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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue lining the chest cavity and lungs, and in rare cases the abdominal lining and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues, causing DNA damage. The result is that cells 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 could cause these cells to undergo a change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases originate in the lungs (pleura). However, it could also occur in the abdominal lining as well as the testicles, heart and lungs. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also feel abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to recognize in the beginning stages particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively new condition. The signs of mesothelioma might not be evident for a long time or even decades after asbestos exposure. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is a physical examination and a medical history. To determine the severity of the symptoms, a doctor may order imaging tests and blood tests. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can reveal a strange swelling or fluid inside the lungs. These scans can assist the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the type of mesothelioma. The two main types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid. The majority of people diagnosed with pleural melanoma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. People with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart sound, a condition called pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum. The most accurate way to diagnose mesothelioma is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma determine how a doctor manages the disease. If a patient has pericardial cancer, the doctor will drain the excess fluid through the procedure known as pleurodesis, or insert the pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the organ's linings called the mesothelium. The disease is most common in the lungs, but it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes. It can take between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to manifest. Because of this latency period, many patients may be incorrectly diagnosed. This illness is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious like the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis may cause delays in treatment that can reduce the chances of survival for a patient. Anyone who suspects that they might have mesothelioma must visit their doctor right away. During this initial visit, doctors examine a patient's complete medical history to identify signs and any other factors that may make them more likely to have mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, as well as the type and duration of exposure. The doctor will then recommend imaging tests for the abdomen and chest to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all provide precise images of the inside of the body. They can show lung changes like the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also reveal if mesothelioma has spread to other areas of the body. A doctor will also order an analysis of blood to determine if the patient has high levels of certain substances associated with mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis. It involves the removal of a sample from the lungs' fluid to look for cancer cells. If mesothelioma is found to be the cause the biopsy procedure is carried out to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or by using an instrument that guides the needle through the aid of a CT scan. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are most suitable for the patient. This can include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve the prognosis of a patient and increase their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues which line and protect organs, such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. It is impossible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment can help reduce symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure as it is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibers to be stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium), stomach or the heart. Over time this causes inflammation and changes normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to detect mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if there is 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 do an incisional needle biopsy to collect an image of the affected tissue. A pathologist, or mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue using an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine the kind. To establish the diagnosis the doctor will stain the sample using a dye which shows up when certain kinds of protein are present. The doctor will then employ a technique to magnify the tissue. It can be difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells appear similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. These include a blood test to measure levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related, soluble peptide. Your care team will determine mesothelioma treatments based on the kind of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the most commonly used treatment options for mesothelioma. The option of palliative therapy is available in the event that your mesothelioma has progressed to an advanced stage. This will relieve your pain and other signs. Prognosis The outlook for mesothelioma is based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as other factors like the patient's age as well as general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are experienced to learn about the treatment options available to them. Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura) and peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer type that is found in the lining that protects the abdomen. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take small amounts of tissue to be tested. Doctors then compare the biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can help them predict a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan. The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma grows at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a higher survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop following exposure to asbestos. Therefore, kent asbestos attorneys do not be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos exposure should be disclosed to a physician and the victims should undergo periodic checks. In these visits, doctors will look for signs of exposure to asbestos, such as scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory problems. They can also perform an easy blood test to determine the overall health of a patient. If the results indicate that an individual is at a the highest risk of developing mesothelioma they can schedule further tests to receive a prognosis. This may 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.