Mesothelioma
Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in some cases, the tissues of the abdomen and the heart. Exposure to
asbestos is the main reason for mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to
asbestos lawyer fibers may cause these cells to change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. Most cases of mesothelioma are located in the lungs. However, it could also be found in the lining of the abdomen as well as the testicles, heart and lungs.
The most common mesothelioma symptoms are shortness of breath as well as chest pain and coughing. Patients may also experience abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to those of other ailments and are difficult to recognize, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. It could take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up.
A physical examination and a medical history of the patient is the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. To determine the severity of 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 lump or a fluid that is present in the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. The two major mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. About 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid.
The majority of patients with pleural cancer have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing difficulties. In rare cases, a person with pleural mesothelioma could have an abnormal heart murmur which is known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).
The most precise method to identify mesothelioma is take a tissue sample, or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma also determine how a physician manages the disease. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer, the doctor will drain excess fluid using a procedure known as pleurodesis, or insert the pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve respiration. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery.
Diagnosis
The mesothelioma-related cancer is found in the linings of organs. The disease most commonly occurs in the lungs (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).
It takes between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Because of this time period of latency it is possible for patients to be mistakenly diagnosed. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake could cause delays in treatment, which could reduce the chance of a patient's survival.
Anyone who suspects that they might have mesothelioma must see their doctor immediately. At the first visit, doctors examine the medical history of a patient in order to identify any symptoms or factors that could increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the nature and duration of exposure.
The next step is to have doctors conduct imaging tests to examine the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the inside of the body. They can show lung issues like the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also show whether the mesothelioma tumor has spread to other regions of the body.
A doctor might also recommend an examination of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels in certain substances linked 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 a mesothelioma is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or by using a needle guided by a CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are best for the patient. This could include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life.
Treatment
Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, like the lung (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). Although mesothelioma cannot be cured however, treatment can reduce 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 asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the chest cavity's lining the stomach, tummy or the heart (mesothelium). This can cause inflammation over time and can transform normal cells into cancerous cells. Imaging tests and blood tests are used to identify mesothelioma.
Your healthcare provider will use a chest X-ray to see changes in your lung tissue and determine whether you have the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET), to get high-quality images. They may also perform an incision using a needle to obtain a sample from the affected tissue.
A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue using a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cells and determine their type. The doctor will use a dye to color the tissues to determine the type of cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types are present. The doctor will then employ an instrument to magnify the tissue.
Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because mesothelioma cells appear similar to other kinds of cells found within the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. This includes a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 and mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble.
Your healthcare team will determine a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the kind of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. The most popular mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is at an an advanced stage you could also be offered palliative care to ease discomfort and other symptoms.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma is determined by the type and stage of cancer as well as other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with experienced doctors to learn more about their treatment options.
Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most frequent forms of mesothelioma are the pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the linings of the lungs or chest cavity) and abdomen) mesothelioma.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also suggest taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of the tissue to be tested. Doctors can then compare samples of the biopsy to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can help them determine a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan.
Mesothelioma cells are classified in three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma type develops at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer makes up 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a better survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma.
It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they show signs of.
asbestos compensation victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups.
During these visits, doctors can look for signs of
asbestos lawyer exposure such as scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They may also conduct simple blood tests to determine 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 get an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This will include imaging exams like X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well a lung function test or chest MRI or PET scan.
