Mesothelioma
asbestos legal Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs, and, in rare cases the linings of the abdomen and the heart. The primary cause of mesothelioma is
asbestos case exposure.
Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This turns cells into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres could cause these cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lungs. It can also develop in the linings of the heart, abdomen and testicles.
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition patients may suffer from abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms are akin to other ailments and are difficult to identify, particularly in the initial stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for years or even decades following asbestos exposure.
The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is a physical examination and a health history. To determine the severity of the symptoms the doctor can order tests for blood 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 mass or fluid that isn't normal in the lung. These scans help the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and mesothelioid are the two major types. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
The majority of patients with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing issues. A person with pleural msothelioma may suffer from an abnormal heart sound and a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum.
The best way to accurately identify mesothelioma is to take an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also dictate how a doctor treats the illness. For example when a patient has pericardial mesothelioma the doctor could eliminate excess fluid through pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
The cancerous mesothelioma forms on the linings of the organs. The majority of cases occur in the lung (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).
It can take between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Because of this time period of latency many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious, such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake can lead to delays in treatment, which could decrease the chance of surviving.
Those who suspect mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as possible. In the initial visit, doctors will review the patient's entire medical history to identify signs and other factors that could make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to
asbestos case or other asbestos-containing substances, and also the type and duration of exposure.
The next step is for doctors to conduct imaging tests to examine the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs are all able to reveal changes in the lungs, such as an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also reveal if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other regions of the body.
A doctor may also recommend an examination of the blood to determine whether the patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They may also perform a procedure called the thoracentesis. This involves the removal of a small amount of the fluid surrounding the lungs to search for cancerous 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. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or with the use of a needle that is guided by the aid of a CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients may also choose to participate in immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance the prognosis of a patient and increase their quality of life.
Treatment
Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line and protect organs, like the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is impossible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment can help manage symptoms.
Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and search for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your exposure to
asbestos, because it is the leading risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to get trapped in the linings the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or heart. This causes inflammation over time and can transform normal cells into cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is diagnosed with imaging tests and blood tests.
Your doctor will use an X-ray of the chest to determine if there is fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET) to obtain high-quality images. They will also perform a needle biopsy in order to collect a sample from the affected tissue.
A pathologist, a mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue using an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine the type. To establish the diagnosis, the pathologist will stain the sample using a dye which shows up when certain types of proteins are present. They will then employ an advanced method to get an even closer view of the tissue under the microscope.
Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose as mesothelioma cells appear similar to other kinds of cell in the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by other tests. They may use blood tests to determine the levels of fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptide.
Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma depending on your cancer type and its stage. The most popular mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is in an advanced stage you could also receive palliative care to relieve pain and other symptoms.
Prognosis
The outlook for mesothelioma is based on the type and stage of cancer, in addition to other factors, such as a patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are experienced to learn about the treatment options available to them.
Mesothelioma occurs when
asbestos compensation 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 tumours. The most common mesothelioma types are the pleural (which forms on the linings of the lungs as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma.
The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue to be examined. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples to a database to identify the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can be used to estimate the longevity of a patient suffering from mesothelioma as well as their treatment plan.
Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma type grows at an individual rate and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60% to 80% of cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma.
It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop following exposure to asbestos, so many patients do not get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they show signs of.
asbestos legal exposure must be reported to a doctor and the victims should be checked regularly.
During these visits, doctors will examine for signs of exposure to asbestos such as scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They can also conduct an easy blood test to determine the patient's health. If the results show that the patient is at a high risk for mesothelioma, they can schedule further tests to determine if they are likely to develop an outlook. This includes imaging tests like X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well a lung function test or chest MRI or PET scan.
