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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the lungs, chest cavity and, in some cases, the tissues surrounding the heart and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers may get stuck in tissues, causing DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres could cause these cancerous cells to transform into mesothelioma tumours. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in the lungs (pleura). However, it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen as well as the testicles, heart and lungs. Chest discomfort, and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms can be a bit confusing and difficult to recognize in the beginning particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new condition. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to appear. A physical exam and a patient's health history are the first steps in determining mesothelioma. To determine the severity of the symptoms doctors may recommend imaging tests and blood tests. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can show an unusual mass or fluid in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the kind of mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two most prevalent types. Around 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Most people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have 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 a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most effective method to diagnose mesothelioma involves an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma also determine how a physician manages the disease. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will drain the excess fluid through a procedure known as pleurodesis, or place an pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy. Diagnosis The mesothelioma cancerous form forms on the linings of the organs. The majority of cases occur in the lungs, however it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes. It can take between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to appear. Because of this latency period it is possible for patients to be mistakenly diagnosed. It is often misinterpreted as other, less serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis can result in delays in treatment, which can decrease the chance of survival. Those who suspect that they might have mesothelioma must consult their physician immediately. During this initial visit, doctors take a patient's full medical history to identify signs and any other factors that could make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, as well as the type and duration of exposure. The doctor will then order imaging tests for the abdomen and chest to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X rays, CT scans and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, including pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also show if mesothelioma has spread to other parts of the body. A doctor might also recommend an examination of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They may also carry out an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves taking out the lungs of fluid and looking for cancer cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy will be taken to check small portions of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle guided CT scan may be used to carry out this procedure. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This can include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to take part in immunotherapy. This newer form can improve a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, like the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). It is impossible to cure mesothelioma but treatment can help reduce symptoms. Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and search for signs of mesothelioma. San Mateo asbestos lawyer will inquire about asbestos exposure since it is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the chest cavity's lining the stomach, tummy or the heart (mesothelium). As time passes, this causes inflammation and changes normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider uses chest X-rays to determine if you suffer from fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected area. They may also perform an incisional needle biopsy to collect an image of the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist called a pathologist will study mesothelioma cells under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma you suffer from. The pathologist will employ a dye to stain the tissue samples in order to diagnose the cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types are present. They will then use a special technique to get an even closer view of the tissue under a 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 confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. These include a blood test to measure levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related, soluble peptide. Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma, based on your cancer type and its stage. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Palliative treatment may be offered if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will relieve your discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is dependent on the type and stage cancer as well as factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are experienced to learn about their treatment options. Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that line vital organs and protect them from harm. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma cancers. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura), as well as peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer type that is found in the lining of the abdomen. Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal the tissue to be tested. The doctors can compare biopsy samples to a database in order to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to predict the life expectancy of a person suffering from mesothelioma as well as their treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells are classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma grows at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60% to 80% of cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may develop for up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients aren't diagnosed of mesothelioma until they have severe symptoms. Asbestos exposure should be disclosed to a physician and the victims should be checked regularly. During these visits doctors can examine for signs of exposure to asbestos, such as scarring around the lungs or other respiratory issues. They can also conduct simple blood tests to determine the patient's health. If the results indicate that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is very high, they can schedule further tests to get mesothelioma-related prognosis. This includes imaging tests like X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well a lung function test and a chest MRI, or PET scan.