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer

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