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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 abdomen's lining and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. Cells turn into mesothelioma cancerous cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects the tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers could cause these cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in the lung (pleura). However, it could also be found 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 also feel abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are often confusing and difficult to diagnose in the beginning particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively new disease. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up. A physical examination and a patient's health history are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. A doctor might request 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 can reveal a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lung. These scans help the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and mesothelioid are the two major types. About 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. People with pleural cancer typically suffer from a painful, non-productive cough and breathing problems. In some instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most accurate method to diagnose mesothelioma involves an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma determine how a doctor manages the disease. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer, the doctor will drain the excess fluid through a procedure known as pleurodesis or insert an pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and enhance respiration. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the organ's linings known as the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs, however it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes. The signs of mesothelioma may be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the first exposure. Due to this time of latency, many patients can be misdiagnosed. It is often misinterpreted as other, less serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. This mistake could result in a delay in treatment, which can decrease the chance of a patient's survival. Those who suspect that they might have mesothelioma should visit their doctor right away. At the first appointment, doctors will review a patient's medical history to determine if there are any symptoms or conditions that increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos and asbestos, and also the type and duration of exposure. The doctor will then recommend imaging tests in the chest and abdomen to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X rays, CT scans, and MRIs are all able to reveal changes in the lungs, such as the thickness of the pleural wall or the accumulation of fluid. They can also show whether mesothelioma has spread other organs of the body. A doctor can also request an examination of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation called a thoracentesis which involves removing fluid from the lungs and looking for cancer 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 using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or by using a needle guided by a CT scan. The results of this test will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment for the patient. This can include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to take part in immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment can boost a patient's quality of life and improve their prognosis. Treatment Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). While mesothelioma can't be treated, treatment can help control symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and search for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure, because asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the chest cavity's lining the stomach, tummy or the heart (mesothelium). This can cause inflammation over time, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be identified using blood tests and imaging tests. Your doctor will make use of an X-ray of your chest to detect changes in your lung tissue, and determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images. They will also perform a needle biopsy in order to collect a sample of the affected tissue. austin asbestos attorney , also known as a pathologist will look at the mesothelioma tissue under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine what type of mesothelioma that you have. To establish the diagnosis, the pathologist will stain the sample using a dye which shows up when certain types of proteins are present. The doctor will then use an instrument to magnify the tissue. It can be difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the cells that cause it are similar to other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. This includes a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as soluble mesothelin-related peptide. Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma, based on the type of cancer and its stage. The most common mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A palliative treatment option is available in the event that your mesothelioma has progressed to an advanced stage. This can relieve your pain and other signs. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is determined by the type and stage of cancer and other factors such as age and general health. Patients should work with knowledgeable doctors to find out more about their treatment options. Asbestos fibers can damage tissues that connect vital organs and shield them from harm. These asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumours. The most prevalent forms of mesothelioma are pleural (which develops on the linings of the lungs or chest cavity) and abdomen) mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also suggest taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking tiny amounts of tissue to test. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can be used to estimate the longevity of a patient suffering from mesothelioma as well as their treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma develops at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a higher survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients do not be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos exposure should be disclosed to a doctor, and victims should undergo periodic checks. During these visits, doctors can check for signs of asbestos-related exposure for example, scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory issues. They can also perform an easy blood test to determine a patient's overall health. If the results show that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high they can schedule additional tests to get a mesothelioma prognosis. This will include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as a lung function test and an chest MRI or PET scan.