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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity, lungs and, in rare cases the tissues surrounding the abdomen and the heart. The main cause of mesothelioma lies in asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers may get stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. This causes cells to 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 the cells to change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lung. It can also occur in the tissues of the heart, abdomen and testicles. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition patients may experience abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. iowa asbestos lawyer can be a bit confusing and difficult to diagnose in the beginning stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively young disease. The symptoms of mesothelioma could not manifest for years or even decades following asbestos exposure. A physical examination and medical history of the patient is the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. A doctor may request blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans comprise CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography). X-rays may reveal an unusual swelling or fluid inside the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the type of mesothelioma. The two major mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. About 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is less common than epithelioid. The majority of patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. In some 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 method to diagnose mesothelioma involves an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma also determines how a doctor will treat the disease. For example in the case of mesothelioma of the pericardium, the doctor may drain excess fluid with pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to ease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the organ's linings, known as the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs, but it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be seen between 10 and fifty years after the initial exposure. Due to this time of latency, many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. The condition is often mistakenly referred to as other conditions that are less serious such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis can lead to delays in treatment, which may lower a patient's chances of surviving. Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should consult their physician as soon as possible. In the initial appointment, doctors will review the medical history of a patient to determine if there are any symptoms or conditions that may increase their likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, as well as the type and duration of exposure. The doctor will then order imaging tests for the chest and abdomen to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest X rays, CT scans, and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, like an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also tell whether the mesothelioma tumor has spread to other areas of the body. A doctor might also recommend a test of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation known as a Thoracentesis which involves taking out the 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 may be used to carry out this procedure. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are most suitable for the patient. This could include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This latest form of treatment can improve a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. Although mesothelioma is not curable, it can be treated, treatment can help control symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure because it is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to become trapped in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach or heart. As time passes this causes inflammation, and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be identified using imaging tests and blood tests. Your doctor will make use of an X-ray of your chest to detect 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 area. They may also perform the needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist called a pathologist will look at mesothelioma cells under a microscope in order to find cancerous cells and determine what type of mesothelioma you suffer from. The doctor will use a dye to stain the tissues to identify the cancer. This dye is visible when certain types are present. They will then employ a special technique to get an in-depth look at the tissue under the microscope. Mesothelioma may be difficult to diagnose as mesothelioma cells appear like other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. This includes a blood test to measure levels of fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptide. Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma depending on your cancer type and its stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatments for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is at an an advanced stage, you may also receive palliative treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is dependent on the type and stage cancer as well as factors such as age and general health. Patients should work with skilled doctors to know more about the treatment options available to them. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural mesothelioma. It occurs in the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura) as well as mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common form that arises in the lining of the abdomen. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma based on symptoms, lab 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. Doctors can then compare the samples of the biopsy to a database to identify the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can be used to predict the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan. The three types of mesothelioma are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells as well as sarcomatoid and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma develops at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a better survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients don't receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a physician and be checked regularly. During these visits doctors can check for signs of exposure to asbestos, such as lung scarring or other respiratory issues. They can also conduct a simple blood test to check the health of a patient's general. If the results indicate that an individual is at a an increased risk of mesothelioma, they can schedule additional tests to determine if they are likely to develop an outlook. This may include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound as well as lung function tests, and an chest MRI or PET scan.