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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare cases the tissues surrounding the heart and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This turns cells into mesothelioma cancerous cells.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause these cells to undergo a change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung (pleura). However, it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen and the testicles, as well as the heart.

Breathlessness, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are often confusing and difficult to recognize in the early stages particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively new disease. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up.

A physical exam and a health history of the patient are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. A doctor may require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).

X-rays may reveal an unusual swelling or fluid inside the lungs. These scans aid the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. The two most common types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid.

Most people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. In some instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, a condition called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The most accurate way to diagnose mesothelioma is to take a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma determines the method used by a doctor to treat the condition. For example when a patient has mesothelioma pericardial, the doctor may drain excess fluid with pleurodesis procedure or insert a pleural catheter in the body to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery.

Diagnosis

The cancerous mesothelioma is found in the organ's linings. The disease is most common in the lungs, but it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes.

The signs of mesothelioma may be seen between 10 and fifty years after the first exposure. Because of this time period of latency many patients are misdiagnosed. This condition is often mistakenly referred to as other, less serious illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis could result in delays in treatment, which may lower a patient's chances of survival.

Those who suspect mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. During the initial visit, doctors examine a patient's complete medical history to look for symptoms and any factors that could make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos compensation and asbestos, and also the type and duration of exposure.

The doctor will then order imaging tests for the chest and abdomen to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, like the thickness of the pleural wall or the accumulation of fluid. They can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other organs of the body.

A doctor may also order a test of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They may also perform a procedure called the thoracentesis. This involves the removal of a sample from the fluid surrounding the lungs to search for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed then a biopsy is taken to check a small piece of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle guided CT scan is a method to carry out this procedure. The results will aid in determining the best mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients may also choose to participate in immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life for patients and improve their chances of survival.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues which line and protect organs such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. It is not possible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment can help manage symptoms.

Your doctor will inquire about your health history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos litigation exposure, because asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the lining of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). This can cause inflammation over time and can transform normal cells into cancerous cells. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to detect mesothelioma.

Your healthcare provider will employ an X-ray of your chest to detect changes in the lung tissue and determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain precise images of the affected area. They will also conduct a needle biopsy in order to collect a sample from the affected tissue.

A mesothelioma specialist called a pathologist will look at the mesothelioma tissue under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma you suffer from. The pathologist will employ a dye to stain the tissues to diagnose the cancer. The dye is visible when certain types of cancer are present. The doctor will then employ a technique to magnify the tissue.

It is sometimes difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells look similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the diagnosis with other tests. These tests include an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3, or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble.

Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma, based on the type of cancer and its stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the most common treatment options for mesothelioma. A palliative treatment option is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will alleviate you of pain and other signs.

Prognosis

The outlook for mesothelioma is based on the type and the stage of cancer, in addition to other factors, such as a patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are experienced to learn about the treatment options available to them.

Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity (pleura), and mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common form that develops in the protective lining of 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 of tiny pieces of tissue to be examined. The doctors can compare biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to determine the life expectancy of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan.

The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial and 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 percent to 80% of cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma.

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

During these visits, doctors can look for signs of asbestos lawsuit exposure like scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also conduct simple blood tests to assess a patient's overall health. If the results indicate that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high, they can schedule additional tests to determine an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This will include imaging exams like X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to lung function tests and a chest MRI or PET scan.