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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity and lungs, and in rare cases, the lining of the abdomen and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into mesothelioma cancerous cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect the organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause these cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lungs. However, it can happen 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. Additionally, 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 still a relatively new condition. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for years or even decades following asbestos exposure. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a health history. To determine the severity of the symptoms, a doctor may order tests for blood and imaging scans. These scans may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays may reveal an unusual mass or fluid in the lungs. These scans may help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the type of mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two major types. Around 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is less common than epithelioid. Most people with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, non-productive cough and breathing difficulties. People with pleural mesothelioma can suffer from an abnormal heart sound or a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum. The most accurate way to diagnose mesothelioma is to collect a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma also determines how a doctor will treat the disease. For instance in the case of mesothelioma pericardial, the doctor may eliminate excess fluid through pleurodesis procedure or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis The mesothelioma cancerous form is found in the organ's linings. The majority of cases occur in the lungs (pleura) but it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). The symptoms of mesothelioma can be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the initial exposure. Because of this latency time, many patients could be misdiagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake could lead to a delay in treatment that can reduce the chances of survival for a patient. Anyone who suspects that they may have mesothelioma need to see their doctor immediately. In the initial visit, doctors examine the medical history of a patient to determine if there are any signs or symptoms that increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the nature and duration of the exposure. The doctor will then order imaging tests for the chest and abdomen to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the interior of the body. They can show lung changes like the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also reveal the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of the body. A doctor will also order an examination of the blood to determine whether the patient has elevated levels of certain substances associated with mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation called a thoracentesis which involves taking out the lungs of fluid and examining the lungs for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed the biopsy procedure will be performed to examine a small piece of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or by using an instrument that guides the needle through the aid of a CT scan. The results will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This more advanced mesothelioma treatment may improve a patient's quality of life and improve their outlook. Treatment Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line and protect organs, including the lung (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). It is not possible to cure mesothelioma but treatment may help control symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will ask you about asbestos exposure as it is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to become trapped in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium), stomach or the heart. In time this causes inflammation and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests are used to identify mesothelioma. Your doctor will use a chest X ray to determine if you suffer from 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 an incision using a needle to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue under an magnifying glass to find cancerous cell and determine the type. To establish the diagnosis, the pathologist will stain the sample with a dye that shows up when certain types of proteins are present. They will then use an advanced method to get a closer look at the tissue under the microscope. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose as mesothelioma-related cells appear similar to other kinds of cells within the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. This includes a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble. Your care team will determine mesothelioma treatments based on the type of cancer you suffer from and how advanced it is. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Palliative treatment may be offered in the event that your mesothelioma has progressed to an advanced stage. This will alleviate the discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The outlook for mesothelioma is based on the type and stage of cancer, in addition to other factors such as a patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with skilled doctors to know more about their treatment options. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity (pleura) and mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common type that is found in the lining that protects the abdomen. Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of the tissue to be tested. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples to a database to identify the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can help them predict a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan. The mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma develops at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 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 exposure to asbestos. Many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they show severe symptoms. Exposure to asbestos should be disclosed to a physician, and victims must undergo regular checks. During these visits, doctors can examine for signs of exposure to asbestos such as scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. westland asbestos attorney can also conduct an easy blood test to assess the health of the patient. If the results indicate that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high they can schedule additional tests to receive an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This could include imaging tests such as X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well a lung function test or chest MRI, or PET scan.