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 some cases, the linings of the abdomen and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma.

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

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect the organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause these cells to undergo a change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of mesothelioma cases originate in the lung (pleura). However, it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen, heart and testicles.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Additionally patients may suffer from abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to many other ailments and are difficult to recognize, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. It could take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up.

The first step to diagnosing 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 may 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 help the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two main types. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.

Most people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. In certain cases, a person suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur a condition called pericardial effusion, or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The best way to accurately identify mesothelioma is through the taking of a biopsy of the tissue. The type of mesothelioma determines the method used by a doctor to treat the condition. For example in the case of pericardial mesothelioma the doctor could drain excess fluid with a procedure called pleurodesis or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery.

Diagnosis

The cancerous mesothelioma develops on the organ's linings. The majority of the time, the disease develops in the lung (pleura) however it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).

It takes between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Due to this latency period it is possible for patients to be incorrectly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, like the flu or pneumonia. This can cause delays in treatment that can reduce the chances of survival for a patient.

If you suspect that you may have mesothelioma need to visit their doctor right away. During the initial visit, doctors will examine a patient's complete medical history to identify symptoms and any factors that could make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the nature and duration of exposure.

The next step is to have doctors conduct imaging tests to examine the chest and abdomen for any signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs all offer detailed images of the interior of the body. They also show lung issues like the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also tell whether mesothelioma has spread other parts of the body.

A doctor will also order a blood test to see whether the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that are associated with mesothelioma. They can also carry out the procedure known as a thoracentesis, which involves removing a sample of the fluid surrounding the lungs to look for cancer cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed, a biopsy will be performed to examine small portions of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or through an instrument that guides the needle through the aid of a CT scan. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This can include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest mesothelioma treatment may improve a patient's quality of life and improve their prognosis.

Treatment

Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lung (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is impossible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment can help reduce symptoms.

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

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

A mesothelioma specialist called a pathologist will study the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma you suffer from. To make the diagnosis, the doctor will stain the tissue sample using a dye which shows up when certain types of protein are present. The doctor will then employ a technique to magnify the tissue.

Mesothelioma may be difficult to diagnose as mesothelioma-related cells appear similar to other kinds of cells found in the body. Your care team will try to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis with other tests. These tests involve a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3, or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble.

Your medical team will choose mesothelioma treatments based on the type of cancer you suffer from and how advanced it is. The most commonly used mesothelioma treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma is in an advanced stage you could also receive palliative care to ease discomfort and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The outlook for mesothelioma is based on the type and the stage of cancer, in addition to other factors such as the patient's age as well as general health. Patients should consult knowledgeable doctors to find out more about the treatment options available to them.

Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos settlement fibers can be inhaled or consumed, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura) and 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 an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take tiny amounts of tissue to be tested. Doctors can then compare samples of the biopsy to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can help them predict the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan.

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

It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos litigation. Therefore, many patients do not be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. asbestos law victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups.

During these visits, doctors check for signs of asbestos legal exposure like scarring on lung and other respiratory issues. They can also perform simple blood tests to determine the overall health of a patient. If the results show that the patient is at a an increased risk of mesothelioma, they can schedule further tests to determine if they are likely to develop a prognosis. This could include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound as well as lung function tests and a chest MRI or PET scan.