Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity, lungs, and, in rare cases the tissues surrounding the abdomen and heart. The main reason for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers are entangled in tissues and cause DNA damage. This changes cells into mesothelioma cancer cells.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects the tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause these cells to undergo a change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of cases of mesothelioma occur in the lung (pleura). It can also occur in the tissues of the abdomen, heart and testicles.
The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms are breathlessness as well as chest pain and coughing. Patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to diagnose in the beginning stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively young disease. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for years or even decades after asbestos exposure.
A physical exam and a medical history of the patient is the first steps in determining mesothelioma. A doctor can ask for blood tests or imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).
X-rays may reveal an unusual mass or fluid in the lungs. chula vista asbestos attorneys can help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is located and the kind of mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two major kinds. About 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Most people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma can have an abnormal heart tone and a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum.
The most effective method to diagnose mesothelioma involves a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma will also determine how a physician will treat the illness. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer the doctor will drain the excess fluid through a procedure known as pleurodesis, or place the pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the organ's linings called the mesothelium. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, but it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes.
It can take between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Because of this time period of latency, many patients may be misdiagnosed. This disease is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis could result in delays in treatment, which may decrease the chance of survival.
If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. At the first visit, doctors review a patient's medical history to determine if there are any symptoms or conditions that could increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos, and also the type and duration of the exposure.
The doctor will then order imaging tests of the abdomen and chest to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all offer detailed images of the interior of the body. They also reveal lung changes, such as the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also reveal whether mesothelioma has spread other areas of the body.
A doctor may also order a test of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They may also perform an operation known as the thoracentesis. This involves removing a sample of the fluid surrounding the lungs to look for cancer cells.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure will be performed to examine small portions of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle guided CT scan can be used to carry out this procedure. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are most suitable for the patient. This could include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to participate in immunotherapy. This newer form can improve a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life.
Treatment
Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line and protect organs, including the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is impossible to cure mesothelioma but treatment can help manage symptoms.
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and search for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure as asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the lining of the chest cavity the stomach, tummy or the heart (mesothelium). In time this causes inflammation and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using blood tests and imaging tests.
Your doctor will use a chest X ray to determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images. They may also perform a needle biopsy to obtain an in-situ sample of the affected tissue.
A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue with an magnifying glass to find cancerous cell and determine the kind. To determine the type of mesothelioma, the pathologist will stain the sample with a dye that lights up when certain kinds of protein are present. The doctor will then use a technique to magnify the tissue.
Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because mesothelioma cells appear similar to other kinds of cell 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 mesothelin related protein that is soluble.
Your healthcare team will decide on mesothelioma treatments based on the kind of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. The most popular mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stages, you may also receive palliative care to relieve pain and other symptoms.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and stage of cancer, and other factors like the patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are experienced to learn about the treatment options available to them.
Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are the pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the lung linings, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, lab tests and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking tiny amounts of tissue to test. The doctors can compare biopsy samples with an online database to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to predict the life expectancy of a person with mesothelioma and their treatment plan.
Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid, epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma grows at a different pace 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 could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop after exposure to asbestos, so many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos exposure must be reported to a physician and the victims should be checked regularly.
During these visits, doctors will examine for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They can also conduct simple blood tests to determine the health of the patient. If the results show that a patient is at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma they can schedule additional tests to get an estimate of the prognosis. This includes imaging tests like X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with lung function tests and a chest MRI, or PET scan.