Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity and lungs and, in some cases the abdominal lining and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the principal cause of mesothelioma.

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

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects the tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers could cause the cells to change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lungs. However, it can happen in the abdominal lining, heart and testicles.

Chest discomfort and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition certain patients experience abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to recognize in the beginning stages particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively new condition. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos case for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up.

A physical exam and a health history of the patient are the first steps in determining mesothelioma. To determine the severity of symptoms the doctor can order blood tests and imaging scans. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).

X-rays can reveal a strange swelling or fluid inside the lung. These scans can assist the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is located and the type of mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two most prevalent types. About 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid.

Most people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. In certain instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, an issue known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The most accurate method to diagnose mesothelioma involves a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma will also dictate how a doctor manages the disease. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will drain excess fluid using a procedure known as pleurodesis, or insert a pleural catheter in order to reduce inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the linings of organs called the mesothelium. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, but it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes.

It can take between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to appear. Because of this latency period it is possible for patients to be incorrectly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis can lead to delays in treatment, which could decrease the chance of surviving.

Those who suspect mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as they can. During this first visit, doctors review the patient's entire medical history to identify symptoms and any factors that might make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the type and duration of the exposure.

The next step is for doctors to conduct imaging tests to examine the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X rays, CT scans, and MRIs are all able to reveal changes in the lungs, such as an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also reveal if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

A doctor can also request an examination of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They can also carry out the procedure known as a thoracentesis. It involves removing a sample of the fluid surrounding the lungs to search for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed then a biopsy is performed to examine a small piece of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or with the use of a needle that is guided by the aid of a CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are best for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the tissues that line and protect organs, like the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is not possible to cure mesothelioma but treatment can help manage symptoms.

Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and look 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 (www.saerimtech.co.kr) fibers to get trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). This causes inflammation over time and can transform normal cells into cancerous cells. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma.

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

A pathologist, or mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue using a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cells and determine their type. The pathologist will employ dyes to stain tissues to determine the type of cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types are present. The doctor will then employ an instrument to magnify the tissue.

It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since the mesothelioma-causing cells appear similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. These include a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related, soluble peptide.

Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma depending on your cancer type and its stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most popular treatments for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma has reached an an advanced stage you could also be offered palliative treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is dependent on the type and stage of cancer and other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with experienced doctors to learn more about their treatment options.

Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos case fibers can be breathed in or ingested, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma. It is a form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity (pleura) as well as peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer type that is found in the lining of the abdomen.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue for testing. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can help them determine a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan.

Mesothelioma cells are classified in three categories: epithelioid epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer accounts 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 develop following exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and undergo periodic checkups.

During these visits, doctors will examine for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also perform simple blood tests to determine the health of the patient. If the results show that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is very high, they can schedule further tests to get mesothelioma-related prognosis. 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.