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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 abdomen and heart. The most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. This turns cells into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect the organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause these cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma tumours. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lung. However, it can be found in the abdominal lining and the testicles, as well as the heart. The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptoms are breathlessness as well as chest pain and coughing. Additionally certain patients are suffering from abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms are similar to many other diseases and are difficult to recognize, especially in the early stages of mesothelioma. It may take years or even decades following exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is an examination and a medical history. A doctor can request blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that isn't normal in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two most common types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Most people with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing difficulties. In some cases, a person suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur a condition known as pericardial effusion or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The best way to accurately diagnose mesothelioma involves a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also dictate how a doctor will treat the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer the doctor will drain the excess fluid through a procedure known as pleurodesis, or place the pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the linings of organs called the mesothelium. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, but it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be seen between 10 and fifty years after the initial exposure. Due to this latency period many patients could be incorrectly diagnosed. The condition is often mistakenly referred to as other, less serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis may lead to a delay in treatment that can reduce the chance of a patient's survival. Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should consult their physician as soon as possible. During this initial visit, doctors will take a patient's full medical history to determine symptoms and any 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 request imaging tests to look at the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans, and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, including the thickness of the pleural wall or the accumulation of fluid. They can also tell whether mesothelioma has spread other areas of the body. A doctor can also request an analysis of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves taking out the lungs of fluid and examining for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed, a biopsy will be taken to look at small portions of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle guided CT scan can be used to perform this procedure. The results of this test will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This can include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment could improve a patient's quality of life and improve their chances of survival. Treatment Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs like the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. It is not possible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and look for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure since it is the leading mesothelioma risk factor. visalia asbestos lawyer to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the chest cavity's lining the stomach, tummy or the heart (mesothelium). As time passes, this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Your doctor uses chest X-rays 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 do a needle biopsy to obtain a sample of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist called a pathologist will look at the mesothelioma tissue under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma you have. To make the diagnosis, the pathologist will stain the sample with a dye that lights up when certain types of proteins are present. The doctor will then employ a technique to magnify the tissue. It is sometimes difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells are similar to other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. These tests involve the collection of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or soluble mesothelin related peptide. Your healthcare team will determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma depending on the type of cancer and stage. The most popular mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is at an advanced stages you could also receive palliative treatment to relieve discomfort and other signs. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma is dependent on the type and stage cancer as well as other factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are experienced to learn about their treatment options. Asbestos fibers can cause damage to tissues that connect vital organs and shield them. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that can transform normal cells into mesothelioma cancers. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining and the chest cavity (pleura), and mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common type that is found in the protective lining of the abdomen. The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue to be examined. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples with databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to estimate the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan. The three types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and epithelial, epithelial cells as well as sarcomatoid and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type develops at different rates and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent to 80% cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they experience serious symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a doctor and undergo periodic checkups. During these visits, doctors look for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also perform a simple blood test to determine the health of a patient's general. If the results indicate that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high, they can schedule further tests to receive a mesothelioma prognosis. This will include imaging exams such as X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to the lung function test or chest MRI or PET scan.