Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the lungs, chest cavity and, in some cases, the linings of the abdomen and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the principal cause of mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos compensation (recommended) fibers can cause these cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are found in the lungs (pleura). It can also develop in the linings of the abdomen, heart and testicles.

The most common mesothelioma symptoms are shortness of breath coughing, chest pain and chest pain. In addition patients may are suffering from abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be a bit confusing and difficult to recognize in the beginning particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively new disease. It could take years or even decades following exposure to asbestos case for mesothelioma-related symptoms to manifest.

A physical examination and patient's health history are the first steps in determining mesothelioma. A doctor might require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).

X-rays may reveal an unusual mass or fluid in the lungs. These scans help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two most common types of mesothelioma are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for around 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.

Most patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. In some instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma could have an abnormal heart murmur a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

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 that is diagnosed will also dictate how a doctor treats the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer the doctor will remove excess fluid with the procedure called pleurodesis, or place a pleural catheter in order to decrease inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the organ's linings, known as the mesothelium. The disease is most common in the lungs, but it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes.

The signs of mesothelioma may be seen between 10 and fifty years after the first exposure. Due to this latency period many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. This condition is often mistakenly referred to as other, less serious illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis can result in delays in treatment, which could reduce the chances of survival.

Those who suspect that they might have mesothelioma must consult their physician immediately. In the initial appointment, doctors will review a patient's medical history in order to identify any symptoms or conditions that increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos and asbestos, and also the type and duration of exposure.

Next, doctors will conduct imaging tests to examine the chest and abdomen for any signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all provide precise images of the inside of the body and can show lung issues, such as the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also show whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

A doctor may also request an analysis of blood to determine whether the patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They may also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis, which involves the removal of a small amount of the lungs' fluid to check for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed then a biopsy is taken to check a small piece of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or through the use of a needle that is guided by a CT scan. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are best for the patient. This can include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest form of treatment can improve the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the tissues that line and protect organs, including the lung (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is not possible to cure mesothelioma but treatment may help control symptoms.

Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and look for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos attorney exposure, because asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos compensation fibers to get trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). In time, this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests are used to identify mesothelioma.

Your healthcare provider will use an X-ray of your chest to detect changes in the lung tissue and determine whether you have fluid build-up (pleural effusion). The doctor will recommend MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain precise images of the affected area. They will also conduct a needle biopsy to obtain an in-situ sample of the affected tissue.

A pathologist, a mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue under a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cells and determine the kind. To determine the type of mesothelioma, the pathologist will stain the sample with a dye that shows up when certain types of proteins are present. The doctor will then employ a technique to magnify the tissue.

It is sometimes difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the cells that cause it look similar to those of other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. These tests involve a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related protein that is soluble.

Your healthcare team will determine the best treatment plan for mesothelioma depending on your cancer type and stage. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most popular treatment options for mesothelioma. The option of palliative therapy is available in the event that your mesothelioma has progressed to an advanced stage. This will alleviate the pain and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is based on the type and stage of cancer and other factors like age and general health. Patients should work with skilled doctors to know more about their treatment options.

Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos legal fibers can be inhaled or consumed, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity (pleura) as well as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, a rarer form that arises in the protective lining of the abdomen.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, lab tests and X-rays. They may also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking small amounts of tissue to be tested. Doctors then compare the biopsy samples to a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can help them predict the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan.

Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma grows at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent to 80% of cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma.

It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop following exposure to asbestos, so many patients do not get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and undergo periodic checkups.

During these visits, doctors will check for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They can also perform simple blood tests to assess the health of the patient. If the results show that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is high they can arrange for further tests to get an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This includes imaging tests like X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well the lung function test and a chest MRI, or PET scan.