Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs and, in rare cases the tissues surrounding the abdomen and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers can get stuck in tissues, causing DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs inside the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cancerous cells to transform into mesothelioma tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are located in the lung. It can also develop in the tissues of the heart, abdomen and testicles.
Breathlessness, chest discomfort and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition, some patients experience abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms can be a bit confusing and difficult to diagnose in the beginning particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively young disease. It could take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to appear.
A physical examination and health history of the patient are the first steps in determining mesothelioma. A doctor might require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).
X-rays can show an unusual mass or fluid in the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two most prevalent types. Around 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.
Most people diagnosed with pleural melanoma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. People with pleural mesothelioma can have an abnormal heart sound, a condition called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum.
The most accurate way to diagnose mesothelioma is to collect a tissue sample or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma determines the method used by a doctor to treat the condition. For instance when a patient has pericardial mesothelioma, the doctor may drain excess fluid with pleurodesis procedure or install an indwelling pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include surgery and chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the linings of organs known as the mesothelium. The disease is most common in the lungs, however it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes.
It takes between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. Due to this latency period many patients are incorrectly diagnosed. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious conditions like pneumonia or the flu. This mistake could result in delays in treatment, which could decrease the chance of surviving.
Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should visit their doctor immediately. At the first visit, doctors examine the medical history of the patient in order to identify any signs or symptoms that could increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, as well as the nature and duration of exposure.
The doctor will then request imaging tests in the chest and abdomen to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X rays, CT scans and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, like pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also tell if mesothelioma has spread to other areas of the body.
A doctor may also recommend an analysis of blood to determine if the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that are related to mesothelioma. They can also carry out a procedure called the thoracentesis. This involves the removal of a small amount of the lungs' fluid to check for cancerous cells.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed, a biopsy will be performed to examine a small piece of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle-guided CT scan can be used to perform this procedure. The results of this test will aid in determining the best mesothelioma treatment for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest mesothelioma treatment may improve a patient's quality of life and improve their outlook.
Treatment
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues which line and protect organs such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. It is impossible 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 this is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. 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 transform normal cells into cancerous cells. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma.
Your doctor will use chest X-rays to determine if you have 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 will also do a needle biopsy to obtain a sample of the affected tissue.
A pathologist, a mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue with a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cells and determine their type. To determine the type of mesothelioma the pathologist will stain the sample with a dye that shows up when certain kinds of protein are present. They will then use a specific method to obtain an even closer view of the tissue under the microscope.
It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the cells that cause it appear similar to those of other types of cells within the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the diagnosis by performing other tests. These tests include an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or soluble mesothelin related peptide.
Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma based on the type of cancer and its stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the most popular treatment options for mesothelioma. Palliative treatment may be offered when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This can relieve you of discomfort and other symptoms.
Prognosis
The prognosis of mesothelioma is dependent on the stage and type of cancer as well as other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are knowledgeable about the treatment options available to them.
Asbestos fibers can damage tissues that connect vital organs and shield them. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation that can transform normal cells into mesothelioma cancers. The most common mesothelioma types are pleural (which develops on the linings of the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, lab tests and X-rays. alaska asbestos attorney may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take tiny amounts of tissue to be tested. The doctors can compare biopsy samples against a database in order to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information will help them predict the patient's mesothelioma's life expectancy and treatment plan.
The three types of mesothelioma are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type develops at an individual rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a better survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid.
Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Exposure to asbestos should be disclosed to a doctor and the victims should undergo periodic checks.
During these visits doctors can look for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory problems. They can also conduct a simple blood check to determine the patient's health. If the results show that the patient is at a an increased risk of mesothelioma, they can schedule additional tests to get an outlook. This will include imaging exams like X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well lung function tests or chest MRI or PET scan.