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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissue that lines the lungs and chest cavity and, in some cases, the abdomen's lining and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into mesothelioma cancerous cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause cancerous cells to grow into mesothelioma tumours. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in the lung (pleura). It can also develop in the linings of the abdomen, heart and testicles. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Additionally, some patients are suffering from abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to those of other ailments and are difficult to identify, particularly in the initial stages of mesothelioma. It could take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to appear. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is an examination and a medical history. To determine the severity of symptoms doctors may recommend imaging tests and blood tests. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography). X-rays may reveal an unusual lump or a fluid that is present in the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the type of mesothelioma. The two most common types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Around 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is less common than epithelioid. Most people with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing problems. Patients with pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart tone, a condition called pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum. The most reliable method to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to take a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma also determines how a doctor will treat the illness. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will drain the excess fluid through the procedure known as pleurodesis, or place a pleural catheter in order to reduce inflammation and improve respiration. Other options include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings of organs, known as the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs (pleura), though it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). It can take between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Because of this time period of latency many patients are incorrectly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. This could result in delays in treatment, which can lower a patient's chances of survival. If you suspect that you may have mesothelioma need to consult their physician immediately. During this initial visit, doctors examine a patient's complete medical history to determine signs and any other factors that may make them more likely to have mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos and asbestos, and also the type and duration of exposure. The next step is for doctors to conduct imaging tests to examine the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs all provide precise images of the inside of the body and can reveal lung changes like pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also tell whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body. broken arrow asbestos lawyer may also order an examination of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a Thoracentesis which involves removing fluid from the lungs and examining the lungs for cancerous cells. If mesothelioma is found to be the cause, a biopsy is performed to check a small sample of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or through an instrument that guides the needle through the aid of a CT scan. The results of this test will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This can include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line and protect organs, like the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is impossible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your health history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure as it is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). As time passes, this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests are used to identify mesothelioma. Your doctor uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if there is an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your provider will order MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain precise images of the affected area. They will also conduct an incision using a needle to obtain a sample from the affected tissue. A mesothelioma expert, also known as a pathologist will look at mesothelioma cells under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma that you have. The pathologist will employ a dye to stain the tissues to determine the type of cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types are present. Then, they will employ an advanced method to get an even closer view of the tissue under a microscope. It can be difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the cells that cause it appear similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the diagnosis by performing other tests. This includes a blood test to measure levels of fibulin-3 and mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble. Your healthcare team will determine the best treatment plan for mesothelioma based on the type of cancer and stage. The most popular mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is at an advanced stages you could also receive palliative treatment to relieve discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on the type and stage cancer as well as factors like age and general health. Patients should work with knowledgeable doctors to find out more about the treatment options available to them. Asbestos fibers can damage tissues that line vital organs and safeguard them. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are mesothelioma pleural (which forms on the linings of the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma. The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take a small sample of tissue for testing. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples to a database to identify the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information will help them predict the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan. The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type grows at an individual rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent to 80% cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop after exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and be checked regularly. During these visits, doctors examine for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They can also perform an easy blood test to assess the health of the patient. If the results show that the patient is at a an increased risk of mesothelioma, they can schedule additional tests to determine if they are likely to develop an estimate of the prognosis. This includes imaging tests like X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well a lung function test, a chest MRI or PET scan.