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 surrounding the abdomen and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main reason for mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. Cells turn into mesothelioma cancerous cells.

Signs and symptoms

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

The most common mesothelioma symptoms are breathlessness coughing, chest pain and chest pain. Patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to many other diseases and are difficult to diagnose, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. It may take several years or even decades after 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 the symptoms doctors may recommend blood tests and imaging scans. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).

X-rays may reveal an unusual swelling or fluid inside the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is located and the type of mesothelioma. The two main mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for around 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

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

The most accurate way to diagnose mesothelioma is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma determines the way a doctor treats the disease. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will drain excess fluid using a procedure known as pleurodesis, or place an pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve respiration. Other options include surgery and chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

The mesothelioma cancerous form develops on the organ's linings. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, however it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes.

It takes between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Because of this time period of latency many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. This illness is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious conditions like pneumonia or the flu. This mistake can lead to delays in treatment, which may lower a patient's chances of survival.

Those who suspect mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. During the initial appointment, doctors will review the medical history of the patient in order to identify any signs or symptoms that may increase their risk of mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos and asbestos lawsuit, as well as the type and duration of the exposure.

The doctor will then recommend imaging tests in the abdomen and chest to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans, and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, like an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also show if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

A doctor may also order an examination of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and examining for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy will be performed to examine a small piece of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or through a needle guided by a CT scan. The results of this test will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment 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 a patient's quality of life and improve their prognosis.

Treatment

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs like the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. Although mesothelioma is not curable, it can be treated, treatment can help control symptoms.

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

Your doctor will use chest X-rays to determine if there is fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected region. They will also conduct the needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue.

A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue under a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cells and determine the type. To determine the type of mesothelioma the doctor will stain the sample using a dye which shows up when certain types of proteins are present. The doctor will then use a technique to magnify the tissue.

Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose as the mesothelioma cells look similar to other kinds of cells found within the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the diagnosis with other tests. These tests include an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3, or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble.

Your healthcare team will determine the best treatment plan for mesothelioma, based on your cancer type and its stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatments for mesothelioma. The option of palliative therapy is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This can relieve the pain and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and stage of cancer, in addition to other factors like the patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are knowledgeable about the treatment options available to them.

Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most common forms of mesothelioma are the pleural (which forms on the lung linings or chest cavity) and abdomen) mesothelioma.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking small amounts of tissue to test. The doctors can compare biopsy samples with a database in order to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can be used to estimate the life expectancy of a person with mesothelioma and their treatment plan.

Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma develops at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer makes up 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a better survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid.

It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop after exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they show signs of. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and be checked regularly.

During these visits, doctors will examine for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They can also perform an easy blood test to determine the health of the patient. If the results show that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is very high, they can schedule additional tests to receive mesothelioma-related prognosis. This may include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as a lung function test and a chest MRI or PET scan.