Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissue that lines the lungs and chest cavity and, in rare instances, the abdominal lining and heart. The main cause of mesothelioma lies in asbestos exposure.

asbestos lawsuit fibers may get stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into cancerous mesothelioma cells.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers could 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 abdomen, the heart and testicles.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are akin to other diseases and are difficult to identify, particularly in the initial stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not be evident for a long time or even decades after asbestos exposure.

A physical examination and patient's health history are the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. To determine the severity of the symptoms, a doctor may order blood tests and imaging scans. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).

X-rays may reveal an unusual mass or fluid in the lung. These scans aid the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two major types. About 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

People with pleural cancer typically have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing problems. In some cases, people suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur, a condition called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The best way to accurately diagnose mesothelioma involves an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also dictate how a doctor manages the disease. For instance when a patient has mesothelioma of the pericardium the doctor could drain excess fluid with pleurodesis procedure or install an indwelling pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

The cancerous mesothelioma forms on the linings of the organs. The majority of cases occur in the lungs, but it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the first exposure. Because of this time period of latency many patients are incorrectly diagnosed. This disease is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious like the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis can lead to delays in treatment, which may reduce the chances of survival.

Those who suspect mesothelioma should visit their doctor as soon as possible. During the initial visit, doctors will review the patient's entire medical history to identify signs and any other factors that might make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos and asbestos, and also the type and duration of exposure.

The doctor will then request imaging tests of the chest and abdomen to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, including pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also show whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

A doctor may also request an examination of the blood to determine whether the patient has high levels of certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a Thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and examining the lungs for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure will be taken to look at an insignificant portion of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle guided CT scan can be used to carry out this procedure. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are the most effective for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest form of treatment can improve 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, such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. It is impossible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment may help control symptoms.

Your doctor will ask you about your health history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure since it is the leading risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). As time passes this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma is diagnosed with blood tests and imaging tests.

Your healthcare provider will use an X-ray of your chest to detect changes in your lung tissue and determine if you have the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor Www.Youtube.com will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected region. They will also conduct the needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue.

A mesothelioma expert, also known as a pathologist will study the mesothelioma tissue under a microscope in order to find cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma you have. The pathologist will use a dye to color the tissues to diagnose the cancer. This dye is visible when certain types of mesothelioma are present. They will then employ a special technique to get an in-depth look at the tissue under microscope.

Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because the mesothelioma cells look like other types of cells found in the body. Your care team will try to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. These include a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related, soluble peptide.

Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma, based on the type of cancer and stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the most popular treatment options for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stages you could also be offered palliative care to ease pain and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and the 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 their treatment options.

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

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking tiny amounts of tissue for testing. Doctors can then compare biopsy samples to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can be used to determine the longevity of a patient suffering from mesothelioma as well as their treatment plan.

The mesothelioma types are epithelioid and epithelial, epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma develops at a different pace 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.

Mesothelioma may develop for up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they experience severe symptoms. Asbestos exposure should be disclosed to a doctor and patients should undergo periodic checks.

During these visits doctors can look for signs of exposure to asbestos for example, scarring around the lungs or other respiratory problems. They can also perform simple blood tests to assess the overall health of a patient. If the results show that a patient is at high risk for mesothelioma, they can schedule additional tests to get an outlook. This will include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as lung function tests, and an chest MRI or PET scan.