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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare instances, the linings of the heart and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the principal reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. This changes cells into mesothelioma cancer cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause these cancerous cells to grow into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lungs. However, it could also happen in the abdominal lining as well as the testicles, heart and lungs. Chest discomfort and coughing are among the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are often confusing and difficult to recognize in the beginning stages, especially when mesothelioma is still a relatively young disease. The symptoms of mesothelioma could not be evident for a long time or even decades after asbestos exposure. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is a physical examination and a health history. To determine the severity of symptoms doctors may recommend blood tests and imaging scans. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays may reveal an unusual swelling or fluid inside the lung. These scans aid the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. The two main types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Around 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid. Most people diagnosed with pleural melanoma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. In rare instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma could have an abnormal heart murmur, an issue called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most accurate method to diagnose mesothelioma involves the taking of a biopsy of the tissue. The type of mesothelioma also determines the way a doctor treats the illness. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will drain the excess fluid through a procedure known as pleurodesis, or insert an pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve respiration. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis The mesothelioma cancerous form is found in the linings of the organs. The majority of cases occur in the lungs, however it can also manifest 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 can be misdiagnosed. This condition is often mistakenly referred to as other, less serious illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. This could result in delays in treatment, which may reduce the chances of survival. If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma should consult their physician immediately. During the initial visit, doctors review the medical history of the patient in order to identify any signs or symptoms that could increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, and also the type and duration of exposure. The doctor will then order imaging tests for the abdomen and chest to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, like pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other organs of the body. A doctor might also recommend a test of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation known as a Thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and looking for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cell. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle-guided CT scan may be used to carry out this procedure. The results will aid in determining the best mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may choose to participate in immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life for patients and improve their prognosis. Treatment Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). It is not possible to cure mesothelioma but treatment can help reduce symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical background and will look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure, as asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to become stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or the heart. Over time, this causes inflammation and changes normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests are used to identify mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider will use a chest X-ray to see changes in your lung tissue, and determine if you suffer from fluid build-up (pleural effusion). Your doctor will recommend an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET) to obtain detailed images. They may also perform a needle biopsy to obtain a sample of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma expert, also known as a pathologist will examine the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope in order to find cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma you have. The pathologist will employ dyes to stain tissue samples to diagnose the cancer. The dye is visible when certain types of mesothelioma are present. The doctor will then use a technique to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma may be difficult to recognize because the mesothelioma cells look like other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. These tests involve a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3, or soluble mesothelin related peptide. Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma depending on your cancer type and stage. The most common mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma has reached an an advanced stage you could also receive palliative care to ease pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and the stage of cancer, in addition to other factors such as a patient's age and general health. Patients should work with knowledgeable doctors to find out more about their treatment options. Asbestos fibers can cause damage to tissues that line vital organs and protect them. winston salem asbestos attorney are inhaled or eaten, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that can transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumours. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lung lining and the chest cavity (pleura) as well as mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common form that develops in the protective lining of the abdomen. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking tiny amounts of tissue for testing. The doctors can compare the biopsy samples to 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 suffering from mesothelioma as well as their treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma grows at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60% to 80% of cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients aren't diagnosed of mesothelioma until they have severe symptoms. Asbestos exposure must be reported to a doctor and the victims should undergo periodic checks. During these visits, doctors can check for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They can also perform simple blood tests to check the health of a patient's general. If the results indicate that the patient is at a the highest risk of developing mesothelioma they can arrange for additional tests to receive an estimate of the prognosis. This may include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound and lung function tests and a chest MRI or PET scan.