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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs, and, in rare instances, the linings of the heart and abdomen. The most common reason for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers are entangled in tissues and cause DNA damage. This turns cells into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cells to undergo a change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are found in the lungs (pleura). It can also occur in the linings of the heart, abdomen and testicles. The most common mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath coughing, chest pain and chest pain. Patients may also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to recognize in the beginning particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively young disease. It could take years or even decades following exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to show up. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a medical history. A doctor might require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can reveal a strange mass or fluid in the lungs. These scans aid the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two most common types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. About 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. People with pleural cancer typically suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing problems. Patients with pleural mesothelioma can suffer from an abnormal heart sound and a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum. The best way to accurately diagnose mesothelioma involves an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma will also dictate how a doctor treats the illness. For instance in the case of mesothelioma pericardial doctors may eliminate excess fluid through pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or install an indwelling pleural catheter to ease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the linings of organs, known as the mesothelium. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, but it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes. It can take between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to appear. Because of this latency period, many patients may be mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious illnesses, like pneumonia or the flu. This can result in a delay in treatment, which could reduce the chance of a patient's survival. Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should visit their doctor immediately. In the initial appointment, doctors will review a patient's medical history to identify any symptoms or conditions that may increase their risk of mesothelioma. This includes asbestos exposure in the past, as well the type and duration. Next, doctors will request imaging tests to look at the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the interior of the body. They also reveal lung changes, such as the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also show whether mesothelioma has spread other organs of the body. A doctor may also request a blood test to see if the patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a Thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and examining for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure will be performed to examine small portions of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or by using a needle guided by the aid of a CT scan. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are the most effective for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that line and protect organs such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. It is not possible to cure mesothelioma but treatment may help control symptoms. rhode island asbestos law firm will ask you about your health background and will look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure because it is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the lining of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). Over time, this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to detect mesothelioma. Your doctor uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if there is an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your provider will order MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain precise images of the affected area. They may also perform an incision using a needle to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A pathologist, or mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue under a magnifying lens to detect cancerous cell and determine the kind. To make the diagnosis, the doctor will stain the sample with a dye that shows up when certain kinds of protein are present. The doctor will then employ a technique to magnify the tissue. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the mesothelioma-causing cells appear similar to those of other types of cells within the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis with other tests. This includes a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 and mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble. Your care team will determine mesothelioma treatments based on the kind of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most common treatment options for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is in advanced stages you could also receive palliative treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The outlook for mesothelioma is based on the type and the stage of cancer, as well as other factors such as the patient's age and general health. Patients should work with skilled doctors to know more about their treatment options. Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers cause damage to 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 common mesothelioma forms are pleural mesothelioma that is a form of cancer that develops in the lung lining and the chest cavity (pleura), and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, a rarer type that is found in the protective lining of the abdomen. The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking small amounts of tissue to test. The doctors can compare the biopsy samples to an online database to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to predict the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan. The three types of mesothelioma are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells as well as sarcomatoid 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 mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients do not receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they experience significant symptoms. Exposure to asbestos should be disclosed to a physician and patients should be checked regularly. During these visits, doctors will check for signs of exposure to asbestos such as scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They may also conduct simple blood tests to check a patient's overall health. If the results show that a patient's risk of developing mesothelioma is high, they can schedule further tests to receive an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. 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.