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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity, lungs and, in rare instances, the tissues of the abdomen and the heart. The most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, affects the tissues that connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases originate in the lungs (pleura). However, it can be found in the abdominal lining and the testicles, as well as the heart. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition, some patients are suffering from abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms are akin to other diseases and are difficult to identify, particularly in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not be evident for a long time or even decades after asbestos exposure. A physical examination and a health history of the patient are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. A doctor might require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can show an unusual lump or a fluid that is present in the lung. virginia asbestos lawyer aid the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. The two main types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid. The majority of patients with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing issues. People with pleural mesothelioma 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 through a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also dictate how a doctor manages the disease. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer, the doctor will drain the excess fluid through a procedure known as pleurodesis, or insert a pleural catheter in order to reduce inflammation and enhance respiration. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis The cancerous mesothelioma is found in the organ's linings. The majority of cases occur in the lung (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). The symptoms of mesothelioma could be seen between 10 and fifty years after the initial exposure. Due to this latency period it is possible for patients to be incorrectly diagnosed. This condition is often mistakenly referred to as other, less serious illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. This can lead to delays in treatment, which may reduce the chances of survival. Those who suspect mesothelioma should visit their doctor as soon as possible. At the first visit, doctors examine the medical history of a patient to identify any symptoms or factors that may increase their risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes asbestos exposure in the past, as well the nature and duration of the exposure. The doctor will then recommend imaging tests of the abdomen and chest to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all provide precise images of the inside of the body. They also reveal lung changes like the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also tell whether mesothelioma has spread other areas of the body. A doctor can also request an analysis of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves taking out the lungs of fluid and examining for cancerous cells. If mesothelioma is found to be the cause the biopsy procedure is carried out to check a small sample of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or with an instrument that guides the needle through an CT scan. The results of this will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This can include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This latest mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life for patients and improve their prognosis. Treatment Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, like the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). It is impossible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your health history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will ask you about asbestos exposure since it is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). In time, this causes inflammation and changes normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be identified using blood tests and imaging tests. Your healthcare provider uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if you have fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your doctor will recommend an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images. They will also conduct the procedure of a needle biopsy to obtain a sample from the affected tissue. A pathologist, or mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue under an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine their kind. To establish the diagnosis the doctor will stain the sample with a dye that shows up when certain types of proteins are present. The doctor will then use a technique to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose as mesothelioma-related cells appear similar to other kinds of cells found 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 and soluble mesothelin-related peptide. Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma, based on your cancer type and stage. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma has reached an an advanced stage you could also receive palliative care to relieve discomfort and other signs. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and the stage of cancer, in addition to other factors like the patient's age as well as general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are experienced to learn about the treatment options available to them. Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that line vital organs and protect them from harm. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity (pleura), and mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common type that is found in the lining of the abdomen. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma based on symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take small amounts of tissue to test. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against a database in order to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to determine the life expectancy of a person suffering from mesothelioma as well as their treatment plan. The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a higher survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop following exposure to asbestos, so many patients do not receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they experience significant symptoms. Exposure to asbestos should be disclosed to a physician and the victims should be checked regularly. During these visits, doctors examine for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They can also conduct simple blood tests to assess the health of a patient's general. If the results indicate that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is very high, they can arrange for further tests to receive mesothelioma-related prognosis. This will include imaging exams such as X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with lung function tests and a chest MRI, or PET scan.