Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue lining the chest cavity and lungs, and in rare cases the lining of the abdomen and heart. The most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into mesothelioma cancerous cells.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects the tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers could cause these cells to undergo a change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of mesothelioma cases originate in the lung (pleura). It can also be found in the linings of the abdomen, the heart and testicles.
Chest discomfort, and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Additionally certain patients suffer from abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to diagnose in the early stages, especially when mesothelioma is still a relatively new disease. It could take years or even decades following exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to appear.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is an examination and a medical history. To determine the severity of symptoms the doctor can order tests for blood and imaging scans. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).
X-rays could reveal a lump or fluid that is not normal in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. The two main mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. About 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis, and is less frequent than epithelioid.
People with pleural cancer typically suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing issues. In rare instances, a patient suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur, an issue known as pericardial effusion or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).
The most precise method to diagnose mesothelioma is to take a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will determine how a doctor treats the illness. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will drain excess fluid using the procedure called pleurodesis, or insert the pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include surgery and chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the organ's linings, known as the mesothelium. The disease most commonly occurs in the lung (pleura) but it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).
The symptoms of mesothelioma can appear between 10 and fifty years after the first exposure. Because of this latency period many patients are incorrectly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This can result in delays in treatment, which may lower a patient's chances of survival.
If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma should consult their physician immediately. In the initial visit, doctors review the medical history of the patient to identify any symptoms or factors that may increase their likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos, as well as the type and duration of exposure.
The doctor will then recommend imaging tests in the chest and abdomen to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all offer precise images of the inside of the body. They also show lung changes, such as the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other organs of the body.
A doctor might also recommend a test of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a Thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and examining the lungs for cancerous cells.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed then a biopsy is performed to examine an insignificant portion of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or through a needle guided by a CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are best for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance the prognosis of a patient and increase their quality of life.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). 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 ask you about asbestos exposure because it is the leading risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the chest cavity's lining, tummy or heart (mesothelium). In time, this causes inflammation and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests are used to identify mesothelioma.
Your healthcare provider will use an X-ray chest scan to observe changes in your lung tissue, and determine if you have the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected region. They may also perform an incision using a needle to collect a sample of the affected tissue.
A mesothelioma expert, also known as a pathologist will examine mesothelioma cells under a microscope in order to find cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma that you have. To determine the type of mesothelioma 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 specific method to obtain a closer look at the tissue under a microscope.
It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the mesothelioma-causing cells appear similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the diagnosis by performing other tests. spokane valley asbestos attorney involve the collection of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble.
Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment option for mesothelioma, based on your cancer type and stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the most common treatment options for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is at an an advanced stage you could also be offered palliative care to ease discomfort and other signs.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the type and stage of cancer, and other factors such as the patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are experienced to learn about their treatment options.
Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma forms are mesothelioma pleural (which develops on the lung linings or chest cavity) and abdomen) mesothelioma.
The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take a small sample of tissue to test. Doctors then compare the biopsy samples to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can be used to estimate the life expectancy of a patient with mesothelioma and their treatment plan.
The three types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and epithelial, epithelial cells as well as sarcomatoid and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma grows at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60% to 80% of cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they show serious symptoms. Asbestos-related victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups.
During these visits, doctors will look for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also do 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 additional tests to receive a prognosis. This could include imaging tests such as X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well the lung function test or chest MRI, or PET scan.