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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare cases the tissues of the heart and abdomen. The primary cause of mesothelioma lies in asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause cancerous cells to grow into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung. It can also develop in the linings of the abdomen, heart and testicles. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition certain patients suffer from abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms can be a bit confusing and difficult to diagnose in the beginning stages, especially when mesothelioma is still a relatively young disease. It may take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to appear. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a medical history. To determine the severity of symptoms the doctor can order blood tests and imaging scans. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine the location of the mesothelioma and the type of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and mesothelioid are the two main types. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. The majority of patients with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, non-productive cough and breathing difficulties. In rare cases, people suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur, a condition called pericardial effusion, or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most accurate way to diagnose mesothelioma is to collect a tissue sample or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will determine how a doctor will treat the illness. For instance in the case of mesothelioma of the pericardium the doctor could eliminate excess fluid through pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or install an indwelling pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis The mesothelioma-related cancer is found in the linings of the organs. 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 symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. Due to this latency period many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. This mistake can lead to delays in treatment, which could lower a patient's chances of surviving. If you suspect mesothelioma, visit their doctor as soon as they can. In the first visit, doctors review the patient's entire medical history to look for signs and any other factors that might make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes past asbestos exposure, as well the kind and duration. The doctor will then request imaging tests in the abdomen and chest to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all offer precise images of the inside of the body and can reveal lung changes like pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also show if mesothelioma has spread to other parts of the body. A doctor will also order a blood test to see whether the patient has high levels of certain substances associated with mesothelioma. They can also perform a procedure called a thoracentesis. It involves removing a sample of the fluid surrounding the lungs to check for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed the biopsy procedure will be taken to look at an insignificant portion of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle-guided CT scan may be used to perform this procedure. The results of this will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This could include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment may improve a patient's quality of life and improve their prognosis. Treatment Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, like the lungs (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 ask you about your health history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure, because asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to become stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach or heart. This can cause inflammation over time and may change normal cells into cancerous cells. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to detect mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider will use an X-ray of your chest to detect changes in your lung tissue and determine if you have the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected region. They will also conduct a needle biopsy to obtain an image of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will study the mesothelioma tissue under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine what type of mesothelioma that you have. The pathologist will employ a dye to stain the tissue samples to diagnose the cancer. The dye is visible when certain types are present. The doctor will then employ an instrument to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma may be difficult to diagnose as mesothelioma-related cells appear like other types of cell in the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. This includes a blood test to measure levels of fibulin-3 and mesothelin-related, soluble 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. Palliative treatment may be offered when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. clearwater asbestos attorney can relieve your discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on the type and stage of cancer as well as other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with skilled doctors to know more about their treatment options. Asbestos fibers can damage tissues that connect vital organs and shield them. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or eaten, and can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumours. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma. It is a form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity (pleura), as well as peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer 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 involves the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. Doctors can then compare the samples of the biopsy to databases 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 three types of mesothelioma are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells as well as sarcomatoid and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma grows at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60 percent to 80% of cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients aren't diagnosed of mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and be checked regularly. During these visits, doctors look for signs of exposure to asbestos such as scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also do a simple blood check to determine the patient's health. If the results indicate that a patient is at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma they can schedule further tests to get an outlook. This could include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as a lung function test and a chest MRI or PET scan.