Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs and, in rare instances, the tissues surrounding the abdomen and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This turns cells into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect the organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers could cause these cells to change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung. It can also be found in the tissues of the abdomen, heart and testicles.

The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptoms are breathlessness, chest pain and coughing. Patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to many other illnesses and can be difficult to identify, particularly in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. It could take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is an examination and a medical history. A doctor may require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).

X-rays may reveal an unusual mass or fluid in the lungs. These scans help the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two main kinds. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.

The majority of patients with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing problems. In some cases, people with pleural mesothelioma could have an abnormal heart murmur a condition called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The best way to accurately identify mesothelioma is through a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma determines the method used by a doctor to treat the condition. For instance in the case of pericardial mesothelioma, the doctor may eliminate excess fluid through a procedure called pleurodesis or install an indwelling pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings of organs called the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs (pleura), though it can also manifest 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 misdiagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake can result in delays in treatment, which can decrease the chance of surviving.

Those who suspect mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as possible. At the first visit, doctors review the medical history of a patient to identify any symptoms or conditions that may increase their risk of mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos law and asbestos, and also the type and duration of exposure.

The next step is to have doctors order imaging tests to check the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X rays, CT scans and MRIs are all able to reveal changes in the lungs, like an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also tell whether mesothelioma has spread other parts of the body.

A doctor may also order a test of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They may also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis. It involves the removal of a sample from the fluid surrounding the lungs to look for cancer cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed then a biopsy is taken to look at a small piece of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or with a needle guided by an 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 will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This latest form of treatment can improve the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. It is not possible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment can help reduce symptoms.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and search for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos litigation exposure, because asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos law can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). In time this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to detect mesothelioma.

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

A mesothelioma expert, also known as a pathologist will examine the mesothelioma tissue under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine what type of mesothelioma you suffer from. To establish the diagnosis, the doctor will stain the tissue sample with a dye that lights up when certain types of proteins are present. Then, they will employ an advanced method to get an even closer view of the tissue under the microscope.

Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose as mesothelioma cells appear like other types of cells within the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. These tests involve a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related protein that is soluble.

Your healthcare team will determine a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the kind of cancer you have and how advanced it is. The most common mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A palliative treatment option is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This can relieve the discomfort and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and stage of cancer, in addition to other factors such as the patient's age as well as general health. Patients should work with knowledgeable doctors to find out more about their treatment options.

Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura), and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, a rarer form that arises in the protective lining of the abdomen.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking small amounts of tissue for testing. Doctors then compare the biopsy samples to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma-related cell type. This information will help them predict the patient's mesothelioma's life expectancy and treatment plan.

The three types of mesothelioma are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type grows at an individual rate and responds to treatment in a different way. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent to 80% of cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma.

It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop following exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients do not be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and be checked regularly.

During these visits, doctors will examine for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also perform a simple blood check to determine the patient's health. If the results indicate that a patient's risk of developing mesothelioma is high, they can schedule further tests to receive a mesothelioma prognosis. This may include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound and lung function tests and a chest MRI or PET scan.