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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissues lining the chest cavity and lungs, and in rare cases the lining of the abdomen and heart. The main cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells 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 fibers can cause cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma tumours. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung (pleura). It can also develop in the tissues of the abdomen, heart and testicles. Chest discomfort and coughing are among the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are often confusing and difficult to identify in the early stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new disease. The signs of mesothelioma might not be evident for a long time or even decades after asbestos exposure. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a health history. A doctor may require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of the 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 help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two major kinds. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. The majority of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. In certain cases, people with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, which is known as pericardial effusion or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most precise method to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma will also dictate how a doctor manages the disease. For example in the case of mesothelioma pericardial the doctor could drain excess fluid with a procedure called pleurodesis or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis The mesothelioma cancerous form develops on the linings of organs. The majority of cases occur in the lungs (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). The symptoms of mesothelioma can be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the first exposure. Because of this latency time, many patients can be mistakenly diagnosed. It is often misinterpreted as other, less serious diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. This can cause delays in treatment that can reduce the chance of a patient's survival. Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should consult their physician as soon as possible. At the first visit, doctors examine the medical history of the patient in order to identify any symptoms or conditions that may increase their risk of mesothelioma. This includes asbestos exposure in the past, as well the kind and duration. The doctor will then recommend imaging tests in the abdomen and chest to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs all provide precise images of the inside of the body and can show lung issues, such as the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also show if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other areas of the body. A doctor will also order an examination of the blood to determine whether the patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They may also perform an operation known as the thoracentesis. This involves removing a sample of the fluid surrounding the lungs to look for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy will be taken to check small portions 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 the most effective for the patient. This can include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may choose to take part in immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment can boost a patient's quality of life and improve their chances of survival. 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 impossible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment can help reduce symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and look for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure because this is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the chest cavity's lining the stomach, tummy or the heart (mesothelium). As time passes, this causes inflammation and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider uses chest X-rays to determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your provider will order MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected area. They will also conduct the procedure of a needle biopsy to obtain a sample from the affected tissue. A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue using an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine the kind. The pathologist will use a dye to color the tissue samples to diagnose the cancer. The dye is visible when certain types of mesothelioma are present. The doctor will then employ an instrument to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because the mesothelioma cells look like other types of cell in the body. richardson asbestos lawsuit will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. These tests include an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3, or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble. Your medical team will determine a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the kind of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the most common treatment options for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is in an advanced stage you could also be offered palliative care to ease discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the type and the 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 knowledgeable about their treatment options. Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that can transform normal cells into mesothelioma cancers. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining and the chest cavity (pleura), as well as mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common form that arises in the protective lining of the abdomen. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, lab tests and X-rays. They may also suggest an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. The doctors can compare biopsy samples with an online database to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information will help them predict the patient's mesothelioma's life expectancy and treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified in three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a better survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a doctor and have regular checkups. During these visits, doctors look for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They can also conduct simple blood tests to check the health of a patient's general. If the results show that the patient is at a an increased risk of mesothelioma, they can arrange for additional tests to get an outlook. This includes imaging tests such as X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well a lung function test and a chest MRI, or PET scan.