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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the lungs, chest cavity and, in some cases, the linings of the abdomen and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into cancerous mesothelioma cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs inside the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cells to undergo a change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of cases of mesothelioma originate in the lungs (pleura). It can also occur in the tissues of the heart, abdomen and testicles. Breathlessness, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to diagnose in the beginning stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new condition. It could take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a medical history. A doctor may 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 may reveal an unusual lump or a fluid that is present in the lung. These scans aid the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two most common mesothelioma types are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Around 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid. Most people diagnosed with pleural melanoma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart tone, a condition called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum. The most reliable method to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to collect a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also dictate how a doctor treats the illness. For example in the case of mesothelioma pericardial, the doctor may eliminate excess fluid through a procedure called pleurodesis or install an indwelling pleural catheter to ease inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings of organs, known as the mesothelium. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, however it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the first exposure. Due to this time of latency, many patients are incorrectly diagnosed. The illness is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. This can cause delays in treatment, which can decrease the chances of survival for a patient. Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as possible. During this first visit, doctors examine a patient's complete medical history to identify signs and any other factors that could make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes previous asbestos exposure, as well the type and duration. The next step is for doctors to request imaging tests to look at the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the inside of the body. They can show lung issues, such as pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also show whether mesothelioma has spread other parts of the body. A doctor may also order an analysis of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves removing fluid from the lungs and examining the lungs for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed then a biopsy is taken to look at a small piece of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle-guided CT scan may be used to perform this procedure. The results of this will aid in determining the best mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, like the lung (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Although mesothelioma cannot be cured however, treatment can reduce symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and search for signs of mesothelioma. Suffolk asbestos lawsuit will ask you about asbestos exposure since it is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to get stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium), stomach or heart. This causes inflammation over time, and can change normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma is diagnosed with imaging tests and blood tests. Your healthcare provider will use a chest X-ray to see changes in your lung tissue, and determine if you have fluid build-up (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected region. They may also perform an incisional needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue under an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine their kind. The doctor will use dyes to stain tissue samples to diagnose the cancer. This dye is visible when certain types of cancer are present. They will then use a special technique to get an even closer view of the tissue under a microscope. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because mesothelioma cells appear similar to other kinds of cells within the body. Your care team will try to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. These tests involve the collection of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble. Your medical team will determine the mesothelioma treatment plan based on the type of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is at an advanced stages, you may also receive palliative care to relieve discomfort and other signs. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is based on the stage and type of cancer as well as other factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are experienced to learn about the treatment options available to them. Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity (pleura) and mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common type that is found in the lining that protects the abdomen. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, lab tests and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of the tissue to be tested. Doctors can then compare the samples of the biopsy to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can help them predict a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma kind develops at different rates and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a higher survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a physician and undergo periodic checkups. In these visits, doctors will look for signs of asbestos-related exposure, such as scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory problems. They can also perform a simple blood check to determine the health of the patient. If the results indicate that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is very high, they can schedule further tests to get a mesothelioma prognosis. This includes imaging tests such as X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to a lung function test or chest MRI or PET scan.