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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs, and, in rare cases the linings of the heart and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues, causing DNA damage. Cells turn into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos legal fibers could cause these cells to undergo a change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are found in the lung. However, it could also be found in the abdominal lining as well as the testicles, heart and lungs.

Breathlessness, chest discomfort and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Some patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are akin to other ailments and are difficult to identify, particularly in the early stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma could not appear for years or even decades after asbestos exposure.

The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is an examination and a health history. To determine the severity of symptoms the doctor can order imaging tests and blood tests. These scans may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).

X-rays can reveal a strange lump or a fluid that is present in the lung. These scans may help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is located and the kind of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two most prevalent kinds. About 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.

The majority of patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. In certain instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The most accurate method to diagnose mesothelioma involves an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma also determines the method used by a doctor to treat the disease. For instance when a patient has mesothelioma of the pericardium doctors may remove excess fluid using a procedure called pleurodesis or insert a pleural catheter in the body to ease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the organ's linings called the mesothelium. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, but it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes.

It takes between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Because of this time period of latency it is possible for patients to be misdiagnosed. This illness is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis may cause delays in treatment that can reduce the chance of a patient's survival.

If you suspect mesothelioma, see their doctor as soon as possible. In the initial visit, doctors examine the medical history of a patient to determine if there are any symptoms or factors that could increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes asbestos case exposure in the past, as well the kind and duration.

The next step is to have doctors order imaging tests to check the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the inside of the body. They can reveal lung changes, such as pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also tell if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

A doctor will also order a blood test to see whether the patient has high levels of certain substances that are related to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation called a thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and looking for cancer cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy will be performed to examine a small piece of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle-guided CT scan is a method to carry out this procedure. The results of this will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment may improve the quality of life for patients and improve their outlook.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues which line and protect organs such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. It is not possible to cure mesothelioma but treatment can help reduce symptoms.

Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and search for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure because this is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibers to be trapped in the linings the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach or the heart. Over time this causes inflammation and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be identified using imaging tests and blood tests.

Your healthcare provider uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if you suffer from fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images. They will also do a needle biopsy to obtain a sample of the affected tissue.

A pathologist, a mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue with a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cells and determine the kind. To determine the type of mesothelioma, the doctor will stain the sample with a dye that lights up when certain kinds of proteins are present. They will then use a special technique to get an in-depth look at the tissue under microscope.

Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose as mesothelioma-related cells appear like other types of cells found in the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. They may use blood tests to measure levels of fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptide.

Your healthcare team will choose mesothelioma treatments based on the type of cancer you suffer from and the degree to which it is advanced. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most commonly used treatment options for mesothelioma. A palliative treatment option is available when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This can relieve your pain and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The outlook for mesothelioma is based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as other factors, such as a patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with skilled doctors to know more about their treatment options.

Asbestos fibers can damage tissues that connect vital organs and shield them from harm. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma that is a form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity (pleura) and mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common type that is found in the lining that protects the abdomen.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking small amounts of tissue to be tested. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can help them determine the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan.

The mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma develops at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60 percent to 80% of cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they have significant symptoms. Asbestos-related victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and have regular checkups.

During these visits doctors can check for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory problems. They may also conduct an easy blood test to determine the overall health of a patient. If the results indicate that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is very high, they can schedule additional tests to receive an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This could include imaging tests such as X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to lung function tests or chest MRI or PET scan.