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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue that lines the lungs and chest cavity, and in rare cases the abdominal lining and heart. The main reason for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects the tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause these cells to undergo a change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of cases of mesothelioma occur in the lung (pleura). It can also develop in the tissues of the abdomen, heart and testicles. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Additionally certain patients experience abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to many other ailments and are difficult to identify, particularly in the early stages of mesothelioma. The signs of mesothelioma might not be evident for a long time or even decades following asbestos exposure. A physical examination and a patient's health history are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. A doctor might ask for blood tests or imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. 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 can help the doctor determine the location of the mesothelioma and the kind of mesothelioma. The two main mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. The majority of people diagnosed with pleural melanoma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. In certain cases, people suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur a condition known as pericardial effusion or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most effective method to identify mesothelioma is to take a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma also determine how a physician will treat the illness. For instance in the case of pericardial mesothelioma the doctor could remove excess fluid using a procedure called pleurodesis or insert a pleural catheter in the body to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the linings of organs known as the mesothelium. The majority of the time, the disease develops in the lungs (pleura), though it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). The signs of mesothelioma may appear between 10 and fifty years after the first exposure. Because of this latency time, many patients can be incorrectly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis may cause delays in treatment, which could reduce a patient's chance of survival. Anyone who suspects that they might have mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. In the initial appointment, doctors will review a patient's medical history to determine if there are any symptoms or factors that may increase their likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes previous asbestos exposure and the nature and duration of the exposure. Next, doctors will request imaging tests to look at the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, such as pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also show whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A doctor may also recommend a blood test to see whether the patient has elevated levels of certain chemicals that are related to mesothelioma. They may also perform a procedure called the thoracentesis. This involves the removal of a small amount of the lungs' fluid to search 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. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle guided CT scan may be used to perform this procedure. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues which line and protect organs such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. It is not possible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your exposure to asbestos, because asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the linings the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or heart. This can cause inflammation over time and may change normal cells into cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using blood tests and imaging tests. Your doctor will make use of a chest X-ray to see changes in your lung tissue and determine whether 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 conduct a needle biopsy to obtain a sample of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will examine the mesothelioma tissue under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma you suffer from. To determine the type of mesothelioma, the doctor will stain the tissue sample with a dye that lights up when certain types 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 in the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the diagnosis with other tests. These tests involve an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble. Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma based on your cancer type and stage. The most popular mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stages you could also be offered palliative care to ease discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is determined by the stage and type of cancer as well as other factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are skilled to find out about the treatment options available to them. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumours. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lung lining and the chest cavity (pleura), as well as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, a rarer form that arises in the protective lining of the abdomen. youngstown asbestos attorney diagnose mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also recommend taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be examined. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against a database to identify the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can help them predict a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma grows at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a better survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. 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 exposure should be disclosed to a doctor and patients should be checked regularly. During these visits, doctors can check for signs of exposure to asbestos, such as scarring around the lungs or other respiratory problems. They may also conduct an easy blood test to assess the overall health of a patient. If the results indicate that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high they can arrange for further tests to receive a mesothelioma prognosis. This includes imaging tests like X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with lung function tests, a chest MRI, or PET scan.