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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity and, in rare instances, the abdomen's lining and the heart. The primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects the tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers could cause these cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lungs (pleura). However, it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen and the testicles, as well as the heart. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients also feel abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to many other illnesses and can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma could not manifest for years or even decades following asbestos exposure. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a medical history. To determine the severity of symptoms, a doctor may order blood tests and imaging scans. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays could reveal a lump or fluid that is not normal in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. The two main mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less common than epithelioid. People with pleural cancer typically suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing issues. In some instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most effective method to diagnose mesothelioma involves an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma determines how a doctor will treat the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer the doctor will drain excess fluid using the procedure known as pleurodesis, or insert the pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve respiration. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis The mesothelioma-related cancer develops on the organ's linings. The disease most commonly occurs in the lung (pleura) however it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). The signs of mesothelioma may be seen between 10 and fifty years after the first exposure. Because of this latency period it is possible for patients to be mistakenly diagnosed. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious conditions, such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake could result in a delay in treatment, which can decrease the chances of survival for a patient. Those who suspect mesothelioma should consult their physician immediately. During this initial visit, doctors take a patient's full medical history to determine signs and any other factors that could make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes past asbestos exposure as well as the type and duration. The doctor will then request imaging tests for the abdomen and chest to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, including pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also tell whether mesothelioma has spread other parts of the body. A doctor will also order an examination of the blood to determine if the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that are related to mesothelioma. They may also perform an operation known as the thoracentesis. This involves the removal of a sample from the lungs' fluid to look for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed, a biopsy will be taken to look at small portions of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or through the use of a needle that is guided by the aid of a CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are most suitable for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life for patients and improve their outlook. Treatment Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the tissues that line and protect organs, like the lung (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). Although mesothelioma is not curable, it can be treated however, treatment can reduce symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and search for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure since this is the number one 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 ones. Mesothelioma can be identified using imaging tests and blood tests. Your doctor will make use of a chest X-ray to see changes in your lung tissue and determine if you have the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET), to get detailed images. They will also perform an incision using a needle to collect a sample from the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will study the mesothelioma tissue under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma you have. The pathologist will employ a dye to stain the tissues to identify the cancer. The dye is visible when certain types of cancer are present. The doctor will then use an instrument to magnify the tissue. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the cells that cause it are similar to other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. They may use blood tests to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as 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 common 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 depends on the type and the stage of cancer, in addition to other factors such as a patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with skilled doctors to know more about the treatment options available to them. Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that line vital organs and safeguard them. These asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are mesothelioma pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the linings of the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking small amounts of tissue to test. Doctors can then compare biopsy samples to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma-related cell type. This information will help them predict a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan. The mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type grows at an individual rate and responds to treatment in a different way. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60% to 80% of cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. mission asbestos attorneys can be diagnosed up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they have serious symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and be checked regularly. During these visits, doctors will check for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also conduct simple blood tests to assess the health of the patient. If the results show that a patient is at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma they can schedule further tests to receive a prognosis. This will include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as a lung function test and a chest MRI or PET scan.