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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity and, in rare instances, the abdominal lining and heart. The primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This turns cells into cancerous mesothelioma cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cells to undergo a change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung. reno asbestos attorney can also develop in the linings of the abdomen, the heart and testicles. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Additionally certain patients suffer from abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be a bit confusing and difficult to diagnose in the beginning stages, especially when mesothelioma is still a relatively new condition. It could take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to manifest. A physical examination and a health history of the patient are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. A doctor may ask for blood tests or imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans may 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 lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is located and the type of mesothelioma. The two major mesothelioma types are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid. Most people with pleural cancer have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing problems. In certain instances, a patient suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur, which is called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most precise method to identify mesothelioma is take a tissue sample, or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma determines how a doctor will treat the disease. If a patient has pericardial cancer doctors will drain excess fluid using the procedure known as pleurodesis, or insert a pleural catheter in order to reduce inflammation and improve respiration. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the linings of organs known as the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs. However, it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes. The signs of mesothelioma may appear between 10 and fifty years after the first exposure. Due to this latency period many patients are misdiagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, like pneumonia or the flu. This can cause delays in treatment that can reduce a patient's chance of survival. Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. In the initial visit, doctors review a patient's medical history to identify any symptoms or factors that increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes asbestos exposure in the past as well as the kind and duration. The next step is to have doctors order imaging tests to check the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, such as pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also show if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other areas of the body. A doctor might also recommend a test of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation called a thoracentesis which involves taking out the lungs of fluid and examining for cancerous cells. If mesothelioma is found to be the cause, a biopsy is performed to check a small sample 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 an CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This can include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lung (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Although mesothelioma cannot be cured but treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your health history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure, because it is the leading risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to become stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach or the heart. This can cause inflammation over time and can change normal cells into cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be identified using blood tests and imaging tests. Your healthcare provider uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if there is an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain precise images of the affected area. They will also perform an incision using a needle to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will look at the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma you have. To make the diagnosis the pathologist will stain the sample with a dye that shows up when certain types of proteins are present. The doctor will then employ an instrument to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma may be difficult to diagnose as the mesothelioma cells look similar to other kinds of cell within the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. These tests involve a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3, or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble. Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma, based on the type of cancer you have and stage. The most commonly used mesothelioma treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. A palliative treatment option is available in the event that your mesothelioma has progressed to an advanced stage. This can relieve your pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is determined by the type and stage of cancer as well as other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with experienced doctors to learn more about their treatment options. Asbestos fibers can damage tissues that line vital organs and protect them. The asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma types are mesothelioma pleural (which develops on the linings of the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma. The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue to be tested. The doctors can compare the biopsy samples to databases to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can help them predict the patient's mesothelioma's life expectancy and treatment plan. The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type grows at a different rate and responds to treatment in a different way. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent to 80% cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients aren't diagnosed of mesothelioma until they have significant symptoms. Asbestos exposure should be disclosed to a doctor and patients must undergo regular checks. During these visits, doctors can check for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They can also do a simple blood check to assess the health of the patient. If the results indicate that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is high they can schedule additional tests to receive an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This will include imaging exams like X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to lung function tests, a chest MRI, or PET scan.