tankchalk18

Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare cases the linings of the abdomen and the heart. The main cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can get stuck in tissues, causing DNA damage. This changes cells into mesothelioma cancer cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, affects tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres could cause these cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma-related tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are found in the lung. However, it can also occur in the abdominal lining, heart and testicles. The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath as well as chest pain and coughing. Additionally certain patients suffer from abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be a bit confusing and difficult to recognize in the beginning, especially when mesothelioma is still a relatively new disease. The symptoms of mesothelioma could not be evident for a long time or even decades following asbestos exposure. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is a physical examination and a medical history. A doctor may require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that isn't normal in the lungs. These scans aid the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two most common types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. About 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is less common than epithelioid. Most people with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing issues. In rare cases, a person with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most precise method to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will determine how a doctor will treat the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer doctors will drain the excess fluid through the procedure called pleurodesis, or place a pleural catheter in order to decrease inflammation and improve respiration. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the linings of organs called the mesothelium. The majority of the time, the disease develops in the lung (pleura) however it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). It takes between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to manifest. Due to this latency period it is possible for patients to be incorrectly diagnosed. The condition is often mistakenly referred to as other, less serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis could result in delays in treatment, which can lower a patient's chances of survival. Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as possible. In the first visit, doctors take a patient's full medical history to determine signs and any other factors that could make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes past asbestos exposure and the type and duration. The next step is to have doctors order imaging tests to check the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the inside of the body. They can show lung issues like pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also tell whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A doctor might also recommend a test of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation called a thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and examining for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed then a biopsy is taken to look at a small piece of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle guided CT scan may be used to carry out this procedure. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may choose to take part in immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment may improve the quality of life for patients and improve their prognosis. Treatment Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line and protect organs, like the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). While mesothelioma can't be treated but treatment can help manage symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and look for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask 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 chest cavity's lining and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). As time passes this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider will use an X-ray chest scan to observe changes in your lung tissue and determine whether you have fluid build-up (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET), to get detailed images. They will also conduct the procedure of a needle biopsy to obtain 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 the kind of mesothelioma that you have. To make the diagnosis the pathologist will stain the sample with a dye that shows up when certain types of proteins are present. Then, they will employ a special technique to get an even closer view of the tissue under a microscope. It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since the cells that cause it look similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis with other tests. These include a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related, soluble peptide. Your care team will determine a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatment options for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stages you could also be offered palliative care to ease discomfort 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 skilled to find out about the treatment options available to them. Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that transform normal cells into mesothelioma cancers. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are mesothelioma pleural (which develops on the lung linings, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking tiny amounts of tissue for testing. Doctors can then compare samples of the biopsy to a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can help them predict the patient's mesothelioma's life expectancy and treatment plan. Akron asbestos lawsuit are classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma develops at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent to 80% cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop after exposure to asbestos, so many patients don't receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they show signs of. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups. In these visits, doctors will check for signs of asbestos-related exposure, such as scarring around the lungs or other respiratory problems. They may also conduct simple blood tests to check the health of a patient's general. If the results show that an individual is at a high risk for mesothelioma, they can schedule additional tests to receive an outlook. 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.