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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue that lines the lungs and chest cavity, and in rare cases, the lining of the abdomen and heart. The main cause of mesothelioma lies in asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues, causing DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into mesothelioma cancerous cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are located in the lung. It can also develop in the linings of the heart, abdomen and testicles. Breathlessness, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Some patients also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to many other diseases and are difficult to recognize, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. The signs of mesothelioma might not be evident for a long time or even decades after asbestos exposure. A physical exam and a medical history of the patient is the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. To determine the severity of symptoms doctors may recommend 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 isn't normal in the lungs. These scans aid the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two major types. Around 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is less common than epithelioid. The majority of patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. A person with pleural msothelioma might have an abnormal heart sound and a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum. The most accurate method to identify mesothelioma is to take an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will determine how a doctor manages the disease. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer, the doctor will drain excess fluid using the procedure known as pleurodesis, or place an pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and enhance respiration. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings of organs known as the mesothelium. The majority of the time, the disease develops in the lungs (pleura), though it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). It takes between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. Due to this latency period many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This can cause delays in treatment, which can decrease the chance of a patient's survival. Those who suspect mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as possible. During the initial visit, doctors take a patient's full medical history to look for symptoms and any factors that may make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, as well as the nature and duration of the exposure. Next, doctors will order imaging tests to check the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the interior of the body. They can reveal lung changes, such as the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also tell whether mesothelioma has spread other areas of the body. A doctor might also recommend an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They may also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis. It involves removing a sample of the fluid surrounding the lungs to search for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or through a needle guided by the aid of a CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. daly city asbestos lawyer choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life of a patient and improve their outlook. Treatment Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that line and protect organs such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. Although mesothelioma cannot be cured however, treatment can reduce symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your health history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure since asbestos 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 or heart. This can cause inflammation over time and can change normal cells into cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be identified using blood tests and imaging tests. Your doctor uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if you suffer from fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images. They may also perform the needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma expert, also known as a pathologist will look at mesothelioma cells under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma you have. The pathologist will employ a dye to color the tissue samples in order to identify the cancer. This dye is visible when certain types of cancer are present. Then, they will employ a specific method to obtain a closer look at the tissue under a microscope. It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since the mesothelioma-causing cells are similar to other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the diagnosis by performing other tests. These include a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble. Your care team will decide on a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. A palliative treatment option is available when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This will relieve your pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is determined by the stage and type of cancer and other factors such as age and general health. Patients should work with skilled doctors to know more about their treatment options. Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that line vital organs and protect them from harm. The asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma forms are the pleural (which develops on the linings of the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose 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. The doctors can compare biopsy samples against a database in order to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can help them predict the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan. The mesothelioma types are epithelioid and epithelial, epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type grows at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60% to 80% of cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos exposure must be reported to a physician, and victims must undergo regular checks. During these visits, doctors can examine for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They may also conduct an easy blood test to assess the health of a patient's general. If the results show that a patient is at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma they can schedule additional tests to receive an outlook. This could include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound and a lung function test and a chest MRI or PET scan.