filebike7

Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in some cases, the tissues surrounding the heart and abdomen. The primary reason for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into cancerous mesothelioma cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause these cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lungs (pleura). It can also occur in the tissues of the heart, abdomen and testicles. Breathlessness, chest discomfort and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition patients may suffer from abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms are often confusing and difficult to identify in the beginning particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively young disease. It could take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to show up. A physical examination and patient's health history are the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. A doctor might require blood tests and 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 show an unusual mass or fluid in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two most common types of mesothelioma are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Around 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. The majority of patients with pleural cancer have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing difficulties. In some cases, a person with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, which is known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most reliable method to identify mesothelioma is take a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma also dictate how a doctor treats the illness. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer, the doctor will drain the excess fluid through the procedure called pleurodesis, or insert an pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and enhance respiration. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy. Diagnosis The cancerous mesothelioma forms on the organ's linings. The disease is most common in the lungs, however it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes. It can take between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Because of this time period of latency many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. This disease is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious like pneumonia or the flu. This could result in delays in treatment, which can reduce the chances of survival. Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should consult their physician as soon as possible. At the first visit, doctors review a patient's medical history to identify any signs or symptoms that increase the risk of 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 request imaging tests for the abdomen and chest to determine if there are 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 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 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 mesothelioma is found to be the cause, a biopsy is performed to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cell. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) 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 surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance the prognosis of patients and improve 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 lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. It is not possible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment may help control symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your health history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will ask you about asbestos exposure because it is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to be stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium), stomach or heart. This can cause inflammation over time and can change normal cells into cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using blood tests and imaging tests. Your doctor will use chest X-rays to determine if you suffer from fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your provider will order MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected region. They will also perform a needle biopsy in order to obtain a sample from the affected tissue. colorado asbestos lawyer , a mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue under an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine the type. To determine the type of mesothelioma the doctor will stain the tissue sample with a dye that shows up when certain types of protein are present. They will then employ a specific method to obtain an even closer view of the tissue under the microscope. It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the mesothelioma-causing cells are similar to other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. These tests include an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3, or soluble mesothelin related peptide. Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma based on the type of cancer you have and its stage. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is in an advanced stage, you may also receive palliative care to relieve discomfort and other signs. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma is determined by the type and stage cancer as well as other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are skilled to find out about their treatment options. Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or eaten, and can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumours. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma that occurs in the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura), as well as peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer form that arises in the lining that protects the abdomen. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking tiny amounts of tissue for testing. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples to a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can be used to estimate the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified in three categories: epithelioid epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma forms at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer makes up 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a higher survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma develop after exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients do not get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and undergo periodic checkups. During these visits, doctors can examine for signs of exposure to asbestos, such as scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory problems. They can also perform 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 further tests to receive an outlook. This includes imaging tests like X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to a lung function test, a chest MRI or PET scan.