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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs and, in some cases, the tissues of the abdomen and heart. The most common cause of mesothelioma lies in asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma occur in the lungs (pleura). It can also occur in the linings of the heart, abdomen and testicles. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Additionally certain patients suffer from abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms are akin to other diseases and are difficult to diagnose, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma could not be evident for a long time or even decades following asbestos exposure. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is a physical examination and a health history. To determine the severity of symptoms doctors may recommend imaging tests and blood tests. These scans comprise CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography). X-rays may reveal an unusual lump or a fluid that is present in the lungs. These scans may help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the kind of mesothelioma. The two most common types of mesothelioma are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis, and is less frequent than epithelioid. People with pleural cancer typically suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing difficulties. In some instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma could have an abnormal heart murmur which is known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The best way to accurately identify mesothelioma is through an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma will also determine how a physician manages the disease. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer, the doctor will drain excess fluid using the procedure known as pleurodesis, or place an pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the linings of organs called the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs, however it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes. It can take between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest. Because of this latency period, many patients may be mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis may result in a delay in treatment that can reduce the chances of survival for a patient. If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma should visit their doctor right away. During the initial visit, doctors examine the medical history of the patient in order to identify any symptoms or factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the nature and duration of the exposure. The next step is to have doctors conduct imaging tests to examine the abdomen and chest for any signs of mesothelioma or 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 reveal whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other regions of the body. A doctor may also recommend a blood test to see whether the patient has elevated levels of certain substances that are associated with mesothelioma. They may also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis, which involves the removal of a small amount of the fluid surrounding the lungs to look for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to check a small sample of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or by using the use of a needle that is guided by an CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are best for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to participate in immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment may improve a patient's quality of life and improve their chances of survival. Treatment Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs like the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. It is impossible to cure mesothelioma but treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and search for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure since this is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). In costa mesa asbestos attorney causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be identified using blood tests and imaging tests. Your healthcare provider will employ an X-ray chest scan to observe changes in the lung tissue and determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET), to get precise images. They will also conduct an incision using a needle to collect a sample from the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will look at the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine what type of mesothelioma you have. The pathologist will employ dyes to stain tissue samples in order to determine the type of cancer. The dye is visible when certain types are present. The doctor will then use a technique to magnify the tissue. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because mesothelioma cells appear like other types of cell 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 peptide that is soluble. Your healthcare team will determine mesothelioma treatments based on the type of cancer you suffer from and how advanced it is. The most common mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Palliative treatment may be offered when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This will alleviate the discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is dependent on the stage and type of cancer and other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult knowledgeable doctors to find out more about the treatment options available to them. Asbestos fibers can cause damage to tissues that connect vital organs and shield them from harm. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or eaten, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma cancers. The most prevalent forms of mesothelioma are the pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the linings of the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking small amounts of tissue for testing. The doctors can compare biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to estimate the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma and their treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma develops at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a higher survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients don't receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos-related victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and have regular checkups. During these visits, doctors will check for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also conduct a simple blood test to determine a patient's overall health. If the results indicate that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high, they can schedule additional tests to receive an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This could include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as lung function tests and an chest MRI or PET scan.