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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare instances, the tissues of the abdomen and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can get stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. This turns cells into mesothelioma cancerous cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause the cells to change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. Most cases of mesothelioma are found in the lung. However, it can occur in the lining of the abdomen and the testicles, as well as the heart. Chest discomfort, and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Some patients also experience abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and are difficult to identify, particularly in the initial stages of mesothelioma. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is a physical examination and a medical history. To determine the severity of symptoms, a doctor may order tests for blood and imaging scans. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the type of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and mesothelioid are the two major kinds. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis, and is less frequent than epithelioid. People with pleural cancer typically suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing difficulties. People with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart tone or a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum. The most accurate way to identify mesothelioma is take a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma will also dictate how a doctor manages the disease. If a patient has pericardial cancer the doctor will remove excess fluid with the procedure known as pleurodesis or insert a pleural catheter in order to decrease inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the organ's linings called the mesothelium. The disease is most common in the lungs, but it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes. It can take between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to manifest. Due to this latency period many patients could be incorrectly diagnosed. The illness is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious conditions such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake could result in delays in treatment, which can decrease the chance of surviving. If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. During the initial visit, doctors will review the patient's entire medical history to identify signs and any other factors that could make them more likely to have mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, as well as the nature and duration of the exposure. The doctor will then recommend imaging tests for the abdomen and chest to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X rays, CT scans, and MRIs are all able to reveal changes in the lungs, including the thickness of the pleural wall or the accumulation of fluid. They can also tell whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other regions of the body. A doctor may also order an examination of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation called a thoracentesis which involves removing fluid from the lungs and looking for cancer cells. If mesothelioma is found to be the cause the biopsy procedure is carried out to check a small sample of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or with a needle guided by a CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This more advanced mesothelioma treatment can boost the quality of life of a patient and improve their chances of survival. Treatment Mesothelioma is a cancer that is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. It is impossible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your medical background and will look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your exposure to asbestos, because this is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to become stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach or the heart. As time passes this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be identified using blood tests and imaging tests. Your doctor will use chest X-rays to determine if there is fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your provider will order MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain precise images of the affected area. They may also perform an incision using a needle to collect a sample from the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist called a pathologist will study mesothelioma cells under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma you suffer from. The pathologist will employ a dye to stain the tissues to identify the cancer. This dye is visible when certain types of mesothelioma are present. They will then employ a specific method to obtain a closer look at the tissue under microscope. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because the mesothelioma cells look similar to other kinds of cells found within the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. These tests involve an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble. Your medical team will decide on the mesothelioma treatment plan based on the kind of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Palliative treatment may be offered when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This can relieve you of pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is determined by the type and stage cancer and other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult knowledgeable doctors to find out more about the treatment options available to them. Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. appleton asbestos lawyer can be breathed in or consumed, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural mesothelioma. It 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. The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue to be tested. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can help them predict the patient's mesothelioma's life expectancy and treatment plan. The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type develops at an individual rate and responds to treatment in a different way. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a better survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients do not receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos exposure must be reported to a physician, and victims should undergo periodic checks. During these visits, doctors can check for signs of asbestos-related exposure, such as scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory problems. They may also conduct a simple blood test to check a patient's overall health. If the results show that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is high they can schedule additional tests to determine a mesothelioma prognosis. This will include imaging exams such as X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to the lung function test, a chest MRI or PET scan.