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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity, lungs, and, in rare cases the tissues of the heart and abdomen. The main cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers are entangled in tissues and cause DNA damage. This changes cells into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect the organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause the cells to change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. Most cases of mesothelioma are located in the lungs. However, it could also be found in the lining of the abdomen, heart and testicles. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition patients may suffer from abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to many other ailments and are difficult to diagnose, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. It may take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to manifest. A physical exam and a patient's health history are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. A doctor may ask for blood tests or imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays may reveal a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lung. These scans may help the doctor determine the location of the mesothelioma and the type of mesothelioma. The two most common types of mesothelioma are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. About 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. The majority of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. In rare instances, a patient suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur an issue known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most accurate way to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to take a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma also dictate how a doctor will treat the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer doctors will drain the excess fluid through the procedure known as pleurodesis, or insert an pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. philadelphia asbestos lawsuit include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the organ's linings known as the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs (pleura), though it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). The signs of mesothelioma may appear between 10 and fifty years after the initial exposure. Because of this latency time, many patients could be misdiagnosed. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis could result in delays in treatment, which can lower a patient's chances of survival. Those who suspect that they might have mesothelioma must consult their physician immediately. During the initial visit, doctors will review the patient's entire medical history to determine signs and any other factors that could make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes asbestos exposure in the past, as well the nature and duration of the exposure. The doctor will then recommend imaging tests in the abdomen and chest to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs are all able to reveal changes in the lungs, including the thickness of the pleural wall or the accumulation of fluid. They can also reveal if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A doctor might also recommend a test of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation called a thoracentesis which involves taking out the lungs of fluid and examining for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed then a biopsy is taken to check an insignificant portion of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle-guided CT scan may be used to carry out this procedure. The results will aid in determining the best mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some patients may also choose to take part in immunotherapy. This more advanced mesothelioma treatment may improve the quality of life of a patient 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 the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is impossible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and search for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will ask you about asbestos exposure because it is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the chest cavity's lining, tummy or heart (mesothelium). This can cause inflammation over time and may transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using blood tests and imaging tests. Your doctor uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET) to obtain precise images. They will also perform the procedure of a needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma expert, also known as a pathologist will examine the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope in order to find cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma you have. To make the diagnosis the doctor will stain the sample with a dye that shows up when certain types of proteins are present. They will then employ a special technique to get a closer look at the tissue under the microscope. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because the mesothelioma cells look like other types of cell in the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. These tests include an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or soluble mesothelin related peptide. Your care team will choose a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you suffer from and the degree to which it is advanced. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most commonly used treatment options for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is at an an advanced stage you could also be offered palliative care to relieve pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is based on the type and stage cancer as well as factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with knowledgeable doctors to find out more about their treatment options. Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma forms are mesothelioma pleural (which forms on the lung linings, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma. The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking a small sample of tissue to test. Doctors then compare the biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can be used to estimate the life expectancy of a patient with mesothelioma and their treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a better survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients aren't diagnosed of mesothelioma until they experience severe symptoms. Asbestos-related victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and have regular checkups. During these visits doctors can look for signs of asbestos-related exposure, such as lung scarring or other respiratory problems. They can also perform a simple blood test to determine the health of a patient's general. If the results show that the patient is at a high risk for mesothelioma, they can schedule further tests to get a prognosis. This includes imaging tests such as X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with lung function tests or chest MRI or PET scan.