Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

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

Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect the organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos legal fibers can cause these cells to undergo a change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung (pleura). It can also occur in the tissues of the abdomen, heart and testicles.

The most common mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath as well as chest pain and coughing. Patients also feel abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms can be a bit confusing and difficult to identify in the early stages, especially when mesothelioma is still a relatively new disease. It could take years or even decades following exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to manifest.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is a physical examination and a health history. To determine the severity of the 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 lump or a fluid that is present in the lung. These scans aid the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. The two most common mesothelioma types are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

The majority of patients with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing difficulties. In certain instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur which is called pericardial effusion, or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The most accurate way to diagnose mesothelioma is to take a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma determines the method used by a doctor to treat the disease. For example in the case of pericardial mesothelioma doctors 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, a form of cancer, occurs in the organ's linings known as the mesothelium. The disease most commonly occurs in the lung (pleura), though it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).

The symptoms of mesothelioma can be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the first exposure. Due to this latency period many patients could be misdiagnosed. This illness is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis may lead to a delay in treatment, which can decrease the chances of survival for a patient.

Those who suspect that they might have mesothelioma must consult their physician immediately. At the first visit, doctors examine a patient's medical history to determine if there are any symptoms or factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos (listen to this podcast) and asbestos, as well as the nature and duration of the exposure.

The doctor will then order imaging tests in the chest and abdomen to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs all offer detailed images of the inside of the body. They can reveal lung changes, such as pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of the body.

A doctor may also order an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and examining the lungs for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed A biopsy is then performed to check a small sample of the tumor for cancerous cell. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle-guided CT scan can be used to carry out this procedure. The results will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. It is impossible to cure mesothelioma but treatment may help control symptoms.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and search for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure, because asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos lawyer fibers to become trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). This causes inflammation over time and may transform normal cells into cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using blood tests and imaging tests.

Your doctor will use chest X-rays to determine if there is an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain precise images of the affected area. They will also do the needle biopsy to collect an image of the affected tissue.

A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will study the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma you have. The pathologist will employ dyes to stain tissue samples to diagnose the cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types of cancer are present. Then, they will employ a special technique to get an in-depth look at the tissue under the microscope.

It can be difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells are similar to other types of cells in the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. They may use blood tests to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as soluble mesothelin-related peptide.

Your medical team will decide on a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the kind of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the most popular treatments for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is at an advanced stages you could also receive palliative care to relieve pain and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis of mesothelioma is based on the type and stage cancer and other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are knowledgeable about the treatment options available to them.

Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers cause damage to 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 convert normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural mesothelioma. It is a form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura) as well as mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common form that develops in the protective lining of the abdomen.

The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue to be examined. The doctors can compare the biopsy samples against 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.

The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type develops at a different rate and responds to treatment in a different way. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a higher survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid.

It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos lawyer. Therefore, many patients don't receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they show signs of. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and have regular checkups.

During these visits, doctors can check for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They can also conduct a simple blood test to check the overall health of a patient. If the results show that the patient is at a high risk for mesothelioma, they can schedule further tests to receive a prognosis. This will include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound as well as lung function tests, and a chest MRI or PET scan.