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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissues lining the chest cavity and lungs, and in rare cases, the abdominal lining and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. Cells turn into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, affects the tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers could cause the cells to change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in the lungs (pleura). However, it can occur in the abdominal lining, heart and testicles. The most common mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath as well as chest pain and coughing. In addition certain patients suffer from abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms can be a bit confusing and difficult to recognize in the early stages particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively new condition. The signs of mesothelioma might not appear for years or even decades following asbestos exposure. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is a physical examination and a medical history. A doctor might ask for blood tests or imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that isn't normal in the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two main types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Around 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis, and is less frequent than epithelioid. Most patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. In rare cases, people with pleural mesothelioma could have an abnormal heart murmur, an issue known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The best way to accurately identify mesothelioma is through an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also determine how a physician will treat the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer the doctor will drain the excess fluid through the procedure called pleurodesis, or insert the pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis The mesothelioma cancerous form is found in the linings of the organs. The disease is most common in the lungs, however it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the initial exposure. Due to this time of latency, many patients could be mistakenly diagnosed. This condition is often mistakenly referred to as other conditions that are less serious, such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake can lead to delays in treatment, which could reduce the chances of survival. Those who suspect that they might have mesothelioma must visit their doctor right away. In the initial visit, doctors take a patient's full medical history to determine signs and any other factors that might make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos, 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 any signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all provide precise images of the inside of the body. They can show lung changes, such as the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of the body. A doctor will also order an analysis of blood to determine if the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that are associated with mesothelioma. They may also perform a procedure called the thoracentesis. This involves the removal of a small amount of the fluid surrounding the lungs to look for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed then a biopsy is taken to check an insignificant portion of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or with a needle guided by a CT scan. The results of this will aid in determining the best mesothelioma treatment for the patient. This can include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to participate in immunotherapy. This more advanced mesothelioma treatment can boost the quality of life for patients and improve their outlook. Treatment Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). minnesota asbestos lawyer is impossible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your health history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your exposure to asbestos, since asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the lining of the chest cavity the stomach, tummy or the heart (mesothelium). Over time this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma is diagnosed with blood tests and imaging tests. Your healthcare provider will employ a chest X-ray to see changes in your lung tissue and determine if you suffer from fluid build-up (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET), to get high-quality images. They will also perform an incision using a needle to obtain a sample from the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will examine mesothelioma cells under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma you suffer from. To make the diagnosis, the doctor will stain the sample with a dye that shows up when certain types of proteins are present. Then, they will employ a specific method to obtain a closer look at the tissue under the microscope. It can be difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells appear similar to those of other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by other tests. They may use blood tests to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as soluble mesothelin-related peptide. Your healthcare team will determine a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the kind of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. The most common mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A palliative treatment option is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will relieve you of discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on the stage and type of cancer as well as factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are skilled to find out about the treatment options available to them. Asbestos fibers can cause damage to tissues that connect vital organs and shield them. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested 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 is a tumor that develops on the lung linings as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples to databases to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can be used to determine the life expectancy of a person suffering from mesothelioma as well as their treatment plan. The mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma forms at a different pace 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. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma to develop following exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients do not get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Exposure to asbestos should be disclosed to a physician, and victims should be checked regularly. During these visits, doctors examine for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They can also conduct an easy blood test to check the overall health of a patient. If the results indicate that an individual is at a an increased risk of mesothelioma, they can schedule further tests to get an outlook. This may include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound as well as a lung function test and an chest MRI or PET scan.