Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare instances, the tissues of the abdomen and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This changes cells into mesothelioma cancer cells.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect the organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause these cells to undergo a change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma occur in the lungs (pleura). However, it could also be found in the lining of the abdomen and the testicles, as well as the heart.

Chest discomfort and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to those of other ailments and are difficult to identify, particularly in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. It may take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos claim (Stes.tyc.edu.tw) for mesothelioma symptoms to show up.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a medical history. To determine the severity of symptoms the doctor can order imaging tests and blood tests. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).

X-rays may reveal an unusual swelling or fluid inside the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two major mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Around 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

People with pleural cancer typically suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing difficulties. Patients with pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart sound, a condition called pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum.

The best way to accurately diagnose mesothelioma involves a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma also determines how a doctor will treat the illness. For instance when a patient has mesothelioma of the pericardium, the doctor may drain excess fluid with a procedure called pleurodesis or insert an indwelling pleural catheter 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 disease most commonly occurs in the lung (pleura) however it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).

It takes between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest. Due to this latency period many patients can be misdiagnosed. This disease is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious, such as pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis may lead to a delay in treatment, which could reduce a patient's chance of survival.

If you suspect mesothelioma, consult their physician as soon as they can. During this initial visit, doctors will take a patient's full medical history to determine signs and other factors that may make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the type and duration of exposure.

The next step is to have doctors conduct imaging tests to examine the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans, and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, such as pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also reveal whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

A doctor might also recommend an examination of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels in 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 is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to check a small sample of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle-guided CT scan may be used to carry out this procedure. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Certain patients may choose to participate in immunotherapy. This latest form of treatment can improve a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lung (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Although mesothelioma cannot be cured but treatment can help manage symptoms.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and look for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure, since asbestos law is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos law can cause asbestos legal fibers to become trapped in the lining of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). In time, this causes inflammation and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma is diagnosed with imaging tests and blood tests.

Your doctor uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if you suffer from an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET) to obtain detailed images. They will also do a needle biopsy to obtain a sample of the affected tissue.

A pathologist, a mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue with a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cell and determine the type. The pathologist will use dyes to stain tissue samples to identify the cancer. The dye is visible when certain types of cancer are present. The doctor will then employ a technique to magnify the tissue.

It can be difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells are similar to other types of cells within the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis by performing other tests. These include a blood test to measure levels of fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptide.

Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma based on the type of cancer you have and stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most commonly used treatments for mesothelioma. Palliative treatment may be offered if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This can relieve you of pain and other signs.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is based on the type and stage of cancer as well as other factors such as age and general health. Patients should work with experienced doctors to learn more about their treatment options.

Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most frequent forms of mesothelioma are the pleural (which forms on the lung linings, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of the tissue to be tested. Doctors can then compare biopsy samples to a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can help them predict the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan.

Mesothelioma cells are classified in three categories: epithelioid epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma kind develops at an individual rate and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a better survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid.

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

During these visits, doctors will examine for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also conduct an easy blood test to assess the health of a patient's general. If the results indicate that a patient's risk of developing mesothelioma is high, they can schedule further tests to get mesothelioma-related prognosis. This includes imaging tests like X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well the lung function test or chest MRI or PET scan.