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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity and, in some cases, the abdominal lining and heart. The main reason for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, affects the tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause these cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lungs. However, it can occur in the abdominal lining, heart and testicles. The most common mesothelioma symptoms are breathlessness coughing, chest pain and chest pain. Some patients also feel abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to many other illnesses and can be difficult to recognize, especially in the initial stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma could not be evident for a long time or even decades after asbestos exposure. A physical exam and a patient's health history are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. To determine the severity of symptoms the doctor can order tests for blood and imaging scans. Cary asbestos lawsuit could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays may reveal a mass or fluid that isn't normal in the lung. These scans can assist the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the kind of mesothelioma. The two major types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. About 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. The majority of patients with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, non-productive cough and breathing difficulties. A person with pleural msothelioma may suffer from an abnormal heart sound and a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum. The most precise method to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma also determines how a doctor will treat the illness. For instance in the case of pericardial mesothelioma the doctor could drain excess fluid with pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to ease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings of organs known as the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs (pleura), though it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). The symptoms of mesothelioma can appear between 10 and fifty years after the initial exposure. Because of this latency period many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. This illness is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis may lead to a delay in treatment, which could reduce the chances of survival for a patient. If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma must visit their doctor right away. During the initial visit, doctors examine the medical history of a patient in order to identify any symptoms or factors that may increase their likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, as well as the nature and duration of the exposure. The doctor will then request imaging tests for the chest and abdomen to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, such as an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also tell whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A doctor will also order an analysis of blood to determine if the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that are associated with mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation called a thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and looking for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed then a biopsy is taken to check a small piece of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle-guided CT scan is a method to carry out this procedure. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are most suitable for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs like the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. It is not possible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment can help reduce symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure as it is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the lining of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). As time passes, this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests are used to identify mesothelioma. Your doctor uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if there is fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your doctor will recommend an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain precise images. They will also conduct an incision using a needle to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will study the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope in order to find cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma you have. The pathologist will employ a dye to stain the tissue samples in order to determine the type of cancer. This dye is visible when certain types of cancer are present. The doctor will then employ techniques to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma may be difficult to recognize because the mesothelioma cells look similar to other kinds of cell in the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. These tests include the collection of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3, or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble. Your care team will determine the mesothelioma treatment plan based on the type of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most popular treatments for mesothelioma. Palliative treatment may be offered if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will alleviate you of discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is dependent on the type and stage of cancer as well as factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are skilled to find out about their treatment options. Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that connect vital organs and shield them. These asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most common forms of mesothelioma are the pleural (which forms on the linings of the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking small amounts of tissue to test. Doctors then compare the biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma-related cell type. This information can be used to determine the longevity of a patient suffering from mesothelioma as well as their treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified in three categories: epithelioid, epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a higher survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop following exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients do not get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a doctor and have regular checkups. In these visits, doctors will look for signs of asbestos-related exposure, such as scarring around the lungs or other respiratory problems. They can also conduct an easy blood test 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 get mesothelioma-related prognosis. This includes imaging tests such as X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well the lung function test or chest MRI or PET scan.