Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs, and, in rare cases the tissues of the heart and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers can get stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects tissues that connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause cancerous cells to grow into mesothelioma-related tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are located in the lung. It can also develop in the tissues of the heart, abdomen and testicles.
The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptoms are breathlessness coughing, chest pain and chest pain. In addition patients may are suffering from abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms are similar to many other diseases and are difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not be evident for a long time or even decades after asbestos exposure.
A physical exam and a health history of the patient are the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. A doctor can require blood tests and 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 a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lung. These scans can assist the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the kind of mesothelioma. The two main types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. About 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid.
Most patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. People with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart tone 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 also determines the way a doctor treats the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer the doctor will drain the excess fluid through the procedure called pleurodesis, or insert the pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the organ's linings known as the mesothelium. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, however it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes.
It takes between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to appear. Because of this time period of latency, many patients may be incorrectly diagnosed. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious such as pneumonia or the flu. This mistake could cause delays in treatment that can reduce a patient's chance of survival.
Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. During south bend asbestos lawsuit , doctors will review the medical history of the patient to identify any signs or symptoms that may increase their risk of mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, as well as the type and duration of the exposure.
The doctor will then order imaging tests of the chest and abdomen to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, like pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also tell whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
A doctor will also order a blood test to see whether the patient has high levels of certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves taking out the lungs of fluid and examining the lungs for cancerous cells.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or by using an instrument that guides the needle through a CT scan. The results of this test will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment for the patient. This can include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance the prognosis of a patient and increase their quality of life.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. While mesothelioma can't be treated but treatment can help manage symptoms.
Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure, as it is the leading risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibers to be trapped in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or the heart. This causes inflammation over time, and can transform normal cells into cancerous cells. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma.
Your doctor uses chest X-rays to determine if you suffer from an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). The doctor will recommend MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain precise images of the affected area. They may also perform the needle biopsy 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 what type of mesothelioma that you have. To make the diagnosis the doctor will stain the tissue sample with a dye that 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 can be difficult to recognize because the mesothelioma cells look like other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by other tests. These tests involve an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble.
Your medical team will choose a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you suffer from and the degree to which it is advanced. The most commonly used mesothelioma treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is at an advanced stages you could also receive palliative care to ease discomfort and other signs.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on the type and stage cancer and other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with experienced doctors to learn more about the treatment options available to them.
Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that line vital organs and protect them from harm. The asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural mesothelioma. It occurs in the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura) and peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer type that is found in the lining of the abdomen.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue to be tested. The doctors can compare biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to determine the life expectancy of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan.
The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type develops at different rates and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 60% to 80% of cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they experience serious symptoms. Asbestos-related victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and undergo periodic checkups.
During these visits, doctors can check for signs of asbestos-related exposure like lung scarring or other respiratory problems. They can also conduct an easy blood test to determine the health of a patient's general. If the results show that a patient's risk of developing mesothelioma is very high, they can schedule additional tests to get mesothelioma-related prognosis. This will include imaging exams like X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with a lung function test or chest MRI, or PET scan.