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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung CancerMesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs and, in rare cases the tissues of the abdomen and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma.Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells.SymptomsMesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects the tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause these cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lungs. It can also be found in the linings of the abdomen, heart and testicles.Chest discomfort and coughing are among the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Some patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms can be a bit confusing and difficult to recognize in the beginning particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new condition. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to appear.A physical examination and a medical history of the patient is the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. A doctor may require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans comprise CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).X-rays may reveal an unusual lump or a fluid that is present in the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the kind of mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two major types. About 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.Most patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. A person with pleural msothelioma may have an abnormal heart sound or a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum.The most accurate method to identify mesothelioma is through a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma also determines the way a doctor treats the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer the doctor will remove excess fluid with the procedure known as pleurodesis or insert the pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve respiration. Other options include surgery and chemotherapy.DiagnosisMesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the linings of organs, known as the mesothelium. The disease most commonly occurs in the lung (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).It can take between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest. Due to this latency period many patients can be incorrectly diagnosed. This illness is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious like pneumonia or the flu. This mistake could cause delays in treatment, which can decrease the chances of survival for a patient.Those who suspect that they may have mesothelioma need to consult their physician immediately. During the initial appointment, doctors will review the medical history of a patient in order to identify any symptoms or factors that could increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, as well as the type and duration of exposure.The next step is to have doctors request imaging tests to look at the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X rays, CT scans and MRIs are all able to reveal changes in the lungs, like the thickness of the pleural wall or the accumulation of fluid. They can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of the body.A doctor will also order a blood test to see if the patient has high levels of certain substances associated with mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation called a thoracentesis which involves taking out the lungs of fluid and examining for cancerous cells.If a mesothelioma is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or through a needle guided by the aid of a CT scan. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are best for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest form of treatment can improve the prognosis of a patient and increase their quality of life.TreatmentMesothelioma is a disease that affects the tissues that line and protect organs, like the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). While mesothelioma can't be treated but treatment can help manage symptoms.Your doctor will inquire 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 fibres to become stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach or heart. As time passes, this causes inflammation and changes normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be identified using blood tests and imaging tests.Your doctor uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if there is an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET) to obtain detailed images. They will also perform a needle biopsy in order to obtain a sample from the affected tissue.A mesothelioma expert, also known as a pathologist will examine the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine what type of mesothelioma you suffer from. The pathologist will employ a dye to stain the tissue samples in order to determine the type of cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types of mesothelioma are present. The doctor will then use a technique to magnify the tissue.It is sometimes 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 using other tests. These tests involve the collection of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or soluble mesothelin related peptide.Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma based on the type of cancer and its stage. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is in an advanced stage you could also be offered palliative care to relieve discomfort and other symptoms.PrognosisThe prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and stage of cancer, and other factors, such as the patient's age and general health. Patients should consult knowledgeable doctors to find out more about their treatment options.Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity (pleura), and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, a rarer form that arises in the lining of the abdomen.Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. gainesville asbestos attorneys involves taking small amounts of tissue for testing. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples with an online database to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to determine the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan.Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma kind develops 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 don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they show serious symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a doctor and undergo periodic checkups.During these visits, doctors will look for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring on lung and other respiratory issues. They can also perform a simple blood test to assess a patient's overall health. If the results indicate that an individual is at a an increased risk of mesothelioma, they can arrange for additional tests to get a prognosis. This will 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.