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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity, lungs and, in rare cases the tissues surrounding the abdomen and heart. The most common cause of mesothelioma lies in asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues, causing DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into mesothelioma cancerous cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects the tissues that connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres could cause cancerous cells to transform into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung. It can also develop in the linings of the heart, abdomen and testicles. The most common mesothelioma symptoms are breathlessness as well as chest pain and coughing. In addition patients may experience abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms are akin to other diseases and are difficult to diagnose, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for years or even decades after asbestos exposure. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is an examination and a health history. To determine the severity of symptoms, a doctor may order tests for blood and imaging scans. 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 is not normal in the lung. These scans aid the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two most prevalent types. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. The majority of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. In some cases, people with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, an issue called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most reliable method to identify mesothelioma is collect a tissue sample or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma will also dictate how a doctor manages the disease. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will remove excess fluid with the procedure called pleurodesis, or place an pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings of organs known as the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs. However, it can also manifest 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 it is possible for patients to be incorrectly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. This mistake could cause delays in treatment that can reduce the chance of a patient's survival. If you suspect that you may have mesothelioma need to see their doctor immediately. During the initial visit, doctors take a patient's full medical history to identify signs and other factors that may make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes previous asbestos exposure as well as the kind and duration. Next, doctors will conduct imaging tests to examine the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans, and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, like the thickness of the pleural wall or the accumulation of fluid. They can also tell whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A doctor may also recommend a blood test to see if the patient has high levels of certain substances that are related to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation called a thoracentesis which involves removing fluid from the lungs and examining for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cell. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle-guided CT scan may be used to carry out this procedure. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are best for the patient. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to participate in immunotherapy. This latest mesothelioma treatment may improve a patient's quality of life and improve their chances of survival. Treatment Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lung (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Although mesothelioma is not curable, it can be treated, treatment can help control symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your health history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure because it is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to get trapped in the linings the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach or heart. This can cause inflammation over time, and can change normal cells into cancerous cells. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to detect mesothelioma. Your doctor will use a chest X ray to determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor will recommend an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET), to get high-quality images. They may also perform a needle biopsy to obtain a sample of the affected tissue. brockton asbestos law firm , a mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue using a magnifying lens to detect cancerous cells and determine the kind. The doctor will use a dye to stain the tissue samples in order to diagnose the cancer. This dye is visible when certain types are present. The doctor will then employ techniques to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma may be difficult to diagnose as the mesothelioma cells look like other types of cells found within the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the mesothelioma 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 determine a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you suffer from and the degree to which it is advanced. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most common treatment options for mesothelioma. A palliative treatment option is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This can relieve the discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is dependent on the type and stage cancer as well as factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are experienced to learn 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 inhaled or consumed and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura) and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, a rarer type that is found in the lining of the abdomen. Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue to be tested. The doctors can compare the biopsy samples with databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to determine the life expectancy of a person with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan. The three types of mesothelioma are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells as well as sarcomatoid and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma grows at a different rate 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 or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop following exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients do not get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a doctor and have regular checkups. In these visits, doctors will check for signs of asbestos-related exposure, such as scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory issues. They can also perform simple blood tests to assess a patient's overall health. If the results indicate that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is high, they can schedule additional tests to get mesothelioma-related prognosis. This includes imaging tests like X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with lung function tests, a chest MRI, or PET scan.