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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity and lungs, and in rare cases the lining of the abdomen and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. Cells turn into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, affects tissues that connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause these cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are found in the lung. However, it can also be found in the lining of the abdomen as well as the testicles, heart and lungs. bellevue asbestos attorneys , chest discomfort and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Additionally, some patients experience abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms are often confusing and difficult to diagnose in the beginning particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively young disease. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to appear. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is a physical examination and a medical history. To determine the severity of the symptoms, a doctor may order imaging tests and blood tests. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays may reveal a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lungs. These scans can assist the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is located and the type of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two major kinds. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Most people with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing issues. A person with pleural msothelioma may suffer from an abnormal heart sound or a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum. The most precise method to identify mesothelioma is take a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also dictate how a doctor treats the illness. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will remove excess fluid with a procedure known as pleurodesis or insert an pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the linings of organs called the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lung (pleura), though it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). It can take between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. Due to this latency period many patients are incorrectly diagnosed. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious like pneumonia or the flu. This can lead to a delay in treatment that can reduce a patient's chance of survival. If you suspect mesothelioma, see their doctor immediately. At the first appointment, doctors will review the medical history of a patient to identify any symptoms or factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, and also the type and duration of exposure. The next step is for doctors to request imaging tests to look at the chest and abdomen for any signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs all offer detailed images of the inside of the body and can show lung issues like the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also show whether mesothelioma has spread other parts of the body. A doctor will also order an examination of the blood to determine whether the patient has high levels of certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They may also perform a procedure called the thoracentesis. This involves removing a sample of the fluid surrounding the lungs to look for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to check a small sample of the tumor for cancerous cell. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle-guided CT scan can be used to carry out this procedure. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are the most effective for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life for patients and improve their outlook. Treatment Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the tissues that line and protect organs, like the lung (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Although mesothelioma is not curable, it can be treated however, treatment can reduce symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will ask you about asbestos exposure as it is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibers to become stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or the heart. This causes inflammation over time and can change normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Your doctor will make use of a chest X-ray to see changes in your lung tissue and determine whether you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected area. They will also conduct a needle biopsy in order to collect a sample from the affected tissue. A pathologist, or mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue under a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cell and determine the type. To establish the diagnosis the doctor will stain the sample with a dye that shows up when certain types of proteins are present. The doctor will then employ a technique to magnify the tissue. It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma since the cells that cause it look similar to those of other types of cells within the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by performing other tests. These tests involve an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3, or soluble mesothelin related peptide. Your medical team will determine a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. The most commonly used mesothelioma treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. A palliative treatment option is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will relieve your pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as other factors such as a patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are skilled to find out about their treatment options. Asbestos fibers can damage tissues that line vital organs and protect them. The asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining and the chest cavity (pleura), as well as peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer form that develops in the lining that protects the abdomen. Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal the tissue to be tested. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against a database in order to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to predict the life expectancy of a person suffering from mesothelioma as well as their treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified in three categories: epithelioid epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 60 percent to 80% of cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop following 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 be checked regularly. In these visits, doctors will look for signs of asbestos-related exposure, such as scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory issues. They can also conduct simple blood tests to assess the overall health of a patient. If the results show that a patient's risk of developing mesothelioma is very high, they can schedule additional tests to determine an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This may include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as lung function tests and a chest MRI or PET scan.