Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pleural Mesothelioma: Pleural mesothelioma represents about 75% of all mesothelioma. The disease can grow quickly and enlarge the pleural space, causing it to fill with fluid. This fluid leads to the discomfort or pain associated with first detection of the disease. It is thought that pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhaling of fibrous materials, including asbestos. These fibers lodge in the pleura and, over time, cause damage to the tissue layer and cancer erupts. Learn more about pleural mesothelioma.
Pericardial Mesothelioma: The rarest form of mesothelioma is that which affects the linings of the heart cavity, called the pericardium. Less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases are related to the heart. As in the lung, the rapid growth of the cancerous tumors can cause expansion of the tissue and accumulation of fluid. The fluid can interfere with the functioning of the heart and cause chest pain. Mesothelioma cases are known to be caused by exposure to asbestos; but it is completely unknown how the asbestos fibers enter the tissue layers surrounding the heart. Learn more about pericardial mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma of the abdomen is called peritoneal mesothelioma. The serous membrane surrounding the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. This disease accounts for approximately 10% to 20% of mesothelioma cases. In addition, a rare form of peritoneal mesothelioma affects the male testicles. The covering layer of the scrotum is actually an out pouching of the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma Peritoneum [Asbestosis]
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a debilitating and sometimes deadly respiratory disorder caused by inhaling high levels of asbestos fibers, which leads to scarring of the lung tissue and diminished breathing capacity. Type of Lung Cancer. ...>>>Pleural Mesothelioma | Pericardial Mesothelioma | Peritoneal Mesothelioma.<<<
Mesothelioma 
Type of Lung Cancer
Asbestosis Risks
Asbestos fibers were commonly used in insulation and other building materials prior to 1975 when it was discovered to cause serious and potentially fatal diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Individuals with prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers are among those most likely to develop asbestosis and/or other asbestos-related diseases. Also, those who work around asbestos fibers may carry the fibers home on their clothing, increasing the risk to their family members. Not all individuals with a history of asbestos exposure develop asbestosis. However, the key to diminishing the risk is to stop asbestos exposure altogether.
Pleural Mesothelioma Peritoneal
Asbestosis Symptoms
Common symptoms of asbestosis include:
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in chest
- Other less common symptoms may include nail abnormalities and clubbing of fingers.
Pericardial Mesothelioma Pericardial
Asbestosis Diagnosis and Treatment
The first step a doctor usually takes in diagnosing asbestosis is to listen for a crackling sound in the patient's chest. The doctor may then use a chest x-ray, CT scan of the lungs, or pulmonary function tests to definitively establish a diagnosis of asbestosis.
While no cure for asbestosis is currently available, a number of treatments can help to alleviate symptoms. Some of these supportive treatments include postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration - all of which serve to remove secretions from the lungs.
To further aid respiration, doctors may prescribe aerosol medications that thin lung secretions or employ the use of oxygen masks.
The prognosis for individuals diagnosed with asbestosis depends on the duration and extent of their asbestos exposure as well as the progression of the disease. Some patients with asbestosis develop complications such as malignant mesothelioma and pleural effusion. Developing mesothelioma significantly decreases an individual's chances of survival. Seventy-five percent of those also diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma die within one year.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Pleural