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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity, lungs, and, in rare instances, the tissues of the heart and abdomen. The main cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. Cells turn into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cancerous cells to grow into mesothelioma tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are located in the lung. It can also occur in the tissues of the abdomen, heart and testicles. Breathlessness, chest discomfort, and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Some patients also feel abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are akin to other diseases and are difficult to diagnose, especially in the early 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. A doctor can ask for blood tests or 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 could reveal a lump or fluid that isn't normal in the lungs. These scans may help the doctor determine the location of the mesothelioma and the type of mesothelioma. The two major mesothelioma types are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. About 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. The majority of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. A person with pleural msothelioma can have an abnormal heart tone or a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum. The most effective method to identify mesothelioma is through an examination of the tissues. Boise City asbestos lawsuits of mesothelioma determines how a doctor will treat the disease. If a patient has pericardial cancer, the doctor will remove excess fluid with the procedure known as pleurodesis, or place an pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis The cancerous mesothelioma forms on the linings of the organs. The majority of cases occur in the lungs, however it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes. It takes between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Because of this time period of latency it is possible for patients to be mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, like the flu or pneumonia. This mistake could cause delays in treatment, which can decrease the chances of survival for a patient. If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma must consult their physician immediately. During the initial visit, doctors examine a patient's medical history to identify any symptoms or factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the nature and duration of exposure. The doctor will then recommend imaging tests of the chest and abdomen to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all offer detailed images of the inside of the body. They also reveal lung changes, such as pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also reveal the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other areas of the body. A doctor can also request a test of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They can also carry out the procedure known as a thoracentesis. It involves the removal of a small amount of the lungs' fluid to look for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed, a biopsy will be taken to look at a small piece of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or by using the use of a needle that is guided by a CT scan. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are the most effective for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance the prognosis of a patient and increase their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues which line and protect organs, such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. It is impossible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment may help control symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure because it is the leading risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the lining of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). As time passes this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to detect mesothelioma. Your doctor will use a chest X ray to determine if you suffer from 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 may also perform a needle biopsy in order to collect a sample from the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist called a pathologist will examine the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma you have. 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 employ a technique to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because mesothelioma cells appear similar to other kinds of cell in the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by performing other tests. These tests involve an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3, or soluble mesothelin related peptide. Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma based on the type of cancer and its stage. The most commonly used mesothelioma treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is at an advanced stages, you may also receive palliative care to relieve pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the type and the stage of cancer, as well as other factors such as the patient's age as well as general health. Patients should consult with experienced doctors to learn more about their treatment options. Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the lung linings, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also recommend taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking a small sample of tissue to be tested. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against a database in order to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can help them determine a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified in three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma grows at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 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 be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos, so many patients don't receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they show signs of. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups. In these visits, doctors will look for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring around the lungs or other respiratory problems. They can also do simple blood tests to determine the patient's health. If the results show 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 could include imaging tests such as X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with a lung function test and a chest MRI or PET scan.