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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissue lining the chest cavity and lungs and, in some cases, the lining of the abdomen and heart. The main cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers may get stuck in tissues, causing DNA damage. This changes cells into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres could cause these cancerous cells to transform into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma originate in the lungs (pleura). It can also develop in the linings of the abdomen, the heart and testicles. Chest discomfort, and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Some patients also feel abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are often confusing and difficult to identify in the beginning particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new disease. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not manifest for years or even decades following asbestos exposure. A physical exam and a patient's health history are the first steps in determining mesothelioma. A doctor might request blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography). X-rays can show an unusual lump or a fluid that is present in the lung. These scans help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two main types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. People with pleural cancer typically suffer from a painful, non-productive cough and breathing problems. In some cases, a person with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, an issue called pericardial effusion, or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most accurate way to identify mesothelioma is take a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma determines the method used by a doctor to treat the disease. If a patient has pericardial cancer, the doctor will drain excess fluid using a procedure known as pleurodesis or insert an pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and enhance respiration. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy. Diagnosis The mesothelioma-related cancer is found in the organ's linings. The disease most commonly occurs in the lung (pleura) however it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). It can take between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest. Due to this time of latency, many patients can be incorrectly diagnosed. This illness is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious such as pneumonia or the flu. This mistake could lead to a delay in treatment, which can decrease the chance of a patient's survival. Anyone who suspects that they may have mesothelioma need to visit their doctor right away. In the first visit, doctors examine a patient's complete medical history to determine symptoms and any factors that might make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, and also the type and duration of exposure. The next step is to have doctors request imaging tests to look at the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, such as an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other organs of the body. A doctor may also request a blood test to see whether the patient has elevated levels of certain substances that are related to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis, which involves the removal of a sample from the lungs' fluid to look for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy will be taken to look at an insignificant portion of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or with a needle guided by a CT scan. The results of this test will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment for the patient. indiana asbestos lawyer may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may choose to take part in immunotherapy. This latest mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life of a patient and improve their chances of survival. Treatment Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, 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 manage symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and search for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure because 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 the heart. This can cause inflammation over time and can change normal cells into cancerous cells. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to detect mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if there is fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain precise images of the affected area. They may also perform an incision using a needle to obtain a sample from the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will examine the mesothelioma tissue under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma you suffer from. The pathologist will use a dye to color the tissues to identify the cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types are present. They will then employ a special technique to get a closer look at the tissue under microscope. Mesothelioma may be difficult to diagnose as the mesothelioma cells look like other types of cells found within the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. They may use blood tests to measure levels of fibulin-3 as well as soluble mesothelin-related peptide. Your care team will determine mesothelioma treatments based on the kind of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most commonly used treatments for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is in advanced stages you could also be offered palliative care to ease discomfort and other signs. 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 work with skilled doctors to know more about their treatment options. Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that line vital organs and safeguard them from harm. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or eaten, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that can transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural (which develops on the linings of the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue to be tested. The doctors can compare biopsy samples against an online database to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can help them predict the patient's mesothelioma's life expectancy and treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid, epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma develops at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60 percent to 80% cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they have severe symptoms. Asbestos-related victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and be checked regularly. During these visits, doctors can look for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring around the lungs or other respiratory issues. They can also conduct a simple blood check to determine the patient's health. If the results indicate that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is high they can schedule additional tests to receive an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This will include imaging exams like X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with a lung function test or chest MRI, or PET scan.