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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare cases the linings of the abdomen and heart. The main reason for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres could cause cancerous cells to transform into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lung. columbia asbestos lawsuit can also develop in the linings of the abdomen, heart and testicles. The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptoms are shortness of breath as well as chest pain and coughing. Patients may also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms can be a bit confusing and difficult to identify in the early stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new disease. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to show up. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is a physical examination and a health history. A doctor may request blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (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 the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two most common 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 less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Most people with pleural cancer have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing issues. People with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart sound or a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum. The most precise method to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma also determine how a physician will treat the illness. For instance when a patient has mesothelioma of the pericardium the doctor could remove excess fluid using pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis The mesothelioma cancerous form is found in the linings of the organs. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, however it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be seen between 10 and fifty years after the first exposure. Due to this latency period many patients could be incorrectly diagnosed. This condition is often mistakenly referred to as other, less serious conditions such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis can result in delays in treatment, which may decrease the chance of surviving. Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as possible. During the initial visit, doctors will take a patient's full medical history to determine signs and any other factors that could make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes previous asbestos exposure as well as the nature and duration of the exposure. The doctor will then recommend imaging tests of the chest and abdomen to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all provide precise images of the inside of the body. They also show lung issues like the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also reveal whether the mesothelioma tumor has spread to other areas of the body. A doctor may also request an examination of the blood to determine 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 the removal of a small amount of the lungs' fluid to look for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cell. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle-guided CT scan can be used to carry out this procedure. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are best for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment can boost a patient's quality of life and improve their outlook. Treatment Mesothelioma affects the 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). Although mesothelioma is not curable, it can be treated, treatment can help control symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and look for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure since it is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the chest cavity's lining and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). In time this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to detect mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider will employ an X-ray chest scan to observe changes in your lung tissue, and determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected area. They may also perform a needle biopsy in order to obtain a sample from the affected tissue. A pathologist, a mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue using an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine their kind. To determine the type of mesothelioma, the doctor will stain the sample using a dye which shows up when certain kinds of proteins are present. They will then use a specific method to obtain an in-depth look at the tissue under the microscope. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the mesothelioma-causing cells look similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by other tests. These include a blood test to determine the levels of fibulin-3 and mesothelin-related, soluble peptide. Your medical team will determine the mesothelioma treatment plan based on the kind of cancer you have and how advanced it is. The most commonly used mesothelioma treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is in an advanced stage you could also receive palliative care to relieve discomfort and other signs. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is determined by the stage and type of cancer as well as factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are skilled to find out about their treatment options. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten, and can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma cancers. The most frequent forms of mesothelioma are the pleural (which develops on the linings of the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma. The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking tiny amounts of tissue for testing. The doctors can compare the biopsy samples against an online database to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can help them predict 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 grows at a different rate and responds to treatment in a different way. 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 up to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they show signs of. Asbestos-related victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups. During these visits, doctors will look 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 a patient's overall health. If the results indicate that the patient is at a an increased risk of mesothelioma, they can arrange for additional tests to receive an estimate of the prognosis. This may include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as a lung function test and an chest MRI or PET scan.