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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in some cases, the tissues of the abdomen and heart. The main reason for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers may get stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause the cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lungs. However, it can also happen in the abdominal lining and the testicles, as well as the heart. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms can be a bit confusing and difficult to recognize in the early 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 show up. A physical examination and medical history of the patient is the first steps in determining mesothelioma. To determine the severity of the symptoms, a doctor may order blood tests and imaging scans. These scans may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can show an unusual swelling or fluid inside the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two most prevalent types. Around 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid. Most people diagnosed with pleural melanoma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. In certain cases, a person with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, which is called pericardial effusion, or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most precise method to identify mesothelioma is take a tissue sample, or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma also determines how a doctor will treat the illness. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer, the doctor will drain excess fluid using a procedure known as pleurodesis, or place a pleural catheter in order to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis The cancerous mesothelioma develops on the organ's linings. The disease is most common in the lungs, however it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes. It takes between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to appear. Due to this time of latency, many patients could be incorrectly diagnosed. durham asbestos law firm is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious such as pneumonia or the flu. This mistake can lead to delays in treatment, which may lower a patient's chances of survival. Those who suspect mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. During the initial visit, doctors examine a patient's medical history to determine if there are any symptoms or conditions that could increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes previous asbestos exposure and the kind and duration. The doctor will then order imaging tests of the abdomen and chest to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest X rays, CT scans and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, such as an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also show whether mesothelioma has spread other parts of the body. A doctor may also order a test of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They may also perform the procedure known as the thoracentesis. This involves the removal of a sample from the fluid surrounding the lungs to look for cancer cells. If mesothelioma is found to be the cause the biopsy procedure is carried out to check a small sample of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or with an instrument that guides the needle through a CT scan. The results will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This can include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment can boost the quality of life of a patient and improve their outlook. Treatment Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. It is not possible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will ask 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 fibers to become trapped in the linings the chest cavity (mesothelium), stomach or heart. In time this causes inflammation and changes normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to detect mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider will employ an X-ray of your chest to detect changes in your lung tissue, and determine if you suffer from the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor will recommend an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET) to obtain precise images. They will also conduct a needle biopsy to obtain a sample of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will study mesothelioma cells under a microscope in order to find cancerous cells and determine what type of mesothelioma you have. To determine the type of mesothelioma the doctor will stain the tissue sample with a dye that shows up when certain kinds of proteins are present. Then, they will employ an advanced method to get a closer look at the tissue under a microscope. It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the mesothelioma-causing cells are similar to other types of cells within the body. Your care team will try to confirm the diagnosis by performing other tests. This includes a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related, soluble peptide. Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma depending on the type of cancer and stage. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most commonly used treatment options for mesothelioma. Palliative treatment may be offered if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will relieve your discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma is determined by the type and stage of cancer as well as factors like age and general health. Patients should work with experienced doctors to learn more about the treatment options available to them. Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that line vital organs and protect them from harm. The asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumours. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura) as well as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, a rarer form that develops in the protective lining of the abdomen. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, lab tests and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue for testing. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can help them determine the patient's mesothelioma's life expectancy and treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a better survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients aren't diagnosed of mesothelioma until they show severe symptoms. Exposure to asbestos should be disclosed to a doctor and patients should be checked regularly. During these visits, doctors 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 patient's health. If the results show that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is very high, they can arrange for further tests to determine a mesothelioma prognosis. This could include imaging tests such as X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well a lung function test and a chest MRI or PET scan.