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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity, and in rare cases the abdomen's lining and the heart. The most common reason for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers may get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers could cause these cells to change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. Most cases of mesothelioma are located in the lungs. It can also develop in the linings of the abdomen, heart and testicles. The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptoms are shortness of breath coughing, chest pain and chest pain. In addition patients may experience abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms are similar to many other diseases and are difficult to recognize, especially in the initial stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma could not appear for years or even decades following asbestos exposure. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is an examination and a medical history. A doctor can require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that isn't normal in the lung. These scans help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two most common types of mesothelioma are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. The majority of patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. In certain cases, people with pleural mesothelioma could 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 the taking of a biopsy of the tissue. The type of mesothelioma will also dictate how a doctor manages the disease. For instance, if a person has mesothelioma pericardial doctors may remove excess fluid using a procedure called pleurodesis or install an indwelling pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis The cancerous mesothelioma forms on the linings of organs. The majority of cases occur in the lung (pleura) however it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). The symptoms of mesothelioma could be seen between 10 and fifty years after the first exposure. Because of this latency time, many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. This illness is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. This mistake could result in delays in treatment, which can decrease the chance of surviving. Anyone who suspects that they might have mesothelioma should visit their doctor right away. In the initial appointment, doctors will review the medical history of the patient to identify any signs or symptoms that increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the type and duration of the exposure. The doctor will then request imaging tests of the abdomen and chest to check for 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 whether mesothelioma has spread other areas of the body. A doctor will also order a blood test to see whether the patient has high 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 a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed then a biopsy is taken to check an insignificant portion 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 of this will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment for the patient. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients may also choose to take part 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, such as the lung (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is impossible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment may help control symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your health background and will look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure since asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. stamford asbestos attorneys can cause asbestos fibres to get trapped 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 identified using blood tests and imaging tests. Your healthcare provider will use an X-ray of your chest to detect changes in the lung tissue and determine if you suffer from an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). The doctor will recommend MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected region. They will also perform the procedure of a needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will study the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine what type of mesothelioma you have. The doctor will use a dye to color the tissue samples to determine the type of cancer. The dye is visible when certain types of mesothelioma are present. The doctor will then employ techniques to magnify the tissue. It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the cells that cause it are similar to other types of cells in the body. Your care team will try to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis with other tests. These tests include a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3, or soluble mesothelin related peptide. Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma based on the type of cancer you have and its stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most popular treatments for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stages you could also be offered palliative treatment to relieve discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is determined by the type and stage cancer and other factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are knowledgeable about their treatment options. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs 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 transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumours. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity (pleura), as well as mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common form that develops in the lining of the abdomen. Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking a small sample of tissue to be tested. The doctors can compare biopsy samples against an online database to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can help them predict a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan. The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma forms at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent to 80% cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may develop for up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they experience serious symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups. In these visits, doctors will check for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring around the lungs or other respiratory issues. They may also conduct an easy blood test to assess the overall health of a patient. If the results show that the patient is at a the highest risk of developing mesothelioma they can schedule further tests to determine if they are likely to develop 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.