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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues lining the chest cavity and lungs, and in rare cases, the abdominal lining and heart. The most common cause of mesothelioma lies in asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into mesothelioma cancerous cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cells to undergo a change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases originate in the lung (pleura). It can also develop in the linings of the abdomen, heart and testicles. Chest discomfort and coughing are among the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Additionally certain patients experience abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to those of other ailments and are difficult to recognize, especially in the initial stages of mesothelioma. The signs of mesothelioma might not be evident for a long time or even decades after asbestos exposure. A physical examination and health history of the patient are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. To determine the severity of the symptoms doctors may recommend imaging tests and blood tests. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays could reveal a lump or fluid that isn't normal in the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the kind of mesothelioma. The two major mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid. The majority of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. In rare cases, a person with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, an issue known as pericardial effusion or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most accurate way to diagnose mesothelioma is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma also determines the way a doctor treats the disease. For instance when a patient has pericardial mesothelioma, the doctor may eliminate excess fluid through pleurodesis procedure or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis The cancerous mesothelioma is found in the linings of organs. The disease most commonly occurs in the lung (pleura), though it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). The signs of mesothelioma may appear between 10 and fifty years after the initial exposure. Because of this latency time, many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake could lead to a delay in treatment, which can decrease the chances of survival for a patient. If you suspect mesothelioma, see their doctor as soon as possible. During the initial visit, doctors review the medical history of the patient to identify any symptoms or factors that may increase their risk of mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, as well as the type and duration of 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 offer detailed images of the inside of the body. They can show lung issues like pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also show whether mesothelioma has spread other organs of the body. A doctor may also order an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They can also carry out a procedure called the thoracentesis. This involves the removal of a sample from the fluid surrounding the lungs to search 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 to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle guided CT scan is a method to perform this procedure. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are best for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest mesothelioma treatment can boost the quality of life for patients and improve their prognosis. Treatment Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line and protect organs, including the lung (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Although mesothelioma is not curable, it can be treated but treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your health history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will ask you about asbestos exposure as it is the leading risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). Over time this causes inflammation and changes normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to detect mesothelioma. Your doctor uses a chest X ray to determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected area. They will also perform the procedure of a needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue using an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine the type. To make the diagnosis the pathologist will stain the sample with a dye that shows up when certain kinds of protein are present. fairfield asbestos lawsuit will then use a specific method to obtain an in-depth look at the tissue under a microscope. It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since the cells that cause it look similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. These tests involve an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or soluble mesothelin related peptide. Your healthcare team will decide on a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the kind of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most commonly used treatments for mesothelioma. Palliative treatment may be offered when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This will alleviate you of pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and the stage of cancer, as well as other factors such as the patient's age as well as general health. Patients should consult knowledgeable doctors to find out more about the treatment options available to them. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or eaten, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that can transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent forms of mesothelioma are the pleural (which forms on the linings of the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue to be tested. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against a database in order to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information will help them predict a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 60% to 80% of cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos exposure must be reported to a doctor and the victims must undergo regular checks. In these visits, doctors will check for signs of asbestos-related exposure, such as scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory issues. They can also conduct an easy blood test to assess the health of a patient's general. If the results indicate that a patient is at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma they can arrange for additional tests to determine if they are likely to develop a prognosis. This will include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound and a lung function test and an chest MRI or PET scan.