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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity and, in rare instances the abdominal lining and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers may get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause these cells to undergo a change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in the lung (pleura). It can also be found in the linings of the heart, abdomen and testicles. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Additionally, some patients experience abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms are akin to other diseases and are difficult to recognize, especially in the initial stages of mesothelioma. It could take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to show up. A physical examination and patient's health history are the first steps in determining mesothelioma. To determine the severity of the symptoms doctors may recommend tests for blood and imaging scans. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that isn't normal in the lungs. These scans may help the doctor determine the location of the mesothelioma and the type of mesothelioma. The two major mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. About 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Most people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. A person with pleural msothelioma can have an abnormal heart tone or a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum. The best way to accurately identify mesothelioma is through a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also determine how a physician manages the disease. For instance in the case of mesothelioma of the pericardium the doctor could eliminate excess fluid through a procedure called pleurodesis or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to ease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy. Diagnosis The cancerous mesothelioma forms on the organ's linings. The majority of cases occur in the lungs. However, it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the initial exposure. Due to this time of latency, many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious illnesses, like the flu or pneumonia. This can cause delays in treatment, which can decrease the chance of a patient's survival. Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as possible. During this initial visit, doctors review the patient's entire medical history to identify signs and any other factors that may make them more likely to have mesothelioma. This includes previous asbestos exposure as well as the nature and duration of the exposure. The next step is to have doctors conduct imaging tests to examine the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all offer detailed images of the interior of the body and can show lung issues like pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also reveal if mesothelioma has spread to other areas of the body. A doctor will also order a blood test to see whether the patient has high levels of certain substances that are associated with mesothelioma. They can also perform the procedure known as the thoracentesis. This involves removing a sample of the lungs' fluid to search for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed then a biopsy is taken to check small portions of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle guided CT scan may be used to perform this procedure. The results of this test will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to participate in immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance the prognosis of a patient and increase their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs like the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. Although mesothelioma is not curable, it can be treated however, treatment can reduce symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and search for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure as it is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the lining of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). Over time this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using imaging tests and blood tests. Your doctor uses chest X-rays to determine if you suffer from an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor will recommend an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET) to obtain precise images. They will also conduct the needle biopsy to collect an image of the affected tissue. A pathologist, a mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue using an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine their kind. The pathologist will use a dye to stain the tissue samples to diagnose the cancer. The dye is visible when certain types of cancer are present. The doctor will then use techniques to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma may be difficult to identify because mesothelioma cells appear similar to other kinds of cells found in the body. Your care team will try 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 care team will decide on a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most popular treatments for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is in an advanced stage, you may also receive palliative care to relieve discomfort 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 knowledgeable doctors to find out more about the treatment options available to them. Asbestos fibers can cause damage to tissues that line vital organs and safeguard them from harm. The asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent forms of mesothelioma are mesothelioma pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the lung linings as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma. The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. sterling heights asbestos law firm may also suggest taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal the tissue to be tested. The doctors can compare biopsy samples to an online database to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information will help them predict the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma grows 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 mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop following exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients do not receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos exposure should be disclosed to a doctor, and victims must undergo regular checks. During these visits, doctors can examine for signs of asbestos-related exposure, such as lung scarring or other respiratory issues. They can also do an easy blood test to determine the health of the patient. If the results indicate that a patient's risk of developing mesothelioma is high, they can arrange for further tests to receive a mesothelioma prognosis. This includes imaging tests like X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well a lung function test, a chest MRI or PET scan.