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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 heart and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers may get stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs inside the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cells to undergo a change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of cases of mesothelioma originate in the lungs (pleura). However, it could also occur in the abdominal lining, heart and testicles. The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath coughing, chest pain and chest pain. In addition patients may are suffering from abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms are often confusing and difficult to identify in the beginning, especially when mesothelioma is still a relatively new condition. It may take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to show up. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is a physical examination and a medical history. To determine the severity of the symptoms the doctor can 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 can reveal a strange mass or fluid in the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the kind of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two most prevalent types. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Most people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. People with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart tone, a condition called pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum. The most precise method to diagnose mesothelioma is to take a tissue sample or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will determine how a doctor manages the disease. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer the doctor will remove excess fluid with a procedure known as pleurodesis or insert a pleural catheter in order to reduce inflammation and enhance respiration. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis The mesothelioma cancerous form is found in the organ's linings. The majority of the time, the disease develops in the lungs (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). It can take between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. Due to this latency period many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious like pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis may cause delays in treatment that can reduce the chances of survival for a patient. If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. During the initial appointment, doctors will review a patient's medical history in order to identify any symptoms or factors that may increase their risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos and asbestos, and also the type and duration of the exposure. The next step is for doctors to conduct imaging tests to examine the abdomen and chest for any signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all offer 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 the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other organs of the body. A doctor may also recommend an analysis of blood to determine if the patient has high levels of certain substances that are related to mesothelioma. They can also carry out a procedure called a thoracentesis, which involves the removal of a sample from the lungs' fluid to check for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or with a needle guided by a CT scan. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are most suitable for the patient. This may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest form of treatment can improve the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that line and protect organs like the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. Although mesothelioma cannot be cured, treatment can help control symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your health history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will ask you about asbestos exposure because it is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the lining of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). As time passes this causes inflammation and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma is diagnosed with imaging tests and blood tests. Your healthcare provider will use an X-ray of your chest to detect changes in your lung tissue, and determine if you have fluid build-up (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET), to get precise images. They may also perform an incision using a needle to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A pathologist, or mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue using a magnifying lens to detect cancerous cells and determine their type. To determine the type of mesothelioma the doctor will stain the tissue sample using a dye which shows up when certain kinds of proteins are present. The doctor will then employ a technique to magnify the tissue. cambridge asbestos law firm is sometimes difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells appear similar to those of other types of cells within the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. These tests involve the collection of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related protein that is soluble. Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma, based on the type of cancer and its stage. The most popular mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A palliative treatment option is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will alleviate the discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the type and the stage of cancer, and other factors, such as the patient's age as well as general health. Patients should consult skilled doctors to know more about the treatment options available to them. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most common mesothelioma types are the pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the linings of the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, lab tests and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue to be examined. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples to a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can be used to determine the life expectancy of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan. The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid and epithelial, epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer makes up 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 to develop following exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients don't receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos exposure should be disclosed to a doctor and the victims must undergo regular checks. During these visits, doctors will look for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on lung and other respiratory issues. They can also conduct simple blood tests to assess the health of the patient. If the results indicate that an individual is at a high risk for mesothelioma, they can arrange for additional tests to receive an outlook. This includes imaging tests like X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to the lung function test, a chest MRI or PET scan.