Five Killer Quora Answers On Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs 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. This changes cells into mesothelioma cancer cells.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs inside the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cells to change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are found in the lungs (pleura). It can also be found in the tissues of the abdomen, heart and testicles.

Breathlessness, chest discomfort, and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition, some patients experience abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms are akin to other illnesses and can be difficult to recognize, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up.

A physical examination and medical history of the patient is the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. To determine the severity of the symptoms the doctor can order blood tests and imaging scans. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (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 located and the type of mesothelioma. The two most common mesothelioma types are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Around 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Most people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. In some instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, an issue called pericardial effusion, or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The most accurate method to identify mesothelioma is to take the taking of a biopsy of the tissue. The type of mesothelioma determines the way a doctor treats the condition. For example in the case of mesothelioma pericardial doctors may drain excess fluid with 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

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the linings of organs, known as the mesothelium. The majority of cases occur in the lungs (pleura) however it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).

It can take between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Because of this time period of latency, many patients may be mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This can lead to a delay in treatment that can reduce the chances of survival for a patient.

If you suspect mesothelioma, visit their doctor as soon as possible. In the initial visit, doctors examine the medical history of a patient in order to identify any symptoms or conditions that increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos compensation and asbestos legal, and also the type and duration of the exposure.

The next step is to have doctors conduct imaging tests to examine the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all offer detailed images of the interior of the body and can show lung changes like the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also reveal the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other organs of the body.

A doctor may also request a blood test to see whether the patient has high levels of certain substances that are associated with mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a Thoracentesis which involves taking out the lungs of fluid and examining the lungs for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma is confirmed A biopsy is then performed to check a small sample of the tumor for cancerous cell. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle guided CT scan is a method to carry out this procedure. The results of this will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This more advanced mesothelioma treatment may improve the quality of life for patients and improve their chances of survival.

Treatment

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. While mesothelioma can't be treated but treatment can help manage symptoms.

Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos (their website) exposure, as asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos case fibers to get trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). This causes inflammation over time and can transform normal cells into cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using blood tests and imaging tests.

Your doctor uses chest X-rays to determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images. They will also perform a needle biopsy in order to collect a sample of the affected tissue.

A pathologist, a mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue under a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cell and determine the kind. The pathologist will employ a dye to stain the tissue samples in order to determine the type of cancer. This dye is visible when certain types are present. They will then employ a special technique to get an even closer view of the tissue under a microscope.

It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma since the mesothelioma-causing cells are similar to other types of cells within the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis with other tests. They may use blood tests to measure levels of fibulin-3 and mesothelin-related, soluble peptide.

Your healthcare team will determine the best treatment plan for mesothelioma depending on your cancer type and stage. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma has reached an an advanced stage you could also receive palliative treatment to relieve discomfort and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis of mesothelioma is determined by the stage and type of cancer as well as factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with experienced doctors to learn more about the treatment options available to them.

Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos attorney fibers can be breathed in or ingested and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma that occurs in the lung lining and the chest cavity (pleura) as well as mesothelioma peritoneal, a less common form that arises in the protective lining of the abdomen.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue to be examined. The doctors can compare biopsy samples against a database in order to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information will help them predict a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan.

The three types of mesothelioma are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells as well as sarcomatoid and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type grows at an individual rate and responds to treatment in a different way. Epithelioid cancer makes up 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a higher survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid.

It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma develop following exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and have regular checkups.

During these visits, doctors will check for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They can also do an easy blood test to determine the patient's health. If the results show that a patient is at an increased risk of mesothelioma, they can arrange for additional tests to receive an estimate of the prognosis. This will include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound as well as lung function tests, and an chest MRI or PET scan.