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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer

Malignant mesothelioma develops in the thin layer of tissue lining certain organs. The most frequent mesothelioma form starts in the lungs and is called pleural msothelioma. The less common cases begin in the abdomen, and are known as peritoneal mesothelioma.

People who are exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma if asbestos fibers are absorbed into the stomach or lungs and cause irritation. It can take 50 years or more for symptoms to manifest.

Signs and symptoms

The cancerous cells of mesothelioma are found in the tissue that lines the stomach, lungs and other organs. Mesothelioma patients can experience symptoms like shortness of breath, pain, fever, fluid buildup and weight loss. The symptoms may vary based on the type of cancer and its stage. They also depend on the location of the tumor as well as its progress.

Mesothelioma is so rare that it can be difficult for doctors to recognize. The disease has a long time of latency and symptoms typically look or appear like less severe conditions such as pneumonia. Therefore, it is important for asbestos exposure victims to see their physician if they experience any symptoms that are persistent or unusual. They should also let their doctor know of any history of asbestos claim exposure.

Chest pain, difficulty breathing, and shortness breath are among the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma of the pleura. As the mesothelioma expands and the lungs are inflamed, the symptoms may get worse. In the most severe cases, the fluid can build up in the lungs or chest wall and cause severe pain.

In addition to mesothelioma symptoms, people with this illness may experience difficulty swallowing or feel abdominal pain. Some people may have a reduced appetite and weight loss as a result of these symptoms too. The toxins released by mesothelioma may also affect the kidneys and cause them to cease to function properly.

A doctor can request imaging scans or blood tests to look for abnormalities, depending on the mesothelioma type. These include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. These tests help doctors determine the best treatment for mesothelioma patients by excluding other conditions.

Chest X-rays are useful in identifying Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may cause the lungs and chest cavity to appear discolored or cloudy. A doctor can use a procedure called VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to lessen the inflammation caused by fluid accumulation and improve breathlessness. It can also remove any tissue samples that are needed for testing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is an asbestos cancer, which develops in the lining of organs such as the lungs and abdomen. It is a rare cancer however, those who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. The symptoms can be similar to other diseases and conditions and it is therefore important to obtain an appointment with your doctor.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma is based on a combination of physical exams, blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are usually performed in a hospital or clinic, and may include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. X-rays can create a picture of your internal structures, including your abdomen and chest. They can show an accumulation of fluid between the lungs and chest wall and is referred to as the pleural effusion. They may also reveal an abnormal lump or mass in the abdomen, chest or any other part of the body.

MRI and CT scans offer more precise images than X-rays taken of your organs and can be used by doctors to determine the location and size mesothelioma. The scans can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma spreads to other parts of your body.

A biopsy is an additional diagnostic tool. In this process the small amount of tissue or fluid is removed and tested for cancerous cell growth. The most commonly used mesothelioma biopsies include fine needle aspiration and surgical biopsy. If other tests are not conclusive, or if your symptoms suggest that the cancer is in your lungs or chest cavity, a more aggressive biopsy might be suggested.

Invasive procedures to diagnose Mesothelioma pericardial and peritoneal involve inserting a tube with video cameras in the chest or abdomen. This procedure is used by surgeons to collect tissue samples or fluids to test. They can also perform VATS, a type keyhole surgery.

Your doctor can also order blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma tests to determine the efficiency of your organs. Your doctor will perform an entire physical exam as well as examine your lymph nodes, the heart and other organs that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will also inquire about your past asbestos exposure, as well as any prior diseases or treatments you've been through.

Treatment

The type of mesothelioma and the stage determine the treatment. The stage of the cancer is determined by a combination of factors, including how fast the tumor grows and spreads, how long it takes for symptoms to manifest and whether or not the disease has metastasized.

People are more likely to develop mesothelioma when they have certain risk factors. One of the most significant is asbestos exposure and gender. One can be exposed to asbestos through working directly with the material or indirectly through other occupations or activities. Exposure can occur over many years and often decades before mesothelioma symptoms appear.

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is strong and heat resistant. In the process of mining or when workers are removing asbestos attorney insulation, the material can become broken up into tiny dust particles that could be swallowed or inhaled. Inhaling the fibers may cause irritation and scarring as well as cellular changes leading to mesothelioma.

A variety of procedures can help diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors can make use of an pleural fluid sample during a procedure called thoracentesis or insert a needle into the chest to get a tissue sample to be used for a biopsy. Other diagnostic tools are MRI and CT scanners, which can detect masses and tumors that are located in the abdomen and chest.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, doctors can treat it in order to reduce pain and other symptom. Some patients have various treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Some doctors also include immunotherapy or tumor-treating fields as part of the mesothelioma treatment program.

If a patient is suffering from an accumulation of lungs-related fluid, doctors can treat it by removing the excess via a tube placed in the chest (pleurodesis). In some cases patients could have an abnormality that increases their risk of mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can determine if testing for the patient is necessary.

Following treatment for mesothelioma, doctors will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These appointments will let the doctor monitor the patient's health and look for indications of the possibility of recurrence.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres previously extensively used in the construction of homes. When people inhale or swallow these fibres, they can become lodged in the tissues of organs like the stomach cavity or lungs. As time passes, these fibres may cause irritation that could lead to cancerous growths. The symptoms usually don't show up until decades after the initial exposure. Most patients are diagnosed with Mesothelioma in later life.

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary on the stage and type of the cancer and which part of the body it is in. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and accounts for the majority of cases mesothelioma that develops within the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types could be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs.

When doctors are able to confirm a diagnosis, they can use various tests to determine how far the cancer has spread and decide which treatment is most suitable for the patient. Doctors can look for mesothelioma using a chest X-ray, CT scan or ultrasound and also blood and urine samples, or biopsy. CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds are a way to determine whether the cancer has spread or not.

Doctors can also determine if the mesothelioma is of epithelioid or pleural type. Both types can develop and spread faster in later stages of the disease especially when the cancer has spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

In some cases, doctors can remove mesothelioma entirely. This can improve the prognosis of patients. In most cases, the mesothelioma is too advanced to be surgically removed. Patients may need to undergo additional treatments to prolong their lives.

Research has shown that certain characteristics of patients can affect mesothelioma's survival rates. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history or are younger and in good health generally have a better likelihood of survival. Other factors include smoking and the amount of health issues that the person suffers from.