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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissues lining the chest cavity and lungs and, in some cases, the abdominal lining and 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 transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect the organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cells to change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung. It can also develop in the linings of the abdomen, the heart and testicles. The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing. Patients also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to many other illnesses and can be difficult to identify, particularly in the initial stages of mesothelioma. It could take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest. A physical examination and a health history of the patient are the first steps in determining mesothelioma. To determine the severity of symptoms, a doctor may order imaging tests and blood tests. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays may reveal a mass or fluid that isn't normal in the lung. These scans can assist the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the kind of mesothelioma. The two most common types of mesothelioma are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for around 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis, and is less frequent than epithelioid. The majority of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. In certain cases, a person with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most precise method to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to take a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma determines the way a doctor treats the condition. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will drain excess fluid using the procedure known as pleurodesis, or insert the pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and enhance respiration. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the linings of organs called the mesothelium. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, however it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the initial exposure. Because of this latency time, many patients can be incorrectly diagnosed. The condition is often mistakenly referred to as other, less serious illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. This can lead to delays in treatment, which can reduce the chances of surviving. If you suspect mesothelioma, visit their doctor immediately. During the initial visit, doctors will take a patient's full medical history to look for signs and other factors that may make them more likely to have mesothelioma. This includes asbestos exposure in the past, as well the kind and duration. Tempe asbestos lawsuits is to have doctors order imaging tests to check the chest and abdomen for any signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, including pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of the body. A doctor may also request a blood test to see if the patient has high levels of certain substances that are related to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis, which involves the removal of a small amount of the fluid surrounding the lungs to search for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or with an instrument that guides the needle through an CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are most suitable for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This latest mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life of a patient and improve their chances of survival. Treatment Mesothelioma is a cancer that is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs like the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. It is impossible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment may help control symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your medical background and will look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure as it is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to get stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach or heart. This can cause inflammation over time and can transform normal cells into cancerous cells. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to detect mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider uses chest X-rays to determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET) to obtain precise images. They may also perform a needle biopsy to obtain an in-situ sample of the affected tissue. A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue with a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cell and determine the kind. The pathologist will employ dyes to stain tissue samples in order to determine the type of cancer. The dye is visible when certain types of mesothelioma are present. They will then use an advanced method to get an even closer view of the tissue under microscope. It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma since the mesothelioma-causing cells look similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. This includes a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as soluble mesothelin-related peptide. Your care team will decide on the mesothelioma treatment plan based on the type of cancer you suffer from and how advanced it is. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most commonly used treatments for mesothelioma. A palliative treatment option is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This can relieve the pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma is dependent on the type and stage of cancer as well as factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult experienced doctors to learn more about their treatment options. Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma. It is a form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura), and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, a rarer form that arises in the lining of the abdomen. The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take a small sample of tissue to test. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can be used to determine the life expectancy of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan. The mesothelioma types are epithelioid and epithelial, epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type grows at different rates and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a higher survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they have serious symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups. During these visits, doctors look for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also conduct an easy blood test to determine the patient's health. If the results indicate that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high they can schedule additional tests to determine mesothelioma-related prognosis. This could include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as a lung function test and an chest MRI or PET scan.