Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer

Malignant mesothelioma can develop in the thin layer of tissue that lines certain organs. The most frequent mesothelioma type starts in the lungs and is referred to as pleural msothelioma. Less common cases begin in the abdomen and are known as peritoneal msothelioma.

People who are exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma after asbestos settlement fibers get into the stomach or lungs, and cause irritation. It can take up to 50 years or more for the symptoms to show.

Signs and symptoms

The mesothelioma-related cancerous cells are located in the tissues that line the stomach, lungs and other organs. Patients suffering from mesothelioma can experience symptoms such as shortness-of-breath, pain, fever, fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms may vary based on the type of disease and its stage. They also depend on the site of the tumor and its progress.

Because mesothelioma can be so rare, doctors may be unable to diagnose it. The disease has a long latency period and symptoms typically look or appear like less severe ailments such as pneumonia. Therefore, it is crucial for asbestos (Recommended Reading) exposure victims to make an appointment with their doctor when they experience any symptoms that are not normal or persistent. It is also important to let their doctor know about any history of asbestos exposure.

Trouble breathing, chest pain, and shortness breath are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma of the pleura. As the mesothelioma grows and the lungs are inflamed, these symptoms could get worse. In extreme cases, they can even lead to fluid accumulation in the chest wall and lungs that causes the patient to feel pain in their chest when breathing.

In addition to mesothelioma, people may also experience abdominal pain or have difficulty swallowing. Some sufferers may experience low appetite and weight loss as a result of these symptoms as well. The mesothelioma-related toxins may also affect the kidneys and cause them to cease to perform their duties.

A doctor might request scans of the body or blood tests to check for any abnormalities, based on the mesothelioma type. These include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. The results of these tests will aid doctors in determining the presence of other diseases and determine the most effective treatment option for mesothelioma patients.

Chest Xrays can be useful in identifying mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can cause the lungs and chest cavity to appear cloudy or discolored. A doctor may use the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to reduce the inflammation caused by fluid accumulation, improve breathlessness and remove any tissue samples to test.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is an asbestos cancer that develops in the tissues of organs like the abdomen and lungs. It is a rare form of cancer however, people who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. The symptoms may be similar to other ailments and diseases and it is therefore important to obtain an appointment with your doctor.

A diagnosis of mesothelioma is made on physical examinations and blood tests, as well as imaging tests. These tests are usually performed in a hospital or clinic and may include an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. X-rays create a picture of the structures inside your body including your abdomen and chest. They may reveal a buildup between the lungs, chest wall and fluid called the pleural effusion. They may also show the presence of a lump or mass in the abdomen, chest or in another part of the body.

MRI and CT scans provide more detailed images than X-rays taken of your organs and can be utilized by doctors to determine the location and size mesothelioma. These scans can also show whether mesothelioma has spread other areas of your body.

Another important diagnostic instrument is a biopsy where a small amount of tissue or fluid is taken out and examined for cancerous cells. The most common mesothelioma biopsies consist of an aspiration using a fine needle and surgical biopsy. A more invasive biopsy can be suggested if the results of other tests aren't conclusive, or when the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma suggest it is located in your lungs or chest cavity.

The more invasive procedures used to diagnose peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma include inserting a tube with a video camera into the abdomen or chest. This procedure is used by surgeons to take samples of tissue or fluids for testing. They can also perform VATS, which is a type of keyhole surgery.

Your doctor may also order blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma tests to assess how well your organs work. Your doctor will conduct an entire physical exam as well as examine your lymph nodes, the heart and other organs that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will also ask about your experience with asbestos exposure and any past illnesses or treatments you have had.

Treatment

The type of mesothelioma and the stage determine the treatment. The stage of cancer is determined by many aspects, including the speed at which the tumor expands and spreads. It is also influenced by how long symptoms take to appear and whether the disease has progressed.

People are more likely to develop mesothelioma when they have certain risk factors. Among the most significant are asbestos exposure and gender. A person may be exposed to asbestos through working directly with the material or indirectly through other work or hobbies. Exposure can happen over a number of years and often decades before mesothelioma symptoms begin to manifest.

asbestos attorney is a natural mineral that is durable and heat resistant. When mining or when workers are removing asbestos lawyer insulation, the material can break down into tiny dust particles that could be inhaled or swallowed. When inhaled, the fibers may cause irritation, scarring and cell changes that can result in mesothelioma.

A variety of procedures can help diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors can take a sample of pleural liquid by a procedure called thoracentesis or insert a needle into the chest for a tissue sample. Other diagnostic tools are MRI and CT scanners that detect masses and tumors in the abdomen and chest.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed doctors can treat it to reduce the symptoms and pain. Some patients have several treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Certain doctors also include the treatment of tumors and immunotherapy in a mesothelioma plan.

The excess fluid can be drained from the lungs by placing tubes inside the chest. In some instances, patients may have an abnormality that increases their risk of mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can determine whether testing for the patient is appropriate.

Following treatment for mesothelioma, doctors will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These appointments let the doctor to monitor the patient's health and check for signs of recurrence.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma can be triggered by exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres that were previously extensively used in the construction industry. When people breathe in or swallow the fibres, they may become lodged in the tissues of organs, such as the stomach cavity or the lungs. In time, they may cause irritation and eventually lead to tumors developing. Symptoms usually don't appear until decades after exposure, and most patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma in later life.

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary on the type, stage and location of the cancer. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are pleural, which develops in the wall (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the stomach cavity. Other types of mesothelioma may develop in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs.

Once a diagnosis is made, doctors can use different tests to determine the extent of the cancer and the best treatment for the patient. The doctor can test mesothelioma by using a chest X ray, CT scan, ultrasound as well as urine and blood samples or a biopsy. X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds can be used to determine if the tumor has gotten larger or not.

Doctors can tell whether it's epithelioid or mesothelioma of the pleural region. Both types can develop and spread more quickly at later stages, particularly when cancer has expanded to lymph nodes and other body organs.

In certain cases doctors are able to eliminate mesothelioma completely. This can significantly improve the patient's chances of survival. However, in most cases mesothelioma has advanced enough to be surgically removed completely and patients will need to seek out other treatments to prolong their lives to the maximum extent possible.

Research has shown that certain traits of patients can influence mesothelioma survival rates. People who have mesothelioma-related family history, or are healthier and younger generally have a better chance of survival. Other factors include smoking and the amount of health issues that the person suffers from.