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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity, lungs, and, in some cases, the linings of the heart and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect the organs inside the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres could cause these cancerous cells to transform into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma occur in the lungs (pleura). However, it can also happen in the abdominal lining, heart and testicles. Chest discomfort, and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition certain patients experience abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to recognize in the early stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new disease. The symptoms of mesothelioma could not appear for years or even decades following asbestos exposure. A physical examination and health history of the patient are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. A doctor can request blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays could reveal a lump or fluid that is not normal in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine the location of the mesothelioma and the kind of mesothelioma. The two main types of mesothelioma are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. About 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is less common than epithelioid. The majority of people diagnosed with pleural melanoma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. A person with pleural msothelioma can suffer from an abnormal heart sound or a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum. The most effective method to identify mesothelioma is through the taking of a biopsy of the tissue. The type of mesothelioma also determines the method used by a doctor to treat the disease. If a patient has pericardial cancer, the doctor will drain excess fluid using 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 cancerous mesothelioma forms on the linings of organs. The majority of the time, the disease develops in the lung (pleura) but it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). It can take between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Because of this latency time, many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. This condition is often mistakenly referred to as other conditions that are less serious such as the flu or pneumonia. This can lead to delays in treatment, which can reduce the chances of survival. Those who suspect that they might have mesothelioma should consult their physician immediately. In the first visit, doctors take a patient's full medical history to identify symptoms and any factors that could make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, and also the type and duration of the exposure. Next, doctors will request imaging tests to look at the abdomen and chest 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 also show lung issues, 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 might also recommend an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They can also carry out a procedure called a thoracentesis. It involves the removal of a sample from the fluid surrounding the lungs to check for cancerous cells. If mesothelioma is found to be the cause A biopsy is then performed to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or with a needle guided by a CT scan. The results of this test will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life for patients and improve their prognosis. Treatment Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Although mesothelioma is not curable, it can be treated but treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your medical background and will look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure, as it is the leading 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). Over time this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using imaging tests and blood tests. Your healthcare provider uses a chest X ray to determine if there is fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). alameda asbestos lawyer will recommend an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET), to get precise images. They may also perform a needle biopsy to obtain an image of the affected tissue. A pathologist, or mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue using a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cells and determine the kind. The pathologist will use a dye to stain the tissues to identify the cancer. This dye is visible when certain types of cancer are present. They will then use a special technique to get an even closer view of the tissue under microscope. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the mesothelioma-causing cells appear similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. These tests include a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3, or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble. Your care team will choose a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you suffer from and how advanced it is. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most popular treatments for mesothelioma. The option of palliative therapy is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will relieve your pain and other signs. 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 a doctor who are experienced to learn about the treatment options available to them. Asbestos fibers can cause damage to tissues that line vital organs and safeguard them from harm. These asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most common forms of mesothelioma are mesothelioma pleural (which develops on the linings of the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma based on symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking small amounts of tissue for testing. Doctors can then compare biopsy samples against a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can help them predict the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma grows at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 60 percent to 80% of cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop following exposure to asbestos, so many patients do not be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos-related victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups. During these visits, doctors can check for signs of asbestos-related exposure, such as scarring around the lungs or other respiratory problems. They can also perform simple blood tests to determine the health of the patient. If the results show that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high they can schedule additional tests to determine an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This could include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound as well as lung function tests, and an chest MRI or PET scan.