Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues lining the chest cavity and lungs and, in rare instances the abdomen's lining and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects the tissues that connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cells to undergo a change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lung. However, it could also occur in the abdominal lining, heart and testicles.
The most common mesothelioma symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing. In addition certain patients suffer from abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not manifest for years or even decades after asbestos exposure.
raleigh asbestos attorney and a health history of the patient are the first steps in determining mesothelioma. A doctor can request blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).
X-rays may reveal an unusual swelling or fluid inside the lung. These scans help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two main types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Around 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.
People with pleural cancer typically have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing problems. In certain instances, a patient suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur, an issue called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).
The most effective method to diagnose mesothelioma involves a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma also dictate how a doctor manages the disease. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will drain excess fluid using the procedure called pleurodesis, or insert the pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the organ's linings called the mesothelium. The disease most commonly occurs in the lungs (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).
The symptoms of mesothelioma can be seen between 10 and fifty years after the first exposure. Because of this latency period it is possible for patients to be mistakenly diagnosed. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious conditions such as pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis can lead to delays in treatment, which could lower a patient's chances of surviving.
If you suspect mesothelioma, visit their doctor immediately. During the initial appointment, doctors will review the medical history of a patient to identify any signs or symptoms that may increase their risk of mesothelioma. This includes past asbestos exposure and the kind and duration.
The next step is to have doctors order imaging tests to check the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X rays, CT scans, and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, like the thickness of the pleural wall or the accumulation of fluid. They can also show 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 in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation called a thoracentesis which involves removing fluid from the lungs and examining the lungs for cancerous cells.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure will be taken to look at a small piece of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or with a needle guided by a CT scan. The results of this test will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This may 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, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that line and protect organs such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. It is not possible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment can help manage symptoms.
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure since it is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to be trapped in the linings the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or the heart. This causes inflammation over time and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests are used to identify mesothelioma.
Your doctor uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if there is an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET) to obtain precise images. They will also perform a needle biopsy in order to obtain a sample from the affected tissue.
A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will look at mesothelioma cells under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma that you have. The pathologist will employ a dye to color the tissue samples to diagnose the cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types are present. They will then use a specific method to obtain an in-depth look at the tissue under a microscope.
Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because the mesothelioma cells look like other types of cells found in the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis with other tests. These tests involve the collection of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or soluble mesothelin related peptide.
Your healthcare team will choose mesothelioma treatments based on the type of cancer you suffer from and how advanced it is. The most popular mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is at an advanced stages you could also receive palliative care to ease discomfort and other symptoms.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma is dependent on the stage and type of cancer as well as factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with knowledgeable doctors to find out more about the treatment options available to them.
Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura), and peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer form that arises in the lining that protects the abdomen.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking a small sample of tissue for testing. Doctors then compare the samples of the biopsy to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can be used to determine the life expectancy of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan.
The mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 60 percent to 80% cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients aren't diagnosed of mesothelioma until they show significant symptoms. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups.
During these visits, doctors examine for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They can also perform an easy blood test to determine a patient's overall health. If the results show that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high, they can arrange for further tests to get an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This includes imaging tests such as X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with the lung function test, a chest MRI or PET scan.