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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissue that lines the lungs and chest cavity and, in rare instances, the lining of the abdomen and heart. The most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can get stuck in tissues, causing DNA damage. This turns cells into cancerous mesothelioma cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cells to undergo a change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lungs. It can also be found in the tissues of the heart, abdomen and testicles. The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms are breathlessness, chest pain and coughing. Some patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are often confusing and difficult to recognize in the early stages particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively new disease. It could take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest. A physical examination and patient's health history are the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. To determine the severity of the symptoms, a doctor may order tests for blood and imaging scans. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography). X-rays can show an unusual swelling or fluid inside the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. The two major mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Around 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid. Most people diagnosed with pleural melanoma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. A person with pleural msothelioma may have an abnormal heart tone or a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum. The most effective method to identify mesothelioma is through a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma also determine how a physician will treat the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer doctors will drain the excess fluid through a procedure known as pleurodesis, or place an pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis The cancerous mesothelioma is found in the linings of the organs. The majority of cases occur in the lungs. However, it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the initial exposure. Due to this latency period many patients are misdiagnosed. This condition is often mistakenly referred to as other, less serious conditions such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake could cause delays in treatment, which can decrease the chance of a patient's survival. If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma must consult their physician immediately. In the first visit, doctors examine a patient's complete medical history to determine symptoms and any factors that might make people more likely to develop 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 order imaging tests of the chest and abdomen to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, such as an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also tell if mesothelioma has spread to other organs of the body. A doctor might also recommend an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also carry out an operation known as a thoracentesis, which involves the removal of a sample from the fluid surrounding the lungs to look for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy will be taken to check small portions of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle-guided CT scan can be used to perform this procedure. The results will aid in determining the best mesothelioma treatment for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This latest mesothelioma treatment can boost the quality of life of a patient and improve their prognosis. Treatment Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line and protect organs, like the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). While mesothelioma can't be treated however, treatment can reduce symptoms. Your doctor will ask you 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. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to get trapped in the linings the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or heart. 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 healthcare provider will use an X-ray chest scan to observe changes in your lung tissue and determine if you have the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET) to obtain high-quality images. They may also perform an incisional needle biopsy to collect an in-situ sample of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist called a pathologist will study the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope in order to find cancerous cells and determine what type of mesothelioma you suffer from. The pathologist will employ a dye to stain the tissue samples in order to identify the cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types of cancer are present. The doctor will then use techniques to magnify the tissue. It is sometimes difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the cells that cause it are similar to other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. These tests include an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble. Your care team will decide on a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you suffer from and the degree to which it is advanced. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatments for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma has reached an an advanced stage, you may also receive palliative care to relieve pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is determined by the stage and type of cancer as well as other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with skilled doctors to know more about their treatment options. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or eaten, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma types are the pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the lung linings as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take a small sample of tissue to be tested. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against a database in order to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can be used to determine the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma and their 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 differently. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a better survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. hoover asbestos attorney can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma to develop following exposure to asbestos, so many patients do not be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos exposure should be disclosed to a doctor and patients must undergo regular checks. During these visits, doctors can look for signs of exposure to asbestos, such as lung scarring or other respiratory problems. They can also perform simple blood tests to assess the health of the patient. If the results indicate that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is very high, they can schedule further tests to get mesothelioma-related prognosis. This includes imaging tests like X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with a lung function test or chest MRI, or PET scan.