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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissue that lines the lungs and chest cavity and, in some cases the abdomen's lining and the heart. The most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This changes cells into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, affects the tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cells to undergo a change and form mesothelioma tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are found in the lungs. It can also occur in the linings of the abdomen, heart and testicles. Chest discomfort and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also experience abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to diagnose in the beginning particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively new condition. It may take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to appear. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is an examination and a health history. To determine the severity of the symptoms the doctor can order imaging tests and blood tests. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography). X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that isn't normal in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two major types. Around 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. The majority of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. In some cases, people with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most reliable method to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will determine how a doctor manages the disease. For instance when a patient has mesothelioma pericardial, the doctor may eliminate excess fluid through pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or install an indwelling pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis The cancerous mesothelioma develops on the organ's linings. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, however it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes. It can take between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest. Because of this latency period it is possible for patients to be incorrectly diagnosed. The condition is often mistakenly referred to as other, less serious conditions such as the flu or pneumonia. This can result in a delay in treatment that can reduce the chance of a patient's survival. Those who suspect that they might have mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. In the initial visit, doctors examine a patient's complete medical history to look for signs and any other factors that could make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes asbestos exposure in the past and the nature and duration of the exposure. The next step is to have doctors request imaging tests to look at the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs all offer detailed images of the inside of the body. They also show lung issues like the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also tell whether mesothelioma has spread other organs of the body. A doctor can also request a test of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation called a thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and looking for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure will be taken to look at an insignificant portion of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or through an instrument that guides the needle through the aid of a CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are most suitable for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment may improve the quality of life of a patient and improve their outlook. Treatment Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues which line and protect organs, such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. It is not possible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment can help reduce symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and look for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure because it is the leading risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). This causes inflammation over time, and can transform normal cells into cancerous cells. jacksonville asbestos lawyer and blood tests are used to identify mesothelioma. Your doctor will make use of an X-ray chest scan to observe changes in the lung tissue and determine whether you have fluid build-up (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain precise images of the affected region. They may also perform a needle biopsy to obtain a sample of the affected tissue. A pathologist, or mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue with a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cells and determine their type. The pathologist will employ a dye to stain the tissue samples to diagnose the cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types of cancer are present. The doctor will then employ techniques to magnify the tissue. It can be difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells look similar to those of other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. They may use blood tests to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble. Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma based on your cancer type and its stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most commonly used treatment options for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is at an an advanced stage, you may also receive palliative treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is determined by the stage and type of cancer as well as factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are experienced to learn about the treatment options available to them. Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that can transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura), as well as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, a rarer form that arises in the protective lining of the abdomen. The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue to be tested. The doctors can compare the biopsy samples against a database in order 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, epithelial or epithelial cells as well as sarcomatoid and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer makes up 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a better survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they experience serious symptoms. Asbestos-related victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups. During these visits doctors can check for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory issues. They can also perform a simple blood check to assess the health of the patient. If the results show that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high they can arrange for further tests to determine an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This will include imaging exams like X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to a lung function test or chest MRI, or PET scan.