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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare instances, the tissues surrounding the abdomen and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues, causing DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs inside the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres could cause cancerous cells to transform into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are found in the lungs (pleura). It can also occur in the linings of the abdomen, the heart and testicles. The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing. Additionally, some patients are suffering from abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to diagnose in the early stages particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively young disease. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a medical history. A doctor can require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans comprise CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography). X-rays may reveal an unusual mass or fluid in the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two main types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is less common than epithelioid. Most people diagnosed with pleural melanoma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart sound or a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum. The best way to accurately identify mesothelioma is through an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also determine how a physician treats the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer the doctor will remove excess fluid with a procedure known as pleurodesis, or place the pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve respiration. Other options include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the linings of organs called the mesothelium. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, however it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be seen between 10 and fifty years after the first exposure. Due to this time of latency, many patients can be mistakenly diagnosed. The illness is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious, such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake could cause delays in treatment, which could reduce the chance of a patient's survival. Those who suspect that they might have mesothelioma must visit their doctor right away. During this first visit, doctors review the patient's entire medical history to look for signs and any other factors that might make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes past asbestos exposure and the type and duration. The next step is for doctors to order imaging tests to check the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the interior of the body. They can show lung changes, such as the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also tell if the mesothelioma cancer has spread 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 that are linked to mesothelioma. They can also carry out the procedure known as the thoracentesis. This involves the removal of a sample from the lungs' fluid to check for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle guided CT scan can be used to perform this procedure. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are best for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may choose to participate in immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. It is impossible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment may help control symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your health history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure, since asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach or heart. This can cause inflammation over time, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to detect mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider will use an X-ray of your chest to detect changes in your lung tissue, and determine if you suffer from an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your provider will order MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected area. They will also perform an incision using a needle to collect a sample from the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist called a pathologist will examine the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope in order to find cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma you suffer from. The pathologist will use a dye to color the tissue samples to identify the cancer. This dye is visible when certain types are present. They will then use a special technique to get an even closer view of the tissue under the microscope. It can be difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells are similar to other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. This includes a blood test to measure levels of fibulin-3 and mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble. Your medical team will choose mesothelioma treatments based on the type of cancer you suffer from and the degree to which it is advanced. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most commonly used treatments for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is in an advanced stage you could also receive palliative care to ease pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is dependent on the type and stage of cancer as well as other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are skilled to find out about their treatment options. Asbestos fibers can damage tissues that connect vital organs and shield them from harm. The asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumours. The most common forms of mesothelioma are mesothelioma pleural (which develops on the linings of the lungs or chest cavity) and abdomen) mesothelioma. The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal the tissue to be examined. Doctors can then compare biopsy samples against a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can be used to predict the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid, epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma kind develops at an individual rate and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60 percent to 80% cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop following exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients do not be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a physician and undergo periodic checkups. During pharr asbestos attorney , doctors will look for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also do a simple blood check to determine the health of the patient. If the results indicate that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high, they can schedule further tests to get an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This will include imaging exams such as X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well the lung function test, a chest MRI or PET scan.