Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs, and, in rare instances, the linings of the abdomen and heart. The main cause of mesothelioma lies in asbestos exposure.

Asbestos fibers are entangled in tissues and cause DNA damage. Cells turn into cancerous mesothelioma cells.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos case fibers could cause these cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lung. It can also be found in the linings of the heart, abdomen and testicles.

The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing. Additionally certain patients experience abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to many other illnesses and can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest.

The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a health history. To determine the severity of the symptoms the doctor can order blood tests and imaging scans. These scans may 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 can assist 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 mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Most patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. People with pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart tone, a condition called pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum.

The most accurate method to identify mesothelioma is to take an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also dictate how a doctor treats the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer the doctor will drain excess fluid using the procedure called pleurodesis, or place the pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery.

Diagnosis

The mesothelioma-related cancer develops on the organ's linings. The majority of cases occur in the lungs. However, it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes.

It takes between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. Because of this time period of latency many patients are incorrectly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis can lead to delays in treatment, which could decrease the chance of surviving.

Anyone who suspects that they may have mesothelioma need to consult their physician immediately. During this first visit, doctors take a patient's full medical history to look for signs and any other factors that could make them more likely to have mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the nature and duration of exposure.

The doctor will then request imaging tests for the abdomen and chest to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, like the thickness of the pleural wall or the accumulation of fluid. They can also show whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

A doctor might also recommend an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also carry out a procedure called a thoracentesis. It involves removing a sample of the lungs' fluid to check for cancerous cells.

If mesothelioma is found to be the cause A biopsy is then performed to check a small sample of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or with an instrument that guides the needle through a CT scan. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are most suitable for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance the prognosis of a patient and increase their quality of life.

Treatment

Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is not possible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment can help manage symptoms.

Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and search for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure as it is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos exposure can cause Asbestos Legal fibres to be stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium), stomach or the heart. In time this causes inflammation and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using blood tests and imaging tests.

Your doctor will make use of a chest X-ray to see changes in the lung tissue and determine if you have fluid build-up (pleural effusion). The doctor will recommend MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected region. They will also do the needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue.

A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will study mesothelioma cells under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma that you have. To make the diagnosis, the pathologist will stain the sample with a dye that lights up when certain kinds of protein are present. The doctor will then use techniques to magnify the tissue.

It is sometimes difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the cells that cause it are similar to other types of cells in 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 provider will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma, based on your cancer type and stage. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most popular treatment options for mesothelioma. The option of palliative therapy is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will alleviate the pain and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma is determined by the type and stage cancer and other factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are knowledgeable about the treatment options available to them.

Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos compensation fibers are inhaled or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma cancers. The most frequent mesothelioma types are mesothelioma pleural (which forms on the linings of the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of the tissue to be examined. The doctors can compare biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can be used to estimate the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan.

Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma develops at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 60 percent to 80% cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma.

It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop after exposure to asbestos, so many patients do not be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups.

During these visits, doctors can look for signs of exposure to asbestos such as scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They can also do an easy blood test to determine the health of the patient. If the results indicate that an individual is at a the highest risk of developing mesothelioma they can schedule further tests to receive a prognosis. This could include imaging tests such as X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with lung function tests or chest MRI or PET scan.