Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity and lungs and, in rare instances the abdominal lining and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the principal cause of mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into cancerous mesothelioma cells.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects tissues that connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers could cause these cells to undergo a change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lungs (pleura). It can also occur in the tissues of the abdomen, the heart and testicles.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to identify in the beginning stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new disease. It could take years or even decades following exposure to asbestos case for mesothelioma symptoms to appear.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is a physical examination and a medical history. To determine the severity of symptoms doctors may recommend imaging tests and blood tests. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).

X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lungs. These scans aid the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and mesothelioid are the two most prevalent types. About 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid.

People with pleural cancer typically suffer from a painful, non-productive cough and breathing problems. In rare cases, a person with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur a condition called pericardial effusion, or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The most accurate method to diagnose mesothelioma involves an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma determines the way a doctor treats the disease. For instance in the case of pericardial mesothelioma the doctor could remove excess fluid using pleurodesis procedure or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to ease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the organ's linings called the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lung (pleura), though it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).

The symptoms of mesothelioma can appear between 10 and fifty years after the initial exposure. Because of this latency period many patients are misdiagnosed. This disease is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. This can lead to a delay in treatment, which could reduce a patient's chance of survival.

If you suspect mesothelioma, see their doctor immediately. At the first appointment, doctors will review a patient's medical history to identify any signs or symptoms that may increase their risk of mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the nature and duration of exposure.

The next step is for doctors to conduct imaging tests to examine the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all offer precise images of the inside of the body. They also show lung issues like pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also reveal whether mesothelioma has spread other organs of the body.

A doctor will also order an analysis of blood to determine whether the patient has elevated levels of certain substances 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 the biopsy procedure will be taken to look at an insignificant portion of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or through the use of a needle that is guided by the aid of a CT scan. The results of this will aid in determining the best mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This more advanced mesothelioma treatment can boost a patient's quality of life and improve their prognosis.

Treatment

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

Your doctor will inquire about your health history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure, as asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos compensation can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the chest cavity's lining and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). Over time, this causes inflammation and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to detect mesothelioma.

Your healthcare provider will use an X-ray of your chest to detect changes in your lung tissue, and determine if you have the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected region. They will also perform a needle biopsy in order to collect a sample from the affected tissue.

A mesothelioma specialist called a pathologist will examine mesothelioma cells under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine what type of mesothelioma you have. To determine the type of mesothelioma, the doctor will stain the tissue sample using a dye which shows up when certain kinds of proteins are present. The doctor will then employ an instrument to magnify the tissue.

It is sometimes difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the cells that cause it appear similar to those of other types of cells within the body. Your care team will try to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis by performing other tests. These tests include the collection of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble.

Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma, based on the type of cancer and stage. The most commonly used mesothelioma treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. A palliative treatment option is available when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This will alleviate your pain and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is based on the stage and type of cancer and other factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult skilled doctors to know more about the treatment options available to them.

Mesothelioma develops when asbestos litigation fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura), as well as peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer form that develops in the lining that protects the abdomen.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take a small sample of tissue to be tested. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to estimate the longevity of a patient suffering from mesothelioma as well as their treatment plan.

Mesothelioma cells are classified in three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma grows at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent to 80% of cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma.

It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos litigation. Therefore, many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they show signs of. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and be checked regularly.

During these visits, doctors examine for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also conduct simple blood tests to check the health of a patient's general. If the results show that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is high they can arrange for further tests to get a mesothelioma prognosis. This could include imaging tests like X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to lung function tests or chest MRI, or PET scan.