Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity, lungs and, in some cases, the linings of the abdomen and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the principal cause of mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers may get stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, affects the tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cells to undergo a change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. Most cases of mesothelioma are found in the lung. However, it can be found in the lining of the abdomen and the testicles, as well as the heart.
The most common mesothelioma symptoms are breathlessness coughing, chest pain and chest pain. Some patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are akin to other illnesses and can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not be evident for a long time or even decades following asbestos exposure.
A physical examination and health history of the patient are the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. To determine the severity of symptoms the doctor can order imaging tests and blood tests. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).
X-rays can show an unusual swelling or fluid inside the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the type of mesothelioma. The two major types of mesothelioma are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis, and is less frequent than epithelioid.
The majority of patients with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing problems. People with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart sound, a condition called pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum.
The most precise method to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to collect a tissue sample or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma will also determine how a physician manages the disease. For instance when a patient has mesothelioma of the pericardium doctors may remove excess fluid using a procedure called pleurodesis or install an indwelling pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
The mesothelioma-related cancer is found in the linings of organs. The majority of the time, the disease develops in the lung (pleura), though it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).
The signs of mesothelioma may appear between 10 and fifty years after the first exposure. Because of this time period of latency many patients are incorrectly diagnosed. This illness is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious, such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis could result in delays in treatment, which could lower a patient's chances of surviving.
If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma should visit their doctor right away. At the first visit, doctors review a patient's medical history to identify any signs or symptoms that increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes past asbestos exposure, as well the type and duration.
The doctor will then recommend imaging tests for the abdomen and chest to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, like the thickness of the pleural wall or the accumulation of fluid. They can also show if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
A doctor may also order a test of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They may also perform a procedure called a thoracentesis. It involves removing a sample of the fluid surrounding the lungs to search for cancerous cells.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed, a biopsy will be performed to examine a small piece of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle-guided CT scan can be used to perform this procedure. The results will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment for the patient. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest mesothelioma treatment could improve a patient's quality of life and improve their chances of survival.
Treatment
Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). While mesothelioma can't be treated however, treatment can reduce symptoms.
Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure as it is the leading mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to be trapped in the linings the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach or heart. This can cause inflammation over time and can change normal cells into cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is diagnosed with blood tests and imaging tests.
Your healthcare provider will employ a chest X-ray to see changes in your lung tissue and determine if you suffer from the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). Your doctor will recommend an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images. They may also perform a needle biopsy to obtain a sample of the affected tissue.
A pathologist, a mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue with a magnifying lens to detect cancerous cells and determine their kind. The doctor will use dyes to stain tissues to determine the type of cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types of mesothelioma are present. They will then employ an advanced method to get an even closer view of the tissue under microscope.
Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because the mesothelioma cells look similar to other kinds of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by performing other tests. They may use blood tests to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble.
Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma based on the type of cancer and its stage. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most commonly used treatments for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is at an advanced stages you could also receive palliative care to ease pain and other symptoms.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the type and stage of cancer, and other factors like the 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 fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that develops in the lung lining and 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 recommend that a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue to be tested. lansing asbestos attorney can compare biopsy samples with an online database to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to estimate the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan.
The three types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and epithelial, epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a better survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma.
It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients don't receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos exposure should be disclosed to a doctor and patients should undergo periodic checks.
During these visits doctors can examine for signs of exposure to asbestos, such as lung scarring or other respiratory problems. They may also conduct a simple blood test to check a patient's overall health. If the results show that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is high, they can arrange for further tests to determine mesothelioma-related prognosis. This will include imaging exams like X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well lung function tests, a chest MRI or PET scan.