Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the lungs, chest cavity and, in some cases, the linings of the abdomen and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the principal cause of mesothelioma.

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

Symptoms

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause the cells to change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are located in the lung. However, it could also occur in the lining of the abdomen as well as the testicles, heart and lungs.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also feel abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and are difficult to diagnose, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. It could take years or even decades following exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to appear.

A physical examination and health history of the patient are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. To determine the severity of the symptoms the doctor can order tests for blood and imaging scans. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).

X-rays can show an unusual swelling or fluid inside the lungs. These scans may help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the type of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and mesothelioid are the two main types. Around 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Most people with pleural cancer have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing difficulties. People with pleural mesothelioma can have an abnormal heart tone or a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum.

The most effective method to identify mesothelioma is through an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma also dictate how a doctor will treat the illness. For instance when a patient has pericardial mesothelioma doctors may eliminate excess fluid through a procedure called pleurodesis or install an indwelling pleural catheter to ease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery.

Diagnosis

The mesothelioma-related cancer forms on the linings of the organs. The disease is most common in the lungs, but it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes.

It can take between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Due to this latency period it is possible for patients to be incorrectly diagnosed. The condition is often mistakenly referred to as other conditions that are less serious such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake could cause delays in treatment, which could reduce the chances of survival for a patient.

Anyone who suspects that they might have mesothelioma must visit their doctor right away. At the first appointment, doctors will review the medical history of a patient to identify any signs or symptoms that may increase their risk of mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos lawsuit and asbestos, as well as the type and duration of exposure.

The next step is to have doctors 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, like pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also reveal whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

A doctor may also recommend an examination of the blood to determine whether the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that are related to mesothelioma. They may also perform a procedure called a thoracentesis, which involves removing a sample of the fluid surrounding the lungs to look for cancer cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed then a biopsy is taken to check a small piece of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or by using the use of a needle that is guided by an CT scan. The results of this test will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This can include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve the prognosis of a patient and increase their quality of life.

Treatment

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. Although mesothelioma cannot be cured but treatment can help manage symptoms.

Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure, since asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the chest cavity's lining and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). As time passes this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using imaging tests and blood tests.

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

A mesothelioma expert, also known as a pathologist will look at the mesothelioma tissue under a microscope in order to find cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma you have. The pathologist will employ a dye to stain the tissue samples to determine the type of cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types are present. The doctor will then employ a technique to magnify the tissue.

It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since the cells that cause it are similar to other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will 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 provider will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma depending on your cancer type and its stage. The most popular mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is at an advanced stages you could also receive palliative care to ease discomfort and other signs.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on the type and stage of cancer and other factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult knowledgeable doctors to find out more about their treatment options.

Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos settlement fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most common forms of mesothelioma are pleural (which develops on the lung linings as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma.

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

Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma kind develops at a different rate and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid cancer makes up 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a higher survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid.

It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop after exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients do not get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and have regular checkups.

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