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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in some cases, the linings of the abdomen and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the principal reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can get stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. Cells turn into mesothelioma cancerous cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs inside the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause these cells to change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lungs. It can also occur in the tissues of the abdomen, heart and testicles. The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptoms are shortness of breath as well as chest pain and coughing. In addition certain patients suffer from abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms are akin to other ailments and are difficult to identify, particularly in the initial stages of mesothelioma. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up. A physical examination and a patient's health history are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. A doctor might 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 show an unusual mass or fluid in the lungs. 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 epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid. The majority of patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. A person with pleural msothelioma may suffer from an abnormal heart sound, a condition called pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum. The best way to accurately identify mesothelioma is to take a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also determine how a physician manages the disease. If a patient has pericardial cancer doctors will drain excess fluid using a procedure known as pleurodesis, or insert a pleural catheter in order to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the linings of organs called the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs, however it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes. The signs of mesothelioma may be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the initial exposure. Due to this latency period it is possible for patients to be misdiagnosed. The condition is often mistakenly referred to as other, less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis may lead to a delay in treatment, which can decrease the chance of a patient's survival. Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should visit their doctor as soon as they can. During the initial visit, doctors take a patient's full medical history to look for signs and any other factors that might make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes previous asbestos exposure as well as the nature and duration of the exposure. The next step is to have doctors request imaging tests to look at the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs all offer 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 if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other regions of the body. A doctor might also recommend an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as the thoracentesis. This involves the removal of a sample from the lungs' fluid to search for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy will be performed to examine small portions of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle-guided CT scan can be used to perform this procedure. The results will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to take part in immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life of a patient and improve their chances of survival. Treatment Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. It is not possible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment may help control symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure since it is the leading risk factor for mesothelioma. 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 transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to detect mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider uses chest X-rays to determine if you suffer from an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your provider will order MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected region. They will also do an incisional needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A pathologist, a mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue under an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine their type. To make the diagnosis the doctor will stain the sample with a dye that lights up when certain types of proteins are present. The doctor will then use an instrument to magnify the tissue. It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma since the mesothelioma-causing cells are similar to other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the diagnosis by performing other tests. These tests include a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3 or 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 its stage. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Palliative treatment may be offered if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will alleviate your discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the type and the stage of cancer, in addition to other factors, such as the patient's age as well as general health. Patients should consult skilled doctors to know more about the treatment options available to them. Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that line vital organs and protect them from harm. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural mesothelioma. It occurs in the lung lining and the chest cavity (pleura) and mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common form that arises in the lining that protects the abdomen. Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of the tissue to be examined. The doctors can compare the biopsy samples with databases to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can help them determine the patient's mesothelioma's life expectancy and treatment plan. The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid and epithelial, epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma develops at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent to 80% of cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may develop for up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients aren't diagnosed of mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a physician and be checked regularly. During these visits, doctors will check for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They can also perform a simple blood test to check a patient's overall health. If orlando asbestos law firm show that a patient is at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma they can arrange for additional tests to get an outlook. This may include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as lung function tests and an chest MRI or PET scan.