5 Killer Quora Answers On Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs, and, in rare cases the tissues of the abdomen and heart. Exposure to asbestos settlement is the main cause of mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects tissues that connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause these cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are found in the lungs. However, it could also occur in the lining of the abdomen, heart and testicles.

Chest discomfort and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition certain patients are suffering from abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and are difficult to identify, particularly in the initial stages of mesothelioma. It may take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to manifest.

The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a medical history. To determine the severity of symptoms, a doctor may 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 could reveal a lump or fluid that is not normal in the lung. These scans help the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. The two major mesothelioma types are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. About 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Most people with pleural cancer have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing difficulties. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart tone, a condition called pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum.

The most reliable method to diagnose mesothelioma is to take a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma determines how a doctor will treat the disease. For instance in the case of pericardial mesothelioma the doctor could eliminate excess fluid through pleurodesis procedure or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery.

Diagnosis

The mesothelioma cancerous form is found in the linings of organs. The disease is most common in the lungs, but it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the initial exposure. Because of this latency period it is possible for patients to be misdiagnosed. This condition is often mistakenly referred to as other conditions that are less serious like pneumonia or the flu. This mistake can result in delays in treatment, which could decrease the chance of survival.

Those who suspect mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as they can. During this initial visit, doctors take a patient's full medical history to look for symptoms and any factors that could make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos lawsuit and asbestos, as well as the nature and duration of the exposure.

The doctor will then recommend imaging tests of the abdomen and chest to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the inside of the body and can show lung issues like the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also show if mesothelioma has spread to other organs of the body.

A doctor will also order a blood test to see if the patient has high levels of certain substances that are related to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a Thoracentesis which involves removing fluid from the lungs and examining the lungs for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed then a biopsy is taken to check a small piece of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or with the use of a needle that is guided by the aid of a CT scan. The results will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment for the patient. This can include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some patients may also choose to take part in immunotherapy. This latest form of treatment can improve the prognosis of patients and improve 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 cure mesothelioma, but treatment can help reduce symptoms.

Your doctor will inquire about your medical background and will look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure, as asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos settlement can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the lining of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). This causes inflammation over time, and can change normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to detect mesothelioma.

Your healthcare provider will employ an X-ray chest scan to observe changes in your lung tissue and determine if you have the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). The doctor will recommend MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected region. They may also perform the needle biopsy to collect an image of the affected tissue.

A pathologist, or mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue with a magnifying lens to detect cancerous cells and determine their kind. To establish the diagnosis, the doctor will stain the tissue sample using a dye which shows up when certain kinds of proteins are present. They will then employ a special technique to get an in-depth look at the tissue under a microscope.

It can be difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as 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 tests involve the collection of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3, or soluble mesothelin related peptide.

Your healthcare team will determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma depending on the type of cancer you have and stage. The most commonly used mesothelioma treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The option of palliative therapy is available when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This will relieve you of discomfort and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is based on the type and stage cancer as well as factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are experienced to learn about their treatment options.

Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are the pleural (which forms on the lung linings or chest cavity) and abdomen) mesothelioma.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take tiny amounts of tissue for testing. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples to a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma-related cell type. This information can be used to determine the life expectancy of a person with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan.

Mesothelioma cells are classified in three categories: epithelioid, epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma type grows at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a better survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma.

It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos litigation, so many patients do not receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and be checked regularly.

During these visits, doctors will look for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They can also conduct simple blood tests to assess the health of a patient's general. If the results indicate that a patient is at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma they can arrange for additional tests to get an estimate of the prognosis. This may include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound as well as lung function tests, and a chest MRI or PET scan.