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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissues lining the chest cavity and lungs and, in rare instances the abdominal lining and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the principal cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers are entangled in tissues and cause DNA damage. This changes cells into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause these cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma tumours. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lung. It can also develop in the tissues of the abdomen, the heart and testicles. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also feel abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to many other diseases and are difficult to identify, particularly in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for years or even decades after asbestos exposure. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is a physical examination and a health history. To determine the severity of symptoms doctors may recommend tests for blood and imaging scans. These scans comprise CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography). X-rays may reveal a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lung. These scans aid the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. whittier asbestos attorneys and sarcomatoid are the two main kinds. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis, and is less frequent than epithelioid. Most patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma can suffer from an abnormal heart sound, a condition called pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum. The most accurate method to identify mesothelioma is to take a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma determines the method used by a doctor to treat the condition. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer the doctor will drain the excess fluid through a procedure known as pleurodesis or insert a pleural catheter in order to reduce inflammation and enhance breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis The mesothelioma cancerous form is found in the linings of the organs. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, but it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes. It takes between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. Because of this latency time, many patients could be mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. This can lead to delays in treatment, which may reduce the chances of surviving. If you suspect mesothelioma, consult their physician as soon as possible. During the initial visit, doctors will take a patient's full medical history to look for signs and any other factors that could make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes previous asbestos exposure and the nature and duration of the exposure. Next, doctors will conduct imaging tests to examine the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are all able to reveal changes in the lungs, including pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also show whether mesothelioma has spread other parts of the body. A doctor can also request an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They can also perform the procedure known as a thoracentesis. It involves the removal of a sample from the lungs' fluid to search for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or with a needle guided by the aid of a CT scan. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are best for the patient. This could include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to participate in immunotherapy. This latest form of treatment can improve the prognosis of a patient and increase their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues which line and protect organs, such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. While mesothelioma can't be treated, treatment can help control symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your health history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure since this is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the chest cavity's lining and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). In time this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to detect mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider uses a chest X ray to determine if you suffer from fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). The doctor will recommend MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected area. They will also do the needle biopsy to collect an in-situ sample of the affected tissue. A pathologist, a mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue using an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine the kind. To determine the type of mesothelioma the doctor will stain the sample with a dye that shows up when certain kinds of protein are present. The doctor will then use techniques to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because mesothelioma-related cells appear like other types of cell within the body. Your care team will try to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis with other tests. These include a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as soluble mesothelin-related peptide. Your care team will decide on the mesothelioma treatment plan based on the type of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. The most commonly used mesothelioma treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is in advanced stages, you may also receive palliative care to relieve discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is dependent on the type and stage cancer as well as factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with skilled doctors to know more about their treatment options. Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that connect vital organs and shield them. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or eaten, and can cause genetic changes and inflammation that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are the pleural (which forms on the linings of the lungs or chest cavity) and abdomen) mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be examined. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples with databases to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can be used to estimate the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma type develops at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer makes up 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a higher survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients aren't diagnosed of mesothelioma until they experience severe symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a physician and undergo periodic checkups. During these visits, doctors will examine for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also perform an easy blood test to assess the health of the patient. If the results show that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high, they can schedule additional tests to receive mesothelioma-related prognosis. This will include imaging exams like X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well lung function tests, a chest MRI or PET scan.