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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare cases the linings of the abdomen and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the principal cause of mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This changes cells into mesothelioma cancer cells.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause the cells to change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are found in the lungs (pleura). It can also be found in the linings of the abdomen, heart and testicles.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Some patients also experience abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms can be a bit confusing and difficult to recognize in the beginning particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively new disease. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos compensation for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest.

A physical exam and a health history of the patient are the first steps in determining mesothelioma. To determine the severity of the symptoms doctors may recommend blood tests and imaging scans. These scans comprise CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).

X-rays may reveal an unusual mass or fluid in the lung. These scans may help the doctor determine the location of the mesothelioma and the type of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two most prevalent kinds. Around 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

The majority of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. In rare cases, a person with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, an issue known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The best way to accurately diagnose mesothelioma involves an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma determines the way a doctor treats the disease. For instance when a patient has pericardial mesothelioma the doctor could drain excess fluid with pleurodesis procedure or insert a pleural catheter in the body to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

The mesothelioma cancerous form is found in the linings of the organs. The disease is most common in the lungs, however it can also be found 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 latency period, many patients may be mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis can result in delays in treatment, which may lower a patient's chances of surviving.

If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. During this first visit, doctors examine a patient's complete medical history to look for symptoms and any factors that may make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the nature and duration of exposure.

The doctor will then recommend imaging tests for the chest and abdomen to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the interior of the body. They also reveal lung changes, such as the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also tell whether the mesothelioma tumor has spread to other areas of the body.

A doctor can also request a test of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation known as a Thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and examining for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed, a biopsy will be taken to check small portions of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle guided CT scan can be used to carry out this procedure. The results of this will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt 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 affects the tissues that line and protect organs, including the lung (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is impossible 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 inquire about your asbestos exposure, as asbestos lawsuit is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos compensation can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). This can cause inflammation over time and may transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma.

Your healthcare provider will use a chest X-ray to see changes in the lung tissue and determine if you have an accumulation 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 the procedure of a needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue.

A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will look at the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma you have. To determine the type of mesothelioma, the doctor will stain the tissue sample using a dye which shows up when certain types of protein are present. The doctor will then employ an instrument to magnify the tissue.

Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose as the mesothelioma cells look similar to other kinds of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the diagnosis with other tests. These tests include a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble.

Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma based on the type of cancer and its stage. The most commonly used mesothelioma treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. A palliative treatment option is available in the event that your mesothelioma has progressed to an advanced stage. This will relieve you of discomfort and other symptoms.

Prognosis

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

Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most common forms of mesothelioma are pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the linings of the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking tiny amounts of tissue to be tested. The doctors can compare biopsy samples to a database in order to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to predict the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan.

Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma type develops at a different rate and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a better survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma.

It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos, so many patients do not receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and undergo periodic checkups.

During these visits, doctors look for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on lung and other respiratory issues. They can also conduct an easy blood test to assess the health of a patient's general. If the results indicate that a patient is at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma they can schedule further tests to receive a prognosis. This could include imaging tests like X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well a lung function test or chest MRI or PET scan.