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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare cases the linings of the abdomen and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the principal reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. Cells turn into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause these cancerous cells to grow into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lungs. It can also occur in the linings of the abdomen, the heart and testicles. lincoln asbestos law firm of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Some patients also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to recognize in the beginning particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively young disease. The signs of mesothelioma might not be evident for a long time or even decades after asbestos exposure. A physical examination and medical history of the patient is the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. To determine the severity of the symptoms, a doctor may order tests for blood and imaging scans. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lung. These scans help the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two most prevalent types. About 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less common than epithelioid. People with pleural cancer typically have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing problems. In some instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma could have an abnormal heart murmur an issue called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most accurate way to diagnose mesothelioma is to take a tissue sample or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma also determines the way a doctor treats the condition. If a patient has pericardial cancer doctors will remove excess fluid with a procedure known as pleurodesis, or insert the pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings of organs known as the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs (pleura), though it may also occur 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. Due to this latency period, many patients may be incorrectly diagnosed. The illness is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake can result in delays in treatment, which may decrease the chance of surviving. Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as possible. During the initial visit, doctors will examine a patient's complete medical history to identify signs and other factors that may make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos, as well as the type and duration of the exposure. Next, doctors will order imaging tests to check the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs all offer detailed images of the inside of the body. They also show lung changes like the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also show whether mesothelioma has spread other areas of the body. A doctor may also request an analysis of blood to determine whether the patient has elevated levels of certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis, which involves removing a sample of the lungs' fluid to check for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or through the use of a needle that is guided by a CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients may also choose to participate in immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, like the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). While mesothelioma can't be treated, treatment can help control symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your health history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will ask you about asbestos exposure since it is the leading risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to get stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium), stomach or the heart. Over time this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using imaging tests and blood tests. Your doctor uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if there is fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET), to get precise images. They may also perform an incision using a needle to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue under an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine the type. The doctor will use a dye to stain the tissue samples to determine the type of cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types of cancer are present. They will then use an advanced method to get an even closer view of the tissue under the microscope. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the mesothelioma-causing cells are similar to other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by other tests. These tests involve a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3 or soluble mesothelin related peptide. Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma based on the type of cancer and its stage. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most common treatment options for mesothelioma. A palliative treatment option is available in the event that your mesothelioma has progressed to an advanced stage. This can relieve the pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is dependent on the type and stage of cancer as well as other factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with knowledgeable doctors to find out more about the treatment options available to them. Asbestos fibers can cause damage to tissues that connect vital organs and shield them from harm. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura), as well as peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer form that develops in the lining that protects the abdomen. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma based on symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take a small sample of tissue to test. Doctors can then compare samples of the biopsy to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can be used to predict the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma and their treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified in three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma type develops at different rates and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 60 percent to 80% cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos exposure must be reported to a doctor and patients should be checked regularly. During these visits, doctors will look for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring on lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They may also conduct a simple blood test to check the overall health of a patient. If the results show that the patient is at a high risk for mesothelioma, they can arrange for additional tests to determine if they are likely to develop an outlook. This could include imaging tests such as X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with lung function tests and a chest MRI, or PET scan.