Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare instances, the linings of the abdomen and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers get 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, affects tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause these cells to undergo a change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases originate in the lung (pleura). It can also develop in the linings of the heart, abdomen and testicles.
The most common mesothelioma symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing. Patients may also feel abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms can be a bit confusing and difficult to identify in the beginning stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively young disease. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not manifest for years or even decades following asbestos exposure.
A physical examination and health history of the patient are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. A doctor may ask for blood tests or imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).
X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and mesothelioid are the two major types. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Most people diagnosed with pleural melanoma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. In certain instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur an issue called pericardial effusion, or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).
The best way to accurately identify mesothelioma is through the taking of a biopsy of the tissue. The type of mesothelioma also determines the way a doctor treats the disease. For example when a patient has mesothelioma pericardial the doctor could drain excess fluid with pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or insert a pleural catheter in the body to ease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
The mesothelioma cancerous form is found in the linings of organs. The disease is most common in the lungs, however 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 to appear. Due to this latency period many patients could be incorrectly diagnosed. It is often misinterpreted as other, less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This can lead to a delay in treatment that can reduce the chance of a patient's survival.
Anyone who suspects that they may have mesothelioma need to consult their physician immediately. During the first visit, doctors take a patient's full medical history to identify symptoms and any factors that may make them more likely to have mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, and also the type and duration of exposure.
The doctor will then recommend imaging tests of the chest and abdomen to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, including pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also tell whether the mesothelioma tumor has spread to other parts of the body.
A doctor can also request a test of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves taking out the lungs of fluid and examining for cancerous cells.
If a mesothelioma is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or through an instrument that guides the needle through an CT scan. The results will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs like the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. It is not possible to cure mesothelioma but treatment can help reduce symptoms.
Your doctor will inquire about your health history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure as it is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). This causes inflammation over time and may transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to detect mesothelioma.
Your healthcare provider will use a chest X-ray to see changes in the lung tissue and determine whether you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET), to get detailed images. They may also perform the procedure of a needle biopsy to obtain a sample from the affected tissue.
A pathologist, or mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue under an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine the kind. To make the diagnosis the pathologist will stain the sample using a dye which shows up when certain types of protein are present. They will then use a special technique to get an in-depth look at the tissue under microscope.
Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose as mesothelioma cells appear like other types of cells found within the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the diagnosis with other tests. These tests involve the collection of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related protein that is soluble.
Your healthcare team will choose the mesothelioma treatment plan based on the kind of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most popular treatment options for mesothelioma. Palliative treatment may be offered if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will relieve your discomfort and other symptoms.
Prognosis
The prognosis of mesothelioma is based on the stage and type of cancer as well as factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with knowledgeable doctors to find out more about their treatment options.
Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that line vital organs and safeguard them. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or eaten, and can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumours. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma. It occurs in the lung lining and the chest cavity (pleura) and peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer form that arises in the lining of the abdomen.
The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also suggest an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take a small sample of tissue to test. The doctors can compare biopsy samples to a database in order to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information will help them predict a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan.
The three types of mesothelioma are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma forms at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 60 percent to 80% cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. hawthorne asbestos law firm don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they have serious symptoms. Exposure to asbestos should be disclosed to a doctor and patients must undergo regular checks.
During these visits, doctors look for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They can also conduct a simple blood check to determine the health of the patient. If the results indicate that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high they can arrange for further tests to get a mesothelioma prognosis. This could include imaging tests such as X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to lung function tests or chest MRI, or PET scan.