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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity, lungs and, in some cases, the linings of the abdomen and heart. The most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect the organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres could cause these cancerous cells to grow into mesothelioma tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are located in the lung. It can also occur in the linings of the abdomen, heart and testicles. The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptoms are breathlessness as well as chest pain and coughing. Some patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are akin to other illnesses and can be difficult to recognize, especially in the initial stages of mesothelioma. It could take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to show up. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a health history. A doctor might 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 could reveal a lump or fluid that is not normal in the lungs. These scans help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two main types of mesothelioma are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for around 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis, and is less frequent than epithelioid. People with pleural cancer typically suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing difficulties. In certain instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma could have an abnormal heart murmur which is called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most reliable 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 also determine how a physician treats the illness. For instance when a patient has mesothelioma pericardial the doctor could remove excess fluid using a procedure called pleurodesis or insert a pleural catheter in the body to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis The cancerous mesothelioma is found in the linings of organs. The majority of cases occur in the lung (pleura) however it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). It can take between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. Because of this latency time, many patients could be mistakenly diagnosed. The illness is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious conditions, such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake could lead to a delay in treatment, which could reduce a patient's chance of survival. If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma must visit their doctor right away. At the first visit, doctors examine the medical history of the patient to identify any symptoms or factors that increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes previous asbestos exposure, as well the kind and duration. The doctor will then recommend imaging tests in the abdomen and chest to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all provide precise images of the inside of the body. They also show lung issues like the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also tell whether the mesothelioma tumor has spread to other regions of the body. A doctor may also order an examination of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They can also carry out an operation known as a thoracentesis. It involves removing a sample of the lungs' fluid to look for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed the biopsy procedure will be taken to look at a small piece of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle guided CT scan can be used to perform this procedure. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are best for the patient. This may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt 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 is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. While mesothelioma can't be treated, treatment can help control symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and search for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your exposure to asbestos, since asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or the heart. This can cause inflammation over time and can change normal cells into cancerous cells. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Your doctor uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if there is fluid accumulation (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 collect a sample of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist called a pathologist will look at the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma you have. To make the diagnosis the doctor will stain the tissue sample with a dye that lights up when certain kinds of protein are present. They will then employ an advanced method to get an in-depth look at the tissue under the microscope. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose as the mesothelioma cells look similar to other kinds of cells in the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. These tests involve a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3, or mesothelin related protein that is soluble. Your healthcare team will choose the mesothelioma treatment plan based on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most commonly used treatments for mesothelioma. A palliative treatment option is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This can relieve your pain and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the type and the stage of cancer, as well as other factors such as a patient's age and general health. Patients should work with experienced doctors to learn more about their treatment options. Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent forms of mesothelioma are the pleural (which forms on the linings of the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking tiny amounts of tissue to test. Doctors then compare the biopsy samples to a database to identify the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can help them determine a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan. The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type grows at an individual rate and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid cancer makes up 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a higher 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 don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they show signs of. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a physician and undergo periodic checkups. During these visits, doctors check for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also perform an easy blood test to assess the health of the patient. If the results indicate that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is high, they can schedule further tests to determine a mesothelioma prognosis. dallas asbestos law firm will include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound and a lung function test and a chest MRI or PET scan.