15-Reasons-Why-You-Shouldnt-Be-Ignoring-Mesothelioma-Asbestos-Lung-Cancer-w

Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare cases the tissues surrounding the abdomen and heart. The most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos fibers can get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. vimeo.com to asbestos fibers can cause the cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung. However, it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen as well as the testicles, heart and lungs.





Breathlessness, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients also feel abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to many other illnesses and can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages of mesothelioma. The signs of mesothelioma might not be evident for a long time or even decades after asbestos exposure.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is a physical examination and a medical history. To determine the severity of the symptoms doctors may recommend tests for blood and imaging scans. These scans may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).

X-rays can reveal a strange swelling or fluid inside the lungs. These scans may help the doctor determine the location of the mesothelioma and the type of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and mesothelioid are the two main types. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis, and is less frequent than epithelioid.

The majority of patients with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing problems. In certain 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 best way to accurately diagnose mesothelioma involves a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma will also dictate how a doctor treats the illness. For example when a patient has pericardial mesothelioma the doctor could remove excess fluid using pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include surgery and chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

The mesothelioma cancerous form develops on the linings of the organs. The disease most commonly occurs in the lungs (pleura) but it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).

The symptoms of mesothelioma could be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the initial exposure. Because of this time period of latency, many patients may be incorrectly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake could lead to a delay in treatment that can reduce the chance of a patient's survival.

If you suspect mesothelioma, see their doctor as soon as they can. In the initial visit, doctors review the medical history of a patient in order to identify any symptoms or conditions that increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, and also the type and duration of 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, including an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other areas of the body.

A doctor will also order an examination of the blood to determine if the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that are linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation called a thoracentesis which involves removing fluid from the lungs and looking for cancer cells.

If mesothelioma is found to be the cause, a biopsy is performed to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or by using a needle guided by an CT scan. The results will aid in determining the best mesothelioma treatment 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 cancer that is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs like the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. It is not possible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment may help control symptoms.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and search for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure, because this is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). As time passes this causes inflammation and changes normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be identified using imaging tests and blood tests.

Your doctor will use a chest X ray to determine if there is fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET) to obtain precise images. They will also conduct an incisional needle biopsy to collect an in-situ sample of the affected tissue.

A pathologist, or mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue under a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cell and determine the kind. To determine the type of mesothelioma, the doctor will stain the tissue sample using a dye which shows 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 the microscope.

It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since the cells that cause it are similar to other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. These tests include a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3, or soluble mesothelin related peptide.

Your care team will choose a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the kind of cancer you have and how advanced it is. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is at an an advanced stage, you may also receive palliative treatment to relieve discomfort and other signs.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and stage of cancer, as well as other factors such as a patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are knowledgeable about their treatment options.

Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that line vital organs and safeguard them. The asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma types are the pleural (which develops on the linings of the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking a small sample of tissue to test. The doctors can compare the biopsy samples to a database in order to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information will help them predict a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan.

Mesothelioma cells are classified in three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent to 80% of cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma.

It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos exposure should be disclosed to a doctor and patients must undergo regular checks.

During these visits, doctors will look for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They can also perform simple blood tests to assess the health of the patient. If the results show that a patient is at high risk for mesothelioma, they can arrange for additional tests to receive a prognosis. This will include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound as well as lung function tests, and an chest MRI or PET scan.