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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity and lungs, and in rare cases, the abdomen's lining and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs inside the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause cancerous cells to grow into mesothelioma-related tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are found in the lungs. However, it can also happen in the lining of the abdomen as well as the testicles, heart and lungs. Breathlessness, chest discomfort and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to recognize in the early stages, especially when mesothelioma is still a relatively new condition. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to show up. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is a physical examination and a health history. To determine the severity of symptoms the doctor can order imaging tests and blood tests. These scans may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can show an unusual mass or fluid in the lung. These scans may help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is located and the kind of mesothelioma. The two most common mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Around 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid. Most people with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, non-productive cough and breathing problems. In rare instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, which is known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most accurate way to diagnose mesothelioma is to collect a tissue sample or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma will also determine how a physician will treat the illness. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will drain the excess fluid through the procedure known as pleurodesis, or place a pleural catheter in order to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include surgery and chemotherapy. tampa asbestos attorneys , a form of cancer, occurs in the linings of organs known as the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs. However, it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes. The signs of mesothelioma may be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the initial exposure. Due to this latency period many patients are misdiagnosed. This illness is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious conditions such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake can result in delays in treatment, which could reduce the chances of surviving. Those who suspect that they may have mesothelioma need to consult their physician immediately. During the initial visit, doctors review the patient's entire medical history to determine signs and any other factors that could make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes previous asbestos exposure, as well the nature and duration of the exposure. The doctor will then order imaging tests of the chest and abdomen to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans, and MRIs are all able to reveal changes in the lungs, including pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also tell if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other areas of the body. A doctor might also recommend an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation called a thoracentesis which involves taking out the lungs of fluid and examining the lungs for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or with an instrument that guides the needle through an CT scan. The results will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This can include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, including the lung (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is not possible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment can help reduce symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your exposure to asbestos, 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). This causes inflammation over time, and can change normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using blood tests and imaging tests. Your healthcare provider uses chest X-rays to determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET) to obtain high-quality images. They will also conduct the procedure of a needle biopsy to collect a sample from the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist called a pathologist will look at mesothelioma cells under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma that you have. To determine the type of mesothelioma the doctor will stain the sample with a dye that lights up when certain kinds of protein are present. Then, they will employ an advanced method to get an in-depth look at the tissue under the microscope. It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since the cells that cause it appear similar to those of other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. This includes a blood test to determine the levels of fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptide. Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma, based on the type of cancer you have and its stage. The most commonly used mesothelioma treatment options 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 relieve the pain and other signs. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma is dependent on the stage and type of cancer and other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are knowledgeable about their treatment options. Asbestos fibers can damage tissues that line vital organs and protect them. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most common forms of mesothelioma are the pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the lung linings, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma. The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take tiny amounts of tissue to test. The doctors can compare biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information will help them predict a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan. The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type grows at a different rate and responds to treatment in a different way. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent to 80% of cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they have severe symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a physician and be checked regularly. During these visits, doctors can examine for signs of exposure to asbestos like lung scarring or other respiratory problems. They may also conduct simple blood tests to check the health of a patient's general. If the results show that a patient's risk of developing mesothelioma is very high, they can schedule further tests to receive mesothelioma-related prognosis. This could include imaging tests such as X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to lung function tests or chest MRI or PET scan.