Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare cases the linings of the abdomen and heart. The most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers may get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This turns cells into cancerous mesothelioma cells.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect the organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause these cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lungs (pleura). It can also develop in the linings of the abdomen, the heart and testicles.
The most common mesothelioma symptoms are shortness of breath as well as chest pain and coughing. In addition, some patients experience abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and are difficult to identify, particularly in the early stages of mesothelioma. It may take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to show up.
A physical examination and health history of the patient are the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. A doctor may ask for blood tests or imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).
X-rays may reveal an unusual mass or fluid in the lungs. These scans may help the doctor determine the location of the mesothelioma and the kind of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two main types. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.
Most people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. In some instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, which is called pericardial effusion, or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).
The best way to accurately diagnose mesothelioma involves a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma determines how a doctor will treat the condition. For instance in the case of pericardial mesothelioma doctors may eliminate excess fluid through a procedure called pleurodesis or insert a pleural catheter in the body to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the linings of organs known as the mesothelium. The disease most commonly occurs in the lungs (pleura) however it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).
It takes between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest. Due to this latency period many patients could be misdiagnosed. It is often misinterpreted as other, less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake can result in delays in treatment, which can decrease the chance of surviving.
Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should visit their doctor as soon as they can. In the initial visit, doctors will review the patient's entire medical history to determine signs and other factors that may make them more likely to have mesothelioma. This includes past asbestos exposure and the kind and duration.
The doctor will then order imaging tests in the abdomen and chest to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all offer detailed images of the interior of the body and can show lung changes, such as pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also tell whether mesothelioma has spread other areas of the body.
A doctor may also request a blood test to see whether the patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis. It involves the removal of a small amount of the lungs' fluid to search for cancerous cells.
If a mesothelioma is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle-guided CT scan is a method to perform this procedure. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are best for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Certain patients may 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 type of cancer that is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. It is impossible to cure mesothelioma but treatment may help control symptoms.
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure because it is the leading risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the lining of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). As time passes, this causes inflammation and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to detect mesothelioma.
Your healthcare provider uses chest X-rays to determine if you have fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your provider will order MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected area. They will also conduct the needle biopsy to collect an image of the affected tissue.
A pathologist, or mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue using an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine their type. To make the diagnosis the pathologist will stain the sample with a dye that shows up when certain kinds of proteins are present. They will then use a specific method to obtain an even closer view of the tissue under a microscope.
Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because the mesothelioma cells look similar to other kinds of cells found in the body. Your care team will try to confirm the diagnosis with other tests. These tests involve the collection of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or soluble mesothelin related peptide.
Your medical team will decide on the mesothelioma treatment plan based on the type of cancer you suffer from and the degree to which it is advanced. kansas city asbestos attorney , chemotherapy, and surgery are the most popular treatment options for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is at an an advanced stage you could also be offered palliative care to relieve pain and other symptoms.
Prognosis
The prognosis of mesothelioma is determined by the stage and type of cancer as well as other factors like age and general health. Patients should work with knowledgeable doctors to find out more about the treatment options available to them.
Asbestos fibers can cause damage to tissues that line vital organs and safeguard them. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or eaten, and can cause genetic changes and inflammation that can transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity (pleura) and peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer form that develops in the protective lining of the abdomen.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue to test. Doctors can then compare samples of the biopsy to a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can be used to predict the life expectancy of a patient with mesothelioma and their treatment plan.
Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma develops at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer makes up 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a higher survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma.
It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos, so many patients do not be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they show signs of. Asbestos-related victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups.
During these visits, doctors will examine for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on lung and other respiratory issues. They may also conduct simple blood tests to check a patient's overall health. If the results show that the patient is at a the highest risk of developing mesothelioma they can arrange for additional tests to get an outlook. This will include imaging exams such as X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well the lung function test and a chest MRI, or PET scan.