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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung CancerMesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in some cases, the linings of the abdomen and the heart. The most common reason for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into cancerous mesothelioma cells.SymptomsMesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause cancerous cells to transform into mesothelioma tumours. The majority of mesothelioma cases originate in the lung (pleura). It can also occur in the linings of the heart, abdomen and testicles.Chest discomfort, and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients also feel abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to those of other ailments and are difficult to identify, particularly in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. It may take years or even decades following exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to show up.The first step in identifying mesothelioma is an examination and a health history. To determine the severity of symptoms, a doctor may order imaging tests and blood tests. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).X-rays may reveal a mass or fluid that isn't normal in the lung. These scans may help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is located and the type of mesothelioma. The two main types of mesothelioma are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.People with pleural cancer typically have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing problems. In certain instances, a patient suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur, a condition called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).The most accurate method to diagnose mesothelioma involves the taking of a biopsy of the tissue. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also determine how a physician will treat the illness. For instance when a patient has pericardial mesothelioma, the doctor may remove excess fluid using pleurodesis procedure or install an indwelling pleural catheter to ease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.DiagnosisThe cancerous mesothelioma develops on the organ's linings. The majority of cases occur in the lungs (pleura) however it can also develop 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. Due to this time of latency, many patients can be misdiagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, 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 mesothelioma should visit their doctor immediately. In the initial appointment, doctors will review a patient's medical history to identify any symptoms or factors that may increase their risk of mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos, as well as the nature and duration of the exposure.The next step is for doctors to order imaging tests to check 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, including the thickness of the pleural wall or the accumulation of fluid. They can also show if mesothelioma has spread to other parts of the body.A doctor may also request an analysis of blood to determine whether the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that are linked to mesothelioma. They can also carry out the procedure known as a thoracentesis. It involves the removal of a sample from the lungs' fluid to check for cancerous cells.If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or with a needle guided by a CT scan. The results will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest form of treatment can improve a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life.TreatmentMesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. Although mesothelioma cannot be cured, treatment can help control symptoms.Your doctor will ask you about your medical background and will look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure, as this is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). This causes inflammation over time and may change normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be identified using blood tests and imaging tests.Your doctor uses a chest X ray to determine if you suffer from fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET), to get precise images. They will also conduct a needle biopsy in order to collect a sample of the affected tissue.A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue under a magnifying lens to detect cancerous cells and determine their kind. To establish the diagnosis the doctor will stain the sample with a dye that lights up when certain kinds of protein are present. They will then employ a specific method to obtain a closer look at the tissue under a microscope.It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the cells that cause it are similar to other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by performing other tests. These include a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble.Your healthcare team will choose mesothelioma treatments based on the kind of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatment options for mesothelioma. Palliative treatment may be offered when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This will alleviate the pain and other symptoms.PrognosisThe prognosis for mesothelioma is dependent on the type and stage cancer as well as other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are experienced to learn about the treatment options available to them.Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that connect vital organs and shield them from harm. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumours. The most common mesothelioma forms are the pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the lung linings as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma.Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking a small sample of tissue to test. beaverton asbestos lawyer can then compare biopsy samples against a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma-related cell type. This information can help them determine the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan.The mesothelioma types are epithelioid and epithelial, epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type develops at a different rate and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a better survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma.It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma to develop following exposure to asbestos, so many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos-related victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and be checked regularly.During these visits, doctors look for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also perform simple blood tests to assess the health of the patient. If the results indicate that a patient's risk of developing mesothelioma is high they can schedule additional tests to get a mesothelioma prognosis. This will include imaging exams like X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with the lung function test, a chest MRI or PET scan.