Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity and, in some cases the lining of the abdomen 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.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects the tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres could cause cancerous cells to grow into mesothelioma tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are located in the lung. It can also be found in the tissues of the heart, abdomen and testicles.

The most common mesothelioma symptoms are breathlessness, chest pain and coughing. Patients also feel abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to those of other ailments and are difficult to identify, particularly in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. It could take years or even decades following exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is a physical examination and a medical history. To determine the severity of symptoms doctors may recommend blood tests and imaging scans. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).

X-rays can reveal a strange mass or fluid in the lungs. These scans aid the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two main types. About 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.

Most people with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing issues. In some instances, a patient suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur a condition called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The most accurate way to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma determine how a doctor manages the disease. For instance in the case of mesothelioma of the pericardium the doctor could eliminate excess fluid through pleurodesis procedure or insert a pleural catheter in the body to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the organ's linings, known as the mesothelium. The majority of the time, the disease develops in the lung (pleura), though it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).

The symptoms of mesothelioma can be seen between 10 and fifty years after the first exposure. Because of this time period of latency it is possible for patients to be mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis may result in a delay in treatment, which could reduce the chances of survival for a patient.

If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. During the initial visit, doctors examine the medical history of the patient to determine if there are any symptoms or conditions that increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes asbestos compensation exposure in the past as well as the type and duration.

Next, doctors will conduct imaging tests to examine the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the inside of the body and can show lung issues, such as pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also reveal if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other regions of the body.

A doctor might also recommend an examination of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation called a thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and looking for cancer cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed then a biopsy is taken to check a small piece of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle guided CT scan is a method to carry out this procedure. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may choose to take part in immunotherapy. This more advanced mesothelioma treatment could improve a patient's quality of life and improve their outlook.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues which line and protect organs, such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. Although mesothelioma cannot be cured 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 exposure to asbestos, since this is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the lining of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). This causes inflammation over time and may change normal cells into cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using imaging tests and blood tests.

Your doctor uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if you have fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). The doctor will recommend MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected area. They will also perform an incision using a needle to collect a sample from the affected tissue.

A pathologist, or mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue using a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cell and determine the kind. To determine the type of mesothelioma, the doctor will stain the tissue sample using a dye which shows up when certain types of proteins are present. They will then use a special technique to get an in-depth look at the tissue under the microscope.

It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the cells that cause it look similar to those of other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by other tests. They may use blood tests to determine levels of fibulin-3 and mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble.

Your healthcare team will decide on a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you suffer from and the degree to which it is advanced. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the most commonly used treatment options for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stages you could also be offered palliative care to relieve discomfort and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and 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 their treatment options.

asbestos case fibers can cause damage to tissues that line vital organs and safeguard them. The Asbestos Legal fibers are inhaled or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma cancers. The most common mesothelioma types are pleural (which forms on the linings of the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue to be tested. Doctors then compare the biopsy samples to a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma-related cell type. This information can be used to predict the longevity of a patient suffering from mesothelioma as well as their treatment plan.

Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma type develops at a different rate and responds to treatment in a different way. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a higher survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after asbestos claim exposure. Many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they show serious symptoms. Asbestos exposure must be reported to a physician and the victims must undergo regular checks.

During these visits, doctors can look for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring on lung and other respiratory issues. They can also do an easy blood test to determine the health of the patient. If the results indicate that a patient is at high risk for mesothelioma, they can schedule additional tests to receive an outlook. This includes imaging tests like X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with the lung function test or chest MRI, or PET scan.