Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues lining the chest cavity and lungs and, in some cases the lining of the abdomen and heart. The primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers can get stuck in tissues, causing DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into mesothelioma cancerous cells.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect the organs inside the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause these cells to undergo a change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung. However, it can happen in the abdominal lining, heart and testicles.
The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms are breathlessness coughing, chest pain and chest pain. Patients also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to diagnose in the beginning particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new condition. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for years or even decades after asbestos exposure.
A physical examination and a medical history of the patient is the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. A doctor can ask for blood tests or imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans comprise CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).
X-rays may reveal an unusual mass or fluid in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the kind of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and mesothelioid are the two major kinds. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
The majority of patients with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, non-productive cough and breathing problems. A person with pleural msothelioma can have an abnormal heart sound and a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum.
The most precise method to diagnose mesothelioma is to take a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma determines the method used by a doctor to treat the condition. If a patient has pericardial cancer, the doctor will drain the excess fluid through a procedure known as pleurodesis, or insert an pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the linings of organs, known as the mesothelium. The disease most commonly occurs in the lungs (pleura) however 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. Due to this latency period many patients could be mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis could result in delays in treatment, which could lower a patient's chances of survival.
Those who suspect mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as possible. In the initial visit, doctors review the medical history of the patient to determine if there are any signs or symptoms that increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes asbestos exposure in the past, as well the type and duration.
Next, doctors will request imaging tests to look at the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, including an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also reveal whether mesothelioma has spread other parts of the body.
A doctor can also request a test of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves removing fluid from the lungs and looking for cancer cells.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to examine a small portion 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 aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are most suitable for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life.
lakewood asbestos law firm affects tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lung (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is not possible to cure mesothelioma but treatment may help control symptoms.
Your doctor will ask you about your health background and will look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure, because asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the lining of the chest cavity the stomach, tummy or the heart (mesothelium). This causes inflammation over time, and can change normal cells into cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using imaging tests and blood tests.
Your healthcare provider uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if you suffer from fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET) to obtain detailed images. They will also do a needle biopsy to obtain a sample of the affected tissue.
A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will examine mesothelioma cells under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma you have. The pathologist will use a dye to color the tissue samples in order to identify the cancer. The dye is visible when certain types of cancer are present. They will then use a specific method to obtain a closer look at the tissue under microscope.
It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the mesothelioma-causing cells look similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by other tests. These tests include a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble.
Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma based on the type of cancer and its stage. 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 will alleviate you of pain and other symptoms.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is based on the stage and type of cancer and other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are skilled to find out about the treatment options available to them.
Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura) and peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer form that arises in the lining of the abdomen.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of the tissue to be tested. Doctors can then compare the samples of the biopsy to a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can be used to estimate the life expectancy of a person with mesothelioma and their treatment plan.
Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma develops at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a better survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid.
Mesothelioma may develop for up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they have severe symptoms. Asbestos exposure should be disclosed to a doctor and the victims should undergo periodic checks.
During these visits, doctors examine for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They can also perform simple blood tests to check a patient's overall health. If the results show that an individual is at a high risk for mesothelioma, they can arrange for additional tests to determine if they are likely to develop an estimate of the prognosis. This will include imaging exams like X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well lung function tests or chest MRI or PET scan.