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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue lining the chest cavity and lungs, and in rare cases, the lining of the abdomen and heart. The main reason for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers may get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause the cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are found in the lung (pleura). However, it could also occur in the lining of the abdomen as well as the testicles, heart and lungs. The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing. Additionally certain patients are suffering from abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to many other ailments and are difficult to identify, particularly in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma could not be evident for a long time or even decades following asbestos exposure. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is a physical examination and a health history. clarksville asbestos attorney may ask for blood tests or imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans comprise CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography). X-rays can reveal a strange 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 cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid. Most people with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing problems. A person with pleural msothelioma can have an abnormal heart sound, a condition called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum. The most precise method to identify mesothelioma is take a tissue sample or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma also determines the way a doctor treats the illness. For example when a patient has pericardial mesothelioma doctors may remove excess fluid using pleurodesis procedure or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis The cancerous mesothelioma develops on the organ's linings. The disease most commonly occurs in the lung (pleura), though it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). It takes between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest. Due to this latency period, many patients may be misdiagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis may lead to a delay in treatment, which could reduce the chance of a patient's survival. Those who suspect that they might have mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. At the first appointment, doctors will review the medical history of a patient to determine if there are any symptoms or conditions that increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, as well as the nature and duration of the exposure. The next step is to have doctors request imaging tests to look at the abdomen and chest for any signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all offer detailed images of the inside of the body. They also show lung issues like pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also tell if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A doctor can also request a test of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They may also perform the procedure known as a thoracentesis, which involves removing a sample of the fluid surrounding the lungs to look for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cell. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle guided CT scan can be used to perform this procedure. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life of a patient and improve their prognosis. Treatment Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line and protect organs, including the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is impossible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure because it is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the linings the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or the heart. This causes inflammation over time and can change normal cells into cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be identified using imaging tests and blood tests. Your doctor will use an X-ray of the chest to determine if there is an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain high-quality images. They may also perform an incision using a needle to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A pathologist, or mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue using a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cells and determine their kind. The pathologist will employ dyes to stain tissue samples to diagnose the cancer. This dye is visible when certain types are present. The doctor will then employ an instrument to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because mesothelioma-related cells appear like other types of cells found in the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by performing other tests. These tests involve the collection of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related protein that is soluble. Your healthcare team will choose a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you suffer from and how advanced it is. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most commonly used treatments for mesothelioma. The option of palliative therapy is available when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This will relieve your pain and other signs. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on the stage and type of cancer as well as other factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are knowledgeable about the treatment options available to them. Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma forms are mesothelioma pleural (which forms on the lung linings, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take small amounts of tissue for testing. The doctors can compare biopsy samples to databases to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information will help them predict the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma type develops 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 could take up to 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 victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and have regular checkups. During these visits, doctors will examine for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They can also conduct an easy blood test to determine the patient's health. If the results show that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is very high, they can arrange for further tests to receive an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This could include imaging tests such as X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well a lung function test, a chest MRI or PET scan.