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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung CancerMesothelioma affects the tissues that line the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare cases the tissues surrounding the abdomen and the heart. The main cause of mesothelioma lies in asbestos exposure.Asbestos fibers may get stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells.SymptomsMesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect the organs inside the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause these cancerous cells to transform into mesothelioma tumours. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lungs. It can also occur in the linings of the abdomen, heart and testicles.Breathlessness, chest discomfort and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Additionally certain patients experience abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to many other ailments and are difficult to identify, particularly in the early stages of mesothelioma. It may take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest.A physical exam and a health history of the patient are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. A doctor can require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans comprise CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that isn’t normal in the lung. These scans help the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two major types. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.Most people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. A person with pleural msothelioma may have an abnormal heart sound, a condition called pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum.The most precise method to identify mesothelioma is take a tissue sample, or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma also determines the way a doctor treats the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer the doctor will drain the excess fluid through a procedure known as pleurodesis or insert an pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and enhance respiration. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery.DiagnosisMesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the linings of organs known as the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs (pleura) however it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).It can take between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest. Because of this latency period many patients are misdiagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. missouri asbestos lawyer can lead to delays in treatment, which may lower a patient’s chances of survival.Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as they can. At the first appointment, doctors will review the medical history of a patient to identify any symptoms or factors that increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, as well as the nature and duration of exposure.The next step is to have doctors order imaging tests to check the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans, and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, including an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also tell whether the mesothelioma tumor has spread to other parts of the body.A doctor can also request an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They can also carry out an operation known as a thoracentesis. It involves the removal of a sample from the fluid surrounding the lungs to check for cancerous cells.If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle-guided CT scan may be used to perform this procedure. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are the most effective for the patient. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This more advanced mesothelioma treatment may improve a patient’s quality of life and improve their prognosis.TreatmentMesothelioma is a cancer that is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. Although mesothelioma is not curable, it can be treated but treatment can help manage symptoms.Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and search for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your exposure to asbestos, because this is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the lining of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). As time passes, this causes inflammation and changes normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to detect mesothelioma.Your healthcare provider uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if there is fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET), to get precise images. They may also perform the procedure of a needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue.A pathologist, a mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue under a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cells and determine the kind. To make the diagnosis, the pathologist will stain the sample using a dye which shows up when certain kinds of protein are present. They will then employ an advanced method to get an even closer view of the tissue under the microscope.It is sometimes difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells appear similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your care team will try to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis with other tests. They may use blood tests to measure levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble.Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma, based on the type of cancer you have and stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most popular treatments for mesothelioma. Palliative treatment may be offered when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This can relieve the discomfort and other symptoms.PrognosisThe prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the type and the stage of cancer, in addition to other factors like the patient’s age and general health. Patients should consult with skilled doctors to know more about their treatment options.Asbestos fibers can damage tissues that line vital organs and safeguard them from harm. The asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most common mesothelioma types are mesothelioma pleural (which forms on the lung linings, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma.Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue to be tested. The doctors can compare biopsy samples to an online database to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information will help them predict the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan.The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma develops at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60 percent to 80% cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma.Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients don’t get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they have significant symptoms. Asbestos exposure must be reported to a physician and patients should undergo periodic checks.During these visits, doctors will check for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They can also perform a simple blood check to determine the patient’s health. If the results show that an individual is at a high risk for mesothelioma, they can arrange for additional tests to get an estimate of the prognosis. This could include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound as well as lung function tests, and a chest MRI or PET scan.