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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs, and, in rare instances, the tissues surrounding the heart and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the principal cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers may get stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers could cause the cells to change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma originate in the lung (pleura). However, it can also occur in the abdominal lining, heart and testicles. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Additionally, some patients suffer from abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to identify in the early stages particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively new condition. The symptoms of mesothelioma could not be evident for a long time or even decades following asbestos exposure. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is a physical examination and a health history. To determine the severity of the symptoms the doctor can order blood tests and imaging scans. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays may reveal an unusual mass or fluid in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. The two major mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. The majority of people diagnosed with pleural melanoma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart tone, a condition called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum. The most effective method to identify mesothelioma is to take the taking of a biopsy of the tissue. The type of mesothelioma will also determine how a physician manages the disease. For example, if a person has mesothelioma of the pericardium, the doctor may eliminate excess fluid through a procedure called pleurodesis or insert a pleural catheter in the body to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery. clarksville asbestos law firm mesothelioma-related cancer develops on the organ's linings. The majority of cases occur in the lung (pleura) however it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). The symptoms of mesothelioma can be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the initial exposure. Due to this latency period many patients could be incorrectly diagnosed. This disease is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious, such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis can result in delays in treatment, which could lower a patient's chances of survival. Anyone who suspects that they might have mesothelioma must consult their physician immediately. In the initial appointment, doctors will review a patient's medical history to determine if there are any signs or symptoms that increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, and also the type and duration of exposure. The next step is for doctors to conduct imaging tests to examine the chest and abdomen for any signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, like an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also tell whether mesothelioma has spread other organs of the body. A doctor will also order an analysis of blood to determine whether the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that are linked to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation known as a Thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and examining for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy will be taken to check a small piece of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle guided CT scan is a method to carry out this procedure. The results of this test will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Certain patients may choose to take part in immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment can boost a patient's quality of life and improve their chances of survival. Treatment Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line and protect organs, like the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Although mesothelioma is not curable, it can be treated however, treatment can reduce symptoms. Your doctor 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 mesothelioma risk factor. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the lining of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). This causes inflammation over time and may change normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Your doctor will use chest X-rays to determine if you have fluid accumulation (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 a sample of the affected tissue. A pathologist, a mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue under a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cell and determine the type. To make the diagnosis the pathologist will stain the sample with a dye that shows up when certain types of protein are present. They will then use a special technique to get an even closer view of the tissue under the microscope. It can be 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 with other tests. These tests include a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3, or mesothelin related protein that is soluble. Your healthcare team will choose the mesothelioma treatment plan based on the kind of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the most popular treatments for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stages you could also be offered palliative treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The outlook for mesothelioma is based on the type and stage of cancer, and other factors such as a patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are experienced to learn about the treatment options available to them. Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that line vital organs and protect them from harm. The asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that can transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma that occurs in the lung lining and the chest cavity (pleura), and mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common form that arises in the protective lining of the abdomen. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking a small sample of tissue to be tested. The doctors can compare biopsy samples with an online database to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can help them predict the patient's mesothelioma's life expectancy and treatment plan. The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells as well as sarcomatoid and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a higher survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they have serious symptoms. Asbestos exposure must be reported to a doctor and the victims should be checked regularly. In these visits, doctors will examine for signs of asbestos-related exposure, such as scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory problems. They can also perform an easy blood test to determine the patient's health. If the results show that a patient is at high risk for mesothelioma, they can arrange for additional tests to receive an outlook. This may include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound and a lung function test and a chest MRI or PET scan.