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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare cases the tissues of the heart and abdomen. The primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, affects the tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause the cells to change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in the lungs (pleura). However, it can happen in the abdominal lining and the testicles, as well as the heart. The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing. In addition, some patients experience abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and can be difficult to recognize, especially in the early stages of mesothelioma. The signs of mesothelioma might not be evident for a long time or even decades after asbestos exposure. A physical examination and a health history of the patient are the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. A doctor might ask for blood tests or imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can show an unusual mass or fluid in the lung. These scans can assist the doctor determine the location of the mesothelioma and the kind of mesothelioma. The two most common mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Around 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis, and is less frequent than epithelioid. Most people diagnosed with pleural melanoma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma can have an abnormal heart sound, a condition called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum. The most accurate method to diagnose mesothelioma involves an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma determines the way a doctor treats the condition. For example in the case of mesothelioma pericardial doctors may eliminate excess fluid through a procedure called pleurodesis or insert a pleural catheter in the body to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the linings of organs called the mesothelium. The disease is most common in the lungs, but it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes. The symptoms of mesothelioma can appear between 10 and fifty years after the initial exposure. Because of this latency period, many patients may be mistakenly diagnosed. This condition is often mistakenly referred to as other, less serious illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis may cause delays in treatment, which can decrease the chances of survival for a patient. nashua asbestos attorneys who suspect mesothelioma should consult their physician as soon as possible. During the initial visit, doctors will examine a patient's complete medical history to look for symptoms and any factors that might make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes asbestos exposure in the past as well as the nature and duration of the exposure. The doctor will then request imaging tests for the chest and abdomen to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all offer precise images of the inside of the body and can show lung changes, such as the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also show whether mesothelioma has spread other areas of the body. A doctor may also request a blood test to see whether the patient has elevated levels of certain substances that are associated with mesothelioma. They can also carry out a procedure called the thoracentesis. This involves removing a sample of the lungs' fluid to look for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or through an instrument that guides the needle through an CT scan. The results of this will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Certain patients may choose to take part in immunotherapy. This latest form of treatment can improve a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs like the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. Although mesothelioma cannot be cured however, treatment can reduce symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and search for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure because it is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or heart. This can cause inflammation over time and can transform normal cells into cancerous cells. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to detect mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider uses a chest X ray to determine if there is an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). The doctor will recommend MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain precise images of the affected region. They will also conduct an incision using a needle to collect a sample from the affected tissue. A mesothelioma expert, also known as a pathologist will study mesothelioma cells under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine what type of mesothelioma you suffer from. To determine the type of mesothelioma the doctor will stain the tissue sample with a dye that lights up when certain kinds of protein are present. Then, they will employ a specific method to obtain a closer look at the tissue under the microscope. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because mesothelioma cells appear similar to other kinds of cell in the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by other tests. These include a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 and mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble. Your healthcare team will determine the mesothelioma treatment plan based on the type of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. The most common mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is in advanced stages you could also receive palliative care to relieve pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is determined by the stage and type of cancer as well as factors such as age and general health. Patients should work with experienced doctors to learn more about the treatment options available to them. Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura) as well as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, a rarer type that is found in the lining that protects the abdomen. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, lab tests and X-rays. They may also suggest an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue to test. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples with an online database to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can be used to predict the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma and their treatment plan. The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent to 80% cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups. During these visits, doctors can check for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They may also conduct simple blood tests to determine the health of a patient's general. If the results show that the patient is at a high risk for mesothelioma, they can schedule further tests to get a prognosis. This may include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound as well as lung function tests, and a chest MRI or PET scan.