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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues lining the chest cavity and lungs, and in rare cases the lining of the abdomen and heart. The primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs inside the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause the cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lungs. However, it could also happen in the lining of the abdomen, heart and testicles. The most common mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing. Patients also feel abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to those of other ailments and are difficult to diagnose, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. It could take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to manifest. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is an examination and a medical history. To determine the severity of the symptoms the doctor can 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 can reveal a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lungs. These scans may help the doctor determine the location of the mesothelioma and the kind of mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two most prevalent types. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis, and is less frequent than epithelioid. Most people diagnosed with pleural melanoma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. A person with pleural msothelioma may have an abnormal heart sound and a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum. The most accurate method to identify mesothelioma is to take the taking of a biopsy of the tissue. The type of mesothelioma will also determine how a physician treats the illness. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will drain the excess fluid through a procedure known as pleurodesis, or insert an pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve respiration. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the organ's linings known as the mesothelium. The majority of the time, the disease develops in the lung (pleura), though it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). It takes between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to appear. Due to this latency period many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. This can lead to delays in treatment, which could reduce the chances of survival. Those who suspect mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as possible. During the initial appointment, doctors will review the medical history of a patient to identify any symptoms or factors that may increase their risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes previous asbestos exposure as well as the kind and duration. The next step is for doctors to conduct imaging tests to examine the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X rays, CT scans, and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, like an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also reveal whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A doctor can also request an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They can also perform a procedure called a thoracentesis, which involves the removal of a small amount of the lungs' fluid to search for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy will be taken to check an insignificant portion of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle-guided CT scan can be used to perform this procedure. The results of this test will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest form of treatment can improve the prognosis of a patient and increase their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues which line and protect organs like the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. While mesothelioma can't be treated, treatment can help control symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure because it is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or heart. This causes inflammation over time and may transform normal cells into cancerous cells. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider uses a chest X ray to determine if there is fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). roanoke asbestos law firm will recommend MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected area. They will also conduct the procedure of a needle biopsy to collect a sample from the affected tissue. A pathologist, or mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue using a magnifying lens to detect cancerous cell and determine the kind. To establish the diagnosis, the doctor will stain the sample with a dye that lights up when certain types of protein are present. The doctor will then use an instrument to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because the mesothelioma cells look like other types of cells within the body. Your care team will try to confirm the diagnosis with other tests. This includes a blood test to determine the levels of fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptide. Your healthcare team will determine the best treatment plan for mesothelioma, based on your cancer type and its stage. The most popular mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stages you could also receive palliative care to ease discomfort and other signs. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and stage of cancer, and other factors such as the patient's age as well as general health. Patients should consult knowledgeable doctors to find out more about their treatment options. Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that line vital organs and safeguard them from harm. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most common forms of mesothelioma are the pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the lung linings, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. Doctors can then compare the samples of the biopsy to a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma-related cell type. This information can help them predict the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan. The mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells as well as sarcomatoid and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent 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 to be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients do not receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups. During these visits doctors can examine for signs of asbestos-related exposure, such as scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory issues. They can also perform a simple blood check to determine the patient's health. If the results indicate that an individual is at a the highest risk of developing mesothelioma they can arrange for additional tests to determine if they are likely to develop an outlook. This will include imaging exams like X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well lung function tests, a chest MRI, or PET scan.