Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs, and, in rare cases the tissues of the abdomen and the heart. The primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers can get stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause cancerous cells to transform into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung (pleura). However, it can also be found in the abdominal lining, heart and testicles.
The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptoms are breathlessness, chest pain and coughing. Some patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and can be difficult to identify, particularly in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma could not be evident for a long time or even decades after asbestos exposure.
A physical examination and health history of the patient are the first steps in determining mesothelioma. To determine the severity of the symptoms the doctor can order blood tests and imaging scans. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).
X-rays can reveal a strange swelling or fluid inside the lung. These scans may help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the kind of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two main types. Around 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.
Most patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. In rare instances, a patient suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur, which is called pericardial effusion, or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).
The best way to accurately identify mesothelioma is to take a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also determine how a physician manages the disease. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer the doctor will remove excess fluid with the procedure called pleurodesis, or insert the pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings of organs called the mesothelium. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs. However, it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can be seen between 10 and fifty years after the initial exposure. Due to this time of latency, many patients can be mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis may result in a delay in treatment that can reduce a patient's chance of survival.
If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma must visit their doctor right away. During the initial visit, doctors review a patient's medical history in order to identify any symptoms or conditions that increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes past asbestos exposure and the type and duration.
The next step is to have doctors conduct imaging tests to examine the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the inside of the body. They can reveal lung changes, such as the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also show whether the mesothelioma tumor has spread to other parts of the body.
A doctor will also order an examination of the blood to determine if the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that are related to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves removing fluid from the lungs and looking for cancer cells.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cell. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle-guided CT scan can be used to perform this procedure. Richmond asbestos attorney of this will aid in determining the best mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may choose to participate in immunotherapy. This newer form can improve 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 stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. It is impossible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment may help control symptoms.
Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure as this is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to be trapped in the linings the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or the heart. This can cause inflammation over time, and can transform normal cells into cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be identified using imaging tests and blood tests.
Your healthcare provider uses a chest X ray to determine if there is fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET), to get precise images. They may also perform the needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue.
A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue with a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cell and determine the type. The pathologist will employ a dye to stain the tissues to identify the cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types are present. The doctor will then employ an instrument to magnify the tissue.
It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma since the cells that cause it look similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. These include a blood test to determine the levels of fibulin-3 and mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble.
Your medical team will choose a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most commonly used treatment options for mesothelioma. Palliative treatment may be offered when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This can relieve the pain and other signs.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is dependent on the stage and type of cancer and other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are knowledgeable about their treatment options.
Asbestos fibers can cause damage to tissues that line vital organs and safeguard them. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining and the chest cavity (pleura), as well as mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common type that is found in the lining that protects the abdomen.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal tiny pieces of tissue to be examined. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can be used to determine the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma and their treatment plan.
Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid, epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma grows at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 60 percent to 80% of cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients aren't diagnosed of mesothelioma until they show serious symptoms. Asbestos exposure must be reported to a physician and the victims should undergo periodic checks.
During these visits, doctors will examine for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They may also conduct a simple blood test to check the overall health of a patient. If the results show that a patient's risk of developing mesothelioma is high they can arrange for further tests to receive mesothelioma-related prognosis. This will include imaging exams such as X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to the lung function test and a chest MRI, or PET scan.