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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity and lungs and, in some cases the abdomen's lining and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the principal cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into mesothelioma cancerous cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects the tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cells to change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are found in the lungs. It can also occur in the tissues of the abdomen, the heart and testicles. elk grove asbestos attorneys , chest discomfort, and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to many other illnesses and can be difficult to recognize, especially in the early stages of mesothelioma. The signs of mesothelioma might not appear for years or even decades following 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 imaging tests and blood tests. These scans comprise CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography). X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lungs. These scans aid the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two major types. About 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Most people with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, non-productive cough and breathing issues. In certain cases, a person with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, which is known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most accurate method to diagnose mesothelioma involves a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also dictate how a doctor treats the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer, the doctor will drain excess fluid using a procedure known as pleurodesis, or insert a pleural catheter in order to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the organ's linings known as the mesothelium. The disease most commonly occurs in the lung (pleura) but it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). The signs of mesothelioma may be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the first exposure. Because of this latency time, many patients can be incorrectly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis can result in delays in treatment, which could decrease the chance of surviving. If you suspect mesothelioma, consult their physician immediately. In the first visit, doctors examine a patient's complete medical history to determine signs and other factors that could make them more likely to have mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the type and duration of exposure. The doctor will then request imaging tests for the chest and abdomen to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest X rays, CT scans, and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, such as pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also reveal whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other areas of the body. A doctor will also order an examination of the blood to determine if the patient has high levels of certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation known as a Thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and examining the lungs for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed, a biopsy will be taken to look at an insignificant portion of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle guided CT scan can be used to perform this procedure. The results will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that line and protect organs like the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. It is impossible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment may help control symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and look for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will ask you about asbestos exposure since it is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). This can cause inflammation over time and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Your doctor will make use of an X-ray of your chest to detect changes in your lung tissue, and determine whether you have the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor will recommend an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images. They may also perform a needle biopsy in order to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will look at mesothelioma cells under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma you have. The pathologist will use a dye to stain the tissue samples to diagnose the cancer. This dye is visible when certain types of cancer are present. The doctor will then employ an instrument 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 by performing other tests. These tests include a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3, or mesothelin related protein that is soluble. Your care team will determine mesothelioma treatments based on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. The most popular mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma has reached an an advanced stage you could also receive palliative treatment to relieve discomfort and other signs. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and the stage of cancer, as well as other factors, such as the patient's age as well as general health. Patients should consult skilled doctors to know more about their treatment options. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or eaten, and can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma cancers. The most frequent mesothelioma types are the pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the linings of the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking small amounts of tissue to test. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples to a database to identify the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can be used to predict the life expectancy of a patient with mesothelioma and their treatment plan. The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid and epithelial, epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma develops at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60% to 80% of cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma develop following exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients do not get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Exposure to asbestos should be disclosed to a doctor, and victims must undergo regular checks. During these visits, doctors can look for signs of exposure to asbestos for example, lung scarring or other respiratory issues. They can also do a simple blood check to determine the health of the patient. If the results indicate that a patient is at high risk for mesothelioma, they can arrange for additional tests to receive an estimate of the prognosis. This will include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as lung function tests, and a chest MRI or PET scan.