Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity and, in some cases, the abdominal lining and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main reason for mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers could cause the cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung. However, it can occur in the lining of the abdomen, heart and testicles.

The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath coughing, chest pain and chest pain. Patients may also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to those of other ailments and are difficult to recognize, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. It may take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to show up.

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

X-rays can show an unusual lump or a fluid that is present in the lungs. These scans can assist the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is located and the type of mesothelioma. The two most common mesothelioma types are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Around 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Most patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. In rare instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma could have an abnormal heart murmur, a condition known as pericardial effusion or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The most effective method to diagnose mesothelioma involves an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma will determine how a doctor treats the illness. For example, if a person has mesothelioma pericardial doctors may drain excess fluid with a procedure called pleurodesis or install an indwelling pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the organ's linings known as the mesothelium. The disease is most common in the lungs. However, it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes.

The symptoms of mesothelioma could be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the initial exposure. Because of this latency period many patients are misdiagnosed. The illness is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. This can lead to a delay in treatment, which could reduce the chances of survival for a patient.

Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should visit their doctor as soon as possible. At the first visit, doctors examine the medical history of the patient to determine if there are any symptoms or factors that may increase their risk of mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the type and duration of the exposure.

The next step is for doctors to order imaging tests to check the abdomen and chest for any signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. 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 show the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other organs of the body.

A doctor may also order an examination of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and examining the lungs for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed then a biopsy is performed to examine a small piece of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle-guided CT scan may be used to perform this procedure. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve the prognosis of a patient and increase their quality of life.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. Although mesothelioma is not curable, it can 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 inquire about your asbestos exposure, because asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos lawyer fibers to get trapped in the chest cavity's lining the stomach, tummy or the heart (mesothelium). This can cause inflammation over time and may change normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma is diagnosed with blood tests and imaging 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). Your provider will order MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected region. They may also perform the needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue.

A pathologist, or mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue using an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine the type. To make the diagnosis the doctor will stain the tissue sample with a dye that shows up when certain types of protein are present. The doctor will then employ techniques to magnify the tissue.

It can be difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells look similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your care team will try to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. These tests include an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble.

Your healthcare team will determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma, based on the type of cancer and stage. The most common mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A palliative treatment option is available in the event that your mesothelioma has progressed to an advanced stage. This will alleviate you of pain and other symptoms.

Prognosis

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

Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are mesothelioma pleural (which develops on the linings of the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take tiny amounts of tissue to test. Doctors can then compare biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can be used to estimate the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma and their treatment plan.

Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid, epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. 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 mesothelioma or sarcomatoid.

It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop after exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients do not receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups.

During these visits, doctors examine for signs of asbestos lawsuit exposure like scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They can also perform a simple blood test to determine the health of a patient's general. If the results indicate that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is high, they can schedule additional tests to determine an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. 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.