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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare cases the tissues of the heart and abdomen. The main cause of mesothelioma lies in asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers are entangled in tissues and cause DNA damage. This changes cells into mesothelioma cancer cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma originate in the lungs (pleura). However, it could also occur in the lining of the abdomen, heart and testicles. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition, some patients are suffering 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 young disease. It could take years or even decades following exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to show up. A physical examination and a medical history of the patient is the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. A doctor might request 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 could reveal a lump or fluid that isn't normal in the lung. These scans help the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two most prevalent types. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. The majority of patients with pleural cancer have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing difficulties. In some cases, people with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur which is known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most reliable method to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma also dictate how a doctor manages the disease. For instance in the case of mesothelioma of the pericardium, the doctor may eliminate excess fluid through pleurodesis procedure or insert a pleural catheter in the body to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the organ's linings, known as the mesothelium. The majority of the time, the disease develops in the lung (pleura) but it can also manifest 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. Due to this latency period many patients are misdiagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. medford asbestos lawyer can lead to delays in treatment, which can reduce the chances of survival. If you suspect mesothelioma, visit their doctor as soon as they can. During this initial visit, doctors examine a patient's complete medical history to look for signs and other factors that might make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos, as well as the nature and duration of the 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 can all show changes in the lungs, such as an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other areas of the body. A doctor might also recommend an examination of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation called a thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid 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 to detect cancerous cells. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or with the use of a needle that is guided by the aid of a CT scan. The results of this test will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This could include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve the prognosis of a patient and increase their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the tissues that line and protect organs, including the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). It is impossible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment can help reduce symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and search for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure, since this is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the chest cavity's lining the stomach, tummy or the heart (mesothelium). This can cause inflammation over time and can change normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using blood tests and imaging tests. Your doctor will use chest X-rays to determine if there is fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your doctor will recommend an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET), to get precise images. They will also perform a needle biopsy in order to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue with a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cells and determine the type. The pathologist will use a dye to color the tissue samples to determine the type of cancer. The dye is visible when certain types are present. The doctor will then use techniques to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma may be difficult to identify because mesothelioma-related cells appear like other types of cell in the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the diagnosis by performing other tests. These tests involve a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3, or soluble mesothelin related peptide. Your healthcare team will determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma depending on your cancer type and stage. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Palliative treatment may be offered when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This will alleviate the pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma is determined by the type and stage cancer as well as factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are knowledgeable about their treatment options. Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that develops in the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura) and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, a rarer type that is found in the lining that protects the abdomen. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue to be tested. Doctors then compare the biopsy samples to a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can help them determine the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan. The three types of mesothelioma are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma develops at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a better survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a doctor and undergo periodic checkups. During these visits, doctors can check for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They can also do a simple blood check to determine the patient's health. If the results indicate that a patient is at an increased risk of mesothelioma, they can schedule additional tests to determine if they are likely to develop a prognosis. This may include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as lung function tests and an chest MRI or PET scan.