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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues lining the chest cavity and lungs and, in some cases the abdominal lining and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause the cells to change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lungs. It can also occur in the tissues of the heart, abdomen and testicles. Breathlessness, chest discomfort and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to diagnose in the beginning stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new disease. The symptoms of mesothelioma could not be evident for a long time or even decades after asbestos exposure. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is a physical examination and a medical history. To determine the severity of the symptoms, a doctor may order tests for blood and imaging scans. These scans may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays may reveal an unusual lump or a fluid that is present in the lungs. These scans may help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is located and the kind of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two main types. About 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Most people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. People with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart tone and a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum. The most reliable method to identify mesothelioma is collect a tissue sample or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also determine how a physician treats the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer doctors will drain the excess fluid through the procedure called pleurodesis or insert the pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. costa mesa asbestos law firm mesothelioma-related cancer develops on the linings of organs. The majority of cases occur in the lungs (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). The symptoms of mesothelioma can be seen between 10 and fifty years after the first exposure. Because of this latency period, many patients may be incorrectly diagnosed. It is often misinterpreted as other, less serious diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis may lead to a delay in treatment, which could reduce the chances of survival for a patient. If you suspect that you may have mesothelioma need to consult their physician immediately. At the first visit, doctors review the medical history of the patient in order to identify any symptoms or conditions that could increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the nature and duration of the exposure. Next, doctors will conduct imaging tests to examine the chest and abdomen for any signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all offer precise images of the inside of the body and can show lung issues like the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also reveal if mesothelioma has spread to other parts of the body. A doctor can also request a test of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a Thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and examining for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma is confirmed A biopsy is then performed to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or by using an instrument that guides the needle through a CT scan. The results of this will aid in determining the best mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life of a patient and improve their chances of survival. Treatment Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. 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 also ask about your asbestos exposure as asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity and 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 doctor will make use of a chest X-ray to see changes in your lung tissue and determine if you suffer from an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). The doctor will recommend MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected region. They may also perform the procedure of a needle biopsy to obtain a sample from the affected tissue. A pathologist, or mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue using an magnifying glass to find cancerous cell and determine the type. The pathologist will use a dye to stain the tissue samples in order to identify the cancer. This dye is visible when certain types of mesothelioma are present. The doctor will then employ techniques to magnify the tissue. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the mesothelioma-causing cells appear similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by performing other tests. These include a blood test to measure levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related, soluble peptide. Your healthcare team will decide on the mesothelioma treatment plan based on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. The most common mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The option of palliative therapy is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This can relieve your discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma is determined by the type and stage of cancer as well as factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are knowledgeable about their treatment options. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural (which forms on the lung linings or chest cavity) and abdomen) mesothelioma. The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking tiny amounts of tissue for testing. Doctors can then compare samples of the biopsy to a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can be used to estimate the longevity of a patient suffering from mesothelioma as well as their treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma kind develops at a different rate and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a higher survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos-related victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups. During these visits, doctors can examine for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They can also conduct simple blood tests to assess a patient's overall health. If the results show that the patient is at a high risk for mesothelioma, they can schedule additional tests to receive an outlook. This will include imaging exams such as X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to the lung function test and a chest MRI, or PET scan.