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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs and, in some cases, the tissues of the abdomen and heart. The most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos fibers are entangled in tissues and cause DNA damage. This changes cells into mesothelioma cancer cells.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, affects tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos Legal fibers can cause these cells to change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are located in the lung. It can also occur in the tissues of the heart, abdomen and testicles.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition certain patients are suffering from abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to many other illnesses and can be difficult to recognize, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for years or even decades following asbestos exposure.

A physical examination and patient's health history are the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. A doctor can require blood tests and 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 could reveal a lump or fluid that isn't normal in the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. The two major types of mesothelioma are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.

Most patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. In certain instances, a patient suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur, a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The most reliable method to diagnose mesothelioma is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will determine how a doctor manages the disease. For instance when a patient has mesothelioma of the pericardium doctors may eliminate excess fluid through a procedure called pleurodesis or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to ease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

The mesothelioma-related cancer develops on the linings of organs. The majority of cases occur in the lungs, but it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes.

The symptoms of mesothelioma could be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the first exposure. Because of this latency period, many patients may be misdiagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, like pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis may result in a delay in treatment, which can decrease the chances of survival for a patient.

Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should consult their physician immediately. At the first visit, doctors examine the medical history of a patient in order to identify any symptoms or conditions that increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos law, as well as the nature and duration of exposure.

The doctor will then order imaging tests of the chest and abdomen to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all offer detailed images of the interior of the body and can show lung changes like the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also show whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

A doctor will also order an analysis of blood to determine whether the patient has elevated levels of certain substances associated with mesothelioma. They may also perform the procedure known as a thoracentesis. It involves the removal of a small amount of the fluid surrounding the lungs to check for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or with the use of a needle that is guided by the aid of a CT scan. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are most suitable for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues which line and protect organs like the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. While mesothelioma can't be treated, treatment can help control symptoms.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and search for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your exposure to asbestos, as asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to get stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach or the heart. This can cause inflammation over time and can change normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to detect mesothelioma.

Your healthcare provider will employ an X-ray chest scan to observe changes in your lung tissue, and determine whether you have fluid build-up (pleural effusion). The doctor will recommend MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected region. They may also perform an incision using a needle to collect a sample of the affected tissue.

A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will look at mesothelioma cells under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma you have. To establish the diagnosis the pathologist will stain the sample using a dye which shows up when certain types of protein are present. The doctor will then use techniques to magnify the tissue.

It can be difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells look similar to those of other types of cells within the body. Your care 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 stage. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is at an advanced stages you could also be offered palliative treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is determined by the stage and type of cancer and other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are knowledgeable about the treatment options available to them.

Asbestos fibers can cause damage to tissues that connect vital organs and shield them. These asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten, and can cause genetic changes and inflammation that can transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma. It is a form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura), as well as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, a rarer form that develops in the lining of the abdomen.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking tiny amounts of tissue to test. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can help them predict the patient's mesothelioma's life expectancy and treatment plan.

The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type develops at an individual rate and responds to treatment in a different way. Epithelioid cancer makes up 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a better survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma.

It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos, so many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Exposure to asbestos should be disclosed to a physician, and victims should undergo periodic checks.

During these visits, doctors will check for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They may also conduct an easy blood test to determine a patient's overall health. If the results show that an individual is at a an increased risk of 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.