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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs and, in rare cases the tissues of the abdomen and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into cancerous mesothelioma cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma occur in the lung (pleura). It can also occur in the tissues of the abdomen, the heart and testicles. The most common mesothelioma symptoms are breathlessness, chest pain and coughing. Patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to diagnose in the early stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new condition. The symptoms of mesothelioma may 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. To determine the severity of symptoms doctors may recommend 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 strange mass or fluid in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two major types. Around 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid. People with pleural cancer typically suffer from a painful, non-productive cough and breathing problems. In some cases, a person suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur, a condition called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The best way to accurately diagnose mesothelioma involves an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma also determines the method used by a doctor to treat the condition. If gilbert asbestos attorney has pericardial cancer the doctor will drain excess fluid using the procedure called pleurodesis, or insert the pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and enhance breathing. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings of organs known as the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs, however it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes. It takes between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. Because of this latency period it is possible for patients to be incorrectly diagnosed. It is often misinterpreted as other, less serious diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis can lead to delays in treatment, which may reduce the chances of survival. Those who suspect mesothelioma should visit their doctor immediately. At the first appointment, doctors will review the medical history of the patient in order to identify any symptoms or conditions that increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes previous asbestos exposure, as well the kind and duration. The doctor will then order imaging tests of the abdomen and chest to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all provide precise images of the inside of the body and can reveal lung changes like the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of the body. A doctor will also order an analysis of blood to determine whether the patient has high levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform the procedure known as the thoracentesis. This involves the removal of a sample from the fluid surrounding the lungs to look for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed the biopsy procedure will be taken to check small portions of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or with the use of a needle that is guided by a CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are most suitable for the patient. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to participate in immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lung (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). While mesothelioma can't be treated but treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical background and will look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure because it is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the chest cavity's lining, tummy or heart (mesothelium). This can cause inflammation over time and may transform normal cells into cancerous cells. Imaging tests and blood tests are used to identify mesothelioma. Your doctor uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected area. They will also conduct a needle biopsy in order to obtain a sample from the affected tissue. A pathologist, or mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue under a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cell and determine the type. To establish the diagnosis, the doctor will stain the sample using a dye which shows up when certain kinds of proteins are present. They will then employ a specific method to obtain an even closer view of the tissue under microscope. It is sometimes difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells are similar to other types of cells within the body. Your care team will try 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 soluble mesothelin related peptide. Your medical team will choose mesothelioma treatments based on the kind of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. A palliative treatment option is available when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This can relieve the pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and stage of cancer, in addition to other factors, such as a patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are knowledgeable about their treatment options. Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers cause damage to 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 tumours. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura) and mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common form that arises in the lining of the abdomen. Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking small amounts of tissue for testing. Doctors then compare the samples of the biopsy to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can help them determine the patient's mesothelioma's life expectancy and treatment plan. The three types of mesothelioma are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma grows at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60 percent to 80% of cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and undergo periodic checkups. During these visits, doctors can examine for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring on lung and other respiratory issues. They may also conduct simple blood tests to determine a patient's overall health. If the results show that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high they can schedule additional tests to get an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This could include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as lung function tests, and an chest MRI or PET scan.