Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity and, in rare instances, the abdomen's lining and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the principal reason for mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers can get stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cells to undergo a change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of mesothelioma cases originate in the lung (pleura). However, it can also occur in the abdominal lining and the testicles, as well as the heart.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to many other diseases and are difficult to diagnose, especially in the initial stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not be evident for a long time or even decades following asbestos lawsuit exposure.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is an examination and a health history. A doctor can require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).

X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lungs. These scans may help the doctor determine the location of the mesothelioma and the kind of mesothelioma. The two most common mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid.

Most people diagnosed with pleural melanoma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. People with pleural mesothelioma can have an abnormal heart sound, a condition called pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum.

The most effective method to diagnose mesothelioma involves a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma also determines how a doctor will treat the illness. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will drain excess fluid using the procedure called pleurodesis, or place an pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and enhance breathing. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery.

Diagnosis

The cancerous mesothelioma forms on the linings of organs. The majority of cases occur in the lungs, but it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes.

The signs of mesothelioma may be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the initial exposure. Because of this time period of latency many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. It is often misinterpreted as other, less serious illnesses, like pneumonia or the flu. This can result in a delay in treatment, which can decrease the chances of survival for a patient.

Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should consult their physician as soon as possible. At the first appointment, doctors will review the medical history of the patient to determine if there are any signs or symptoms that could increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes asbestos exposure in the past, as well the type and duration.

The doctor will then recommend imaging tests of the abdomen and chest to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all provide precise images of the inside of the body. They can reveal lung changes, such as the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also show if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

A doctor will also order a blood test to see whether the patient has high levels of certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform a procedure called a thoracentesis. It involves the removal of a small amount of the lungs' fluid to search for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed the biopsy procedure will be taken to check small portions of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle guided CT scan can be used to carry out this procedure. The results of this test will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve a patient's prognosis and boost 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 look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos law exposure, as this is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the lining of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). Over time, this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma.

Your doctor uses a chest X ray to determine if you suffer from 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 region. They will also conduct a needle biopsy in order to obtain a sample from the affected tissue.

A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue using an magnifying glass to find cancerous cell and determine the type. To make the diagnosis, the doctor will stain the sample with a dye that lights up when certain kinds of protein are present. They will then use a special technique to get an in-depth look at the tissue under a microscope.

Mesothelioma may be difficult to recognize because mesothelioma-related cells appear similar to other kinds of cells in the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis by performing other tests. These include a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptide.

Your healthcare team will determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma depending on your cancer type and its stage. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Palliative treatment may be offered in the event that your mesothelioma has progressed to an advanced stage. This can relieve you of pain and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on the type and stage of cancer and other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult skilled doctors to know more about the treatment options available to them.

Mesothelioma develops when Asbestos legal fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that can transform normal cells into mesothelioma cancers. The most frequent mesothelioma types are pleural (which forms on the linings of the lungs or chest cavity) and abdomen) mesothelioma.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue to be tested. Doctors can then compare samples of the biopsy to a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma-related cell type. This information will help them predict a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan.

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

Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they show significant symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a doctor and be checked regularly.

During these visits, doctors look for signs of asbestos settlement exposure such as scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also conduct an easy blood test to determine the overall health of a patient. If the results indicate that a patient is at high risk for mesothelioma, they can schedule further tests to receive an estimate of the prognosis. This will include imaging exams such as X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well the lung function test, a chest MRI, or PET scan.