Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in some cases, the linings of the abdomen and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers may get stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. Cells turn into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause these cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma tumours. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lung. It can also develop in the tissues of the abdomen, the heart and testicles.
Breathlessness, chest discomfort and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are often confusing and difficult to recognize in the beginning particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new condition. It could take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to appear.
The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a medical history. To determine the severity of symptoms, a doctor may order imaging tests and blood tests. These scans may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).
X-rays can show an unusual mass or fluid in the lung. These scans help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two major types of mesothelioma are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Around 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.
Most people with pleural cancer have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing problems. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart tone and a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum.
The most reliable method to identify mesothelioma is take a tissue sample or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also determine how a physician treats the illness. For instance, if a person has mesothelioma pericardial the doctor could remove excess fluid using pleurodesis procedure or install an indwelling pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings of organs called 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).
It can take between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Due to this latency period many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. This can lead to a delay in treatment that can reduce a patient's chance of survival.
If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. In the initial visit, doctors examine the medical history of the patient in order to identify any signs or symptoms that increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes past asbestos exposure, as well the type and duration.
The doctor will then request imaging tests for the chest and abdomen to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all offer detailed images of the interior of the body. They can show lung changes, such as the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also show whether mesothelioma has spread other organs of the body.
A doctor may also request an examination of the blood to determine whether the patient has elevated levels of certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves taking out the lungs of fluid and looking for cancer cells.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed then a biopsy is taken to look at small portions of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or through an instrument that guides the needle through 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. Certain patients may choose to take part in immunotherapy. This more advanced mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life for patients and improve their prognosis.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues which line and protect organs like the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. It is impossible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment can help reduce symptoms.
Your doctor will inquire about your health background and will look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will ask you about asbestos exposure because it is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibers to get stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or heart. In time this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be identified using blood tests and imaging tests.
Your doctor will use an X-ray of the chest to determine if there is an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Phoenix asbestos lawyers will recommend an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET) to obtain high-quality images. They may also perform an incisional needle biopsy to collect an image of the affected tissue.
A mesothelioma expert, also known as a pathologist will study the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope in order to find cancerous cells and determine what type of mesothelioma that you have. The doctor will use a dye to color the tissue samples to determine the type of cancer. This dye is visible when certain types of mesothelioma are present. They will then employ a specific method to obtain an in-depth look at the tissue under microscope.
It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since the mesothelioma-causing cells look similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by performing other tests. These tests involve a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble.
Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma, based on the type of cancer and stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most popular treatment options for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma has reached an an advanced stage you could also receive palliative care to relieve pain and other symptoms.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma is dependent on the stage and type of cancer and other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are skilled to find out about the treatment options available to them.
Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that line vital organs and protect them from harm. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most prevalent forms of mesothelioma are the pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the linings of the lungs or chest cavity) and abdomen) mesothelioma.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can be used to predict the life expectancy of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan.
The three types of mesothelioma are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type develops at a different rate and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 60 percent to 80% of cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they have serious symptoms. Asbestos exposure should be disclosed to a doctor and the victims must undergo regular checks.
During these visits, doctors can examine for signs of exposure to asbestos, such as lung scarring or other respiratory issues. They can also perform a simple blood test to assess a patient's overall health. If the results show that the patient is at a an increased risk of mesothelioma, they can arrange for additional tests to receive a prognosis. This could include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as a lung function test and a chest MRI or PET scan.