Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity and, in rare instances the abdominal lining and heart. The primary cause of mesothelioma lies in asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers can get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into cancerous mesothelioma cells.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects the tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause cancerous cells to grow into mesothelioma tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are found in the lungs. However, it can be found in the lining of the abdomen and the testicles, as well as the heart.
Breathlessness, chest discomfort, and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients also feel abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to those of other ailments and are difficult to identify, particularly in the initial stages of mesothelioma. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to appear.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is a physical examination and a health history. A doctor may request blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of 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 type of mesothelioma. The two main types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for around 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid.
The majority of patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. In certain cases, people with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, which is known as pericardial effusion or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).
The most effective method to identify mesothelioma is through the taking of a biopsy of the tissue. The type of mesothelioma determines the way a doctor treats the condition. For instance in the case of pericardial mesothelioma doctors may eliminate excess fluid through pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or install an indwelling pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the linings of organs, known as the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs. However, it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes.
It can take between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to manifest. Due to this time of latency, many patients can be incorrectly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, like pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis can lead to delays in treatment, which may decrease the chance of surviving.
Those who suspect mesothelioma should visit their doctor immediately. In the first visit, doctors review the patient's entire medical history to determine signs and any other factors that may make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes previous asbestos exposure as well as the type and duration.
The next step is for doctors to request imaging tests to look at the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X rays, CT scans and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, like the thickness of the pleural wall or the accumulation of fluid. They can also tell whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
A doctor might also recommend an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation called a thoracentesis which involves taking out the lungs of fluid and looking for cancer cells.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed then a biopsy is taken to look at a small piece of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle-guided CT scan can be used to perform this procedure. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are most suitable for the patient. This can include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Certain patients may choose to take part in immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life.
Treatment
Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line and protect organs, like the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Although mesothelioma cannot be cured, treatment can help control symptoms.
Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure, because it is the leading 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 may change normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests are used to identify mesothelioma.
Your doctor will make use of a chest X-ray to see changes in the lung tissue and determine whether 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 region. They will also conduct a needle biopsy in order to collect a sample from the affected tissue.
A pathologist, a mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue under a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cell and determine the kind. To make the diagnosis the doctor will stain the tissue sample with a dye that shows up when certain kinds of proteins are present. They will then use a special technique to get an even closer view of the tissue under the microscope.
Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because the mesothelioma cells look like other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. These tests involve an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3, or soluble mesothelin related peptide.
Your healthcare team will determine the best treatment plan for mesothelioma based on the type of cancer and its stage. The most commonly used mesothelioma treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is in advanced stages you could also receive palliative treatment to relieve discomfort and other signs.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and stage of cancer, and other factors like a patient's age and general health. asheville asbestos lawyer should consult with a doctor who are knowledgeable about their treatment options.
Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten, and can cause genetic changes and inflammation that can transform normal cells into mesothelioma cancers. The most prevalent mesothelioma forms are pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the lung linings as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also suggest taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples with a database in order to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can be used to determine the life expectancy of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan.
Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma kind develops at a different rate and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60 percent to 80% cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma.
It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients do not get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they show signs of. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a doctor and have regular checkups.
During these visits, doctors look for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They may also conduct simple blood tests to assess a patient's overall health. If the results indicate that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is high they can schedule further tests to get a mesothelioma prognosis. This will include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound as well as a lung function test and a chest MRI or PET scan.