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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue lining the chest cavity and lungs, and in rare cases the abdomen's lining and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the principal cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause these cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma originate in the lungs (pleura). However, it can occur in the lining of the abdomen as well as the testicles, heart and lungs. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Additionally certain patients suffer from abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to diagnose in the early stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new disease. It may take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is an examination and a medical history. A doctor might ask for blood tests or imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography). X-rays can show an unusual lump or a fluid that is present in the lungs. These scans can assist the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is located and the type of mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two most prevalent types. About 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Most patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma can have an abnormal heart tone and a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum. The most accurate way to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to take a tissue sample or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma determines the way a doctor treats the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer doctors will remove excess fluid with a procedure known as pleurodesis or insert a pleural catheter in order to reduce inflammation and enhance breathing. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the linings of organs called the mesothelium. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, however it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes. It can take between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. Because of this latency time, many patients can be mistakenly diagnosed. The illness is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. This can result in delays in treatment, which may decrease the chance of surviving. Those who suspect that they might have mesothelioma should consult their physician immediately. During this initial visit, doctors will examine a patient's complete medical history to identify signs and other factors that might make them more likely to have mesothelioma. This includes past asbestos exposure, as well the kind and duration. The next step is to have doctors conduct imaging tests to examine the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, like an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also tell whether mesothelioma has spread other organs of the body. A doctor may also order a test of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation called a thoracentesis which involves removing fluid from the lungs and examining the lungs for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma is confirmed A biopsy is then performed to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or through the use of a needle that is guided by the aid of a CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This could include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This more advanced mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life for patients and improve their prognosis. Treatment Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line and protect organs, like the lung (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). It is not possible to cure mesothelioma but treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure as it is the leading risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the lining of the chest cavity the stomach, tummy or the heart (mesothelium). In time, this causes inflammation and changes normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be identified using blood tests and imaging tests. Your healthcare provider will employ a chest X-ray to see changes in your lung tissue and determine if you suffer from the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). The doctor will recommend MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected area. They will also conduct an incision using a needle to obtain a sample from the affected tissue. A pathologist, a mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue with an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine their kind. To make the diagnosis, the pathologist will stain the sample with a dye that lights up when certain kinds of protein are present. They will then use a special technique to get a closer look at the tissue under a microscope. It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the cells that cause it appear similar to those of other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. This includes a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptide. Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma depending on the type of cancer and its stage. The most commonly used mesothelioma treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. The option of palliative therapy is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will relieve the pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on the stage and type of cancer as well as factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with experienced doctors to learn more about their treatment options. Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten, and can cause genetic changes and inflammation that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma. It occurs in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura), as well as peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer type that is found in the 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 involves the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be examined. The doctors can compare biopsy samples with 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 three mesothelioma types are epithelioid and epithelial, epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma grows at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 60% to 80% of cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. cranston asbestos lawyer can develop up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they show severe symptoms. Exposure to asbestos should be disclosed to a doctor and the victims must undergo regular checks. In these visits, doctors will check for signs of asbestos-related exposure like scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory problems. They can also conduct an easy blood test to determine the health of a patient's general. If the results show that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high, they can schedule additional tests to get mesothelioma-related prognosis. This will include imaging exams like X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to lung function tests or chest MRI, or PET scan.