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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 abdomen and heart. The main cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers may get stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. This turns cells into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect the organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause these cancerous cells to transform into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in the lungs (pleura). However, it can happen in the lining of the abdomen and the testicles, as well as the heart. The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptoms are breathlessness coughing, chest pain and chest pain. In addition, some patients are suffering from abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to many other illnesses and can be difficult to recognize, especially in the initial stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma could not manifest for years or even decades following asbestos exposure. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is a physical examination and a medical history. To determine the severity of the symptoms, a doctor may order tests for blood and imaging scans. These scans may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can reveal a strange swelling or fluid inside the lungs. These scans may help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the kind of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two major types. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for around 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is less common than epithelioid. The majority of patients with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, non-productive cough and breathing difficulties. Patients with pleural mesothelioma can have an abnormal heart sound and a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum. The most accurate method to diagnose mesothelioma involves a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma determines the way a doctor treats the illness. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will remove excess fluid with the procedure called pleurodesis, or place a pleural catheter in order to reduce inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis The cancerous mesothelioma develops on the linings of organs. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs. However, it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the first exposure. Due to this latency period it is possible for patients to be mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, like the flu or pneumonia. This can lead to a delay in treatment, which could reduce the chances of survival for a patient. If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma must consult their physician immediately. In the initial visit, doctors review the patient's entire medical history to look for symptoms and any factors that could make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes previous asbestos exposure, as well the nature and duration of the exposure. The next step is for doctors to request imaging tests to look at the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. 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 reveal whether mesothelioma has spread other parts of the body. A doctor might also recommend an examination of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They may also perform the procedure known as a thoracentesis, which involves removing a sample of the fluid surrounding the lungs to check for cancerous cells. If miami gardens asbestos law firm has been confirmed the biopsy procedure will be taken to check small portions of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle-guided CT scan is a method to perform this procedure. The results will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This could include surgery, chemotherapy 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 affects tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lung (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is impossible to cure mesothelioma but treatment may help control symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure, since this is the number one 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 change normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to detect mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider uses a chest X ray to determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). The doctor will recommend MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected area. They may also perform the procedure of a needle biopsy to collect a sample from the affected tissue. A mesothelioma expert, also known as a pathologist will look at mesothelioma cells under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine what type of mesothelioma that you have. The doctor will use dyes to stain tissues to identify the cancer. This dye is visible when certain types are present. The doctor will then employ an instrument to magnify the tissue. It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since the mesothelioma-causing cells look similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis with other tests. These tests involve a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3, or mesothelin related protein that is soluble. Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma based on your cancer type and its stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the most common treatments for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is in advanced stages you could also receive palliative care to ease discomfort and other signs. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and the stage of cancer, as well as other factors like a patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are knowledgeable about their treatment options. Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are the pleural (which develops on the lung linings as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue to be tested. The doctors can 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. The mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma grows at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60% to 80% of cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they show significant symptoms. Asbestos-related victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and be checked regularly. During these visits, doctors will examine for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring on lungs and other respiratory problems. They may also conduct simple blood tests to check the overall health of a patient. If the results indicate that the patient is at a high risk for mesothelioma, they can schedule further tests to receive an outlook. This includes imaging tests such as X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well the lung function test or chest MRI, or PET scan.