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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs, and, in rare instances, the linings of the abdomen and the heart. The primary reason for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This turns cells into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause cancerous cells to transform into mesothelioma tumours. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung. It can also occur in the tissues of the abdomen, heart and testicles. Chest discomfort, and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition certain patients suffer from abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to recognize in the beginning stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new disease. It could take years or even decades following exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to appear. A physical examination and patient's health history are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. To determine the severity of symptoms, a doctor may order imaging tests and blood tests. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography). X-rays may reveal a mass or fluid that isn't normal in the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. The two main mesothelioma types are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid. The majority of patients with pleural cancer have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing difficulties. Patients with pleural mesothelioma might suffer from an abnormal heart sound or a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum. The most effective method to diagnose mesothelioma involves an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma will also dictate how a doctor will treat the illness. For instance, if a person has pericardial mesothelioma the doctor could drain excess fluid with pleurodesis procedure or install an indwelling pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis The mesothelioma cancerous form develops on the linings of the organs. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, but it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes. It takes between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Due to this latency period it is possible for patients to be incorrectly diagnosed. It is often misinterpreted as other, less serious illnesses, like pneumonia or the flu. This can cause delays in treatment, which can decrease a patient's chance of survival. If you suspect mesothelioma, consult their physician as soon as possible. During the initial visit, doctors review the patient's entire medical history to look for signs and any other factors that may make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos and asbestos, and also the type and duration of the exposure. The doctor will then request imaging tests for the abdomen and chest to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest X rays, CT scans and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, like pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also show if mesothelioma has spread to other organs of the body. A doctor may also request an analysis of blood to determine if the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that are related to mesothelioma. They can also carry out a procedure called a thoracentesis. It involves the removal of a small amount of the fluid surrounding the lungs to check for cancerous cells. If mesothelioma is found to be the cause the biopsy procedure is carried out to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or with a needle guided by an CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are most suitable for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma is a cancer that is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs like the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. While mesothelioma can't be treated however, treatment can reduce symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and search for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure since it is the leading risk factor for mesothelioma. Alexandria asbestos attorney can cause asbestos fibres to become trapped in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or heart. This causes inflammation over time and may change normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed 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 provider will order MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected area. They will also perform a needle biopsy in order to obtain a sample from the affected tissue. A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue using a magnifying lens to detect cancerous cells and determine their type. The pathologist will use a dye to stain the tissues to identify the cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types of cancer are present. They will then use a specific method to obtain an in-depth look at the tissue under a microscope. Mesothelioma may be difficult to identify because the mesothelioma cells look similar to other kinds of cell within the body. Your healthcare team 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 team will determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma depending on your cancer type and its stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatment options for mesothelioma. The option of palliative therapy is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will alleviate your discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and stage of cancer, and other factors like the patient's age and general health. Patients should consult knowledgeable doctors to find out more about the treatment options available to them. Asbestos fibers can damage tissues that line vital organs and protect them. The asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most common forms of mesothelioma are pleural (which develops on the lung linings as well as the 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 involves the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against a database to identify the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information will help them predict a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma grows at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 60 percent to 80% cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop after exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos exposure must be reported to a doctor, and victims must undergo regular checks. During these visits doctors can look for signs of asbestos-related exposure like scarring around the lungs or other respiratory issues. They can also perform simple blood tests to check a patient's overall health. If the results indicate that an individual is at a an increased risk of 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 radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well a lung function test and a chest MRI, or PET scan.