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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity, and in rare cases the lining of the abdomen and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the principal cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues, causing DNA damage. This turns cells into mesothelioma cancerous cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause the cells to change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of cases of mesothelioma occur in the lung (pleura). It can also occur in the linings of the abdomen, the heart and testicles. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms can be a bit confusing and difficult to identify in the beginning stages particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively new condition. It could take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest. A physical exam and a health history of the patient are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. A doctor can request blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans comprise CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (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. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two most prevalent types. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. People with pleural cancer typically suffer from a painful, non-productive cough and breathing issues. A person with pleural msothelioma might suffer from an abnormal heart sound, a condition called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum. The most accurate way to diagnose mesothelioma is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also determine how a physician manages the disease. For example when a patient has mesothelioma pericardial the doctor could remove excess fluid using pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or install an indwelling pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the organ's linings called the mesothelium. The disease is most common in the lungs, however it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes. The signs of mesothelioma may be seen between 10 and fifty years after the first exposure. Because of this latency time, many patients can be misdiagnosed. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious conditions, such as pneumonia or the flu. This mistake could result in delays in treatment, which could lower a patient's chances of surviving. Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as possible. During the initial visit, doctors will review the patient's entire medical history to determine symptoms and any factors that may make them more likely to have mesothelioma. This includes past asbestos exposure, as well the nature and duration of the exposure. The doctor will then order imaging tests in the abdomen and chest to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the interior of the body. They can show lung issues, such as pleural thickening or fluid buildup. Pharr asbestos attorney can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other organs of the body. A doctor may also request an examination of the blood to determine whether the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that are associated with mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis, which involves the removal of a sample from the fluid surrounding the lungs to search for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to check a small sample of the tumor for cancerous cell. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle-guided CT scan may be used to carry out this procedure. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to take part in immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, including the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Although mesothelioma is not curable, it can be treated however, treatment can reduce symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure as this is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to be trapped in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium), stomach or heart. In time, this causes inflammation and changes normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be identified using blood tests and imaging tests. Your doctor will make use of a chest X-ray to see changes in your lung tissue, and determine if you suffer from fluid build-up (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET), to get detailed images. They may also perform a needle biopsy in order to collect a sample from the affected tissue. A pathologist, a mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue using an magnifying glass to find cancerous cell and determine the kind. To make the diagnosis the doctor will stain the sample with a dye that shows up when certain kinds of protein are present. Then, they will employ a specific method to obtain an in-depth look at the tissue under the microscope. It is sometimes difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as 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 by other tests. These tests involve a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related protein that is soluble. Your healthcare team will decide on mesothelioma treatments based on the type of cancer you suffer from and how advanced it is. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most popular treatments for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is in advanced stages you could also receive palliative treatment to relieve discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is determined by the stage and type of cancer as well as factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with experienced doctors to learn more about their treatment options. Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura) as well as mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common form that develops in the lining that protects the abdomen. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue to be tested. Doctors can then compare biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can help them predict the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma type develops at an individual rate and responds to treatment in a different way. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60% to 80% of cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma to develop following exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients do not get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Exposure to asbestos should be disclosed to a doctor and the victims should undergo periodic checks. During these visits, doctors can look for signs of exposure to asbestos such as scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They may also conduct simple blood tests to check a patient's overall health. If the results show that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high, they can schedule further tests to get an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This could include imaging tests like X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well lung function tests, a chest MRI or PET scan.