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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 instances the abdominal lining and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs inside the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres could cause cancerous cells to grow into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung. However, it can be found in the lining of the abdomen and the testicles, as well as the heart. Chest discomfort and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition, some patients suffer from abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms are often confusing and difficult to recognize in the beginning stages particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively new condition. The signs of mesothelioma might not manifest for years or even decades after asbestos exposure. A physical exam and a medical history of the patient is the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. A doctor may ask for blood tests or imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays could reveal a lump or fluid that is not normal in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two most prevalent kinds. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. People with pleural cancer typically suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing issues. In certain cases, people with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur an issue known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most effective method to identify mesothelioma is through a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma will determine how a doctor manages the disease. 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 reduce inflammation and improve respiration. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis The mesothelioma-related cancer forms on the linings of the organs. The majority of cases occur in the lung (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). It can take between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to appear. Because of this latency period many patients are incorrectly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious illnesses, like pneumonia or the flu. This can cause delays in treatment that can reduce the chances of survival for a patient. Those who suspect mesothelioma should visit their doctor as soon as possible. At the first appointment, doctors will review the medical history of the patient to determine if there are any symptoms or factors that increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, and also the type and duration of exposure. The next step is to have doctors order imaging tests to check the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the inside of the body. They also show lung changes, such as the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also show if mesothelioma has spread to other organs of the body. A doctor may also order an analysis of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. el paso asbestos attorney may also carry out an operation known as a Thoracentesis which involves removing fluid from the lungs and examining the lungs for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed then a biopsy is performed to examine a small piece of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or with an instrument that guides the needle through the aid of a CT scan. The results will aid in determining the best mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This latest mesothelioma treatment could improve a patient's quality of life and improve their prognosis. Treatment Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. It is impossible to cure mesothelioma but treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will ask you about asbestos exposure since it is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to be trapped in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or the heart. As time passes, this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests are used to identify mesothelioma. Your doctor uses chest X-rays to determine if there is fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your doctor will recommend an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET) to obtain high-quality images. They will also do the needle biopsy to collect an in-situ sample of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma expert, also known as a pathologist will examine the mesothelioma tissue under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma you have. To determine the type of mesothelioma, the doctor will stain the sample using a dye which shows up when certain kinds of proteins are present. The doctor will then employ techniques to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because mesothelioma cells appear similar to other kinds of cell in the body. Your care team will try to confirm the diagnosis 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 healthcare team will choose a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. The most common mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A palliative treatment option is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will alleviate your pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and the stage of cancer, and other factors such as the patient's age and general health. Patients should work with skilled doctors to know more about the treatment options available to them. Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that connect vital organs and shield them. The asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumours. The most frequent forms of mesothelioma are pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the lung linings or chest cavity) and abdomen) mesothelioma. The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take a small sample of tissue for testing. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against a database in order to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can be used to estimate the longevity of a patient suffering from mesothelioma as well as their treatment plan. The mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type grows at different rates and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid cancer makes up 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a better survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients aren't diagnosed of mesothelioma until they experience severe symptoms. Asbestos-related victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and be checked regularly. During these visits, doctors can examine for signs of exposure to asbestos like lung scarring or other respiratory issues. They can also perform a simple blood test to assess the overall health of a patient. If the results indicate that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is high, they can schedule additional tests to receive an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This will include imaging exams such as X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with the lung function test or chest MRI, or PET scan.