Five Killer Quora Answers On Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the lungs, chest cavity and, in rare instances, the tissues of the heart and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This changes cells into mesothelioma cancer cells.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs inside the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers could cause these cells to undergo a change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung (pleura). However, it can also happen in the lining of the abdomen and the testicles, as well as the heart.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition certain patients experience abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms are often confusing and difficult to recognize in the early stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively young disease. It could take years or even decades following exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is an examination and a health history. To determine the severity of symptoms doctors may recommend blood tests and imaging scans. These scans could 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 may help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is located and the type of mesothelioma. The two major types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

People with pleural cancer typically suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing difficulties. In some cases, people suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur which is called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The most accurate way to identify mesothelioma is take a tissue sample, or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma also determines the method used by a doctor to treat the illness. For example in the case of mesothelioma of the pericardium the doctor could remove excess fluid using pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the organ's linings called the mesothelium. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, but it can also occur 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 misdiagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. This can result in delays in treatment, which could reduce the chances of surviving.

Those who suspect that they may have mesothelioma need to see their doctor immediately. In the initial visit, doctors examine the medical history of a patient to identify any symptoms or conditions that increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos and asbestos, and also the type and duration of the exposure.

Next, doctors will order imaging tests to check the chest and abdomen for any signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X rays, CT scans and MRIs are all able to reveal changes in the lungs, including pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of the body.

A doctor may also request an analysis of blood to determine whether the patient has elevated levels of certain substances that are associated with mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves taking out the lungs of fluid and looking for cancer cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed then a biopsy is performed to examine a small piece of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or by using an instrument that guides the needle through a CT scan. The results of this test will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment for the patient. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest form of treatment can improve the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life.

Treatment

Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Although mesothelioma cannot be cured however, treatment can reduce symptoms.

Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos attorney exposure, since asbestos lawsuit is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity the stomach, tummy or the heart (mesothelium). This causes inflammation over time and can transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma.

Your healthcare provider will use a chest X-ray to see changes in your lung tissue, and determine if you have the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions (PET), to get precise images. They will also do the needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue.

A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will examine the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope in order to find cancerous cells and determine what type of mesothelioma you have. To determine the type of mesothelioma, the doctor will stain the tissue sample with a dye that lights up when certain kinds of proteins are present. They will then employ an advanced method to get 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 in the body. Your care team will try to confirm the diagnosis by performing other tests. These tests involve the collection of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or soluble mesothelin related peptide.

Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma based on the type of cancer and its stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the most commonly used treatment options for mesothelioma. The option of palliative therapy is available if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will relieve you of discomfort and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is dependent on the type and stage of cancer and other factors like age and general health. Patients should work with experienced doctors to learn more about their treatment options.

Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma types are the pleural (which develops on the lung linings or chest cavity) and abdomen) mesothelioma.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue to be examined. The doctors can compare the biopsy samples with databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information will help them predict the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan.

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

It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop following exposure to asbestos litigation. Therefore, many patients do not be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and undergo periodic checkups.

During these visits, doctors check for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also conduct a simple blood test to determine the health of a patient's general. If the results indicate that an individual is at a an increased risk of mesothelioma, they can schedule further tests to get an estimate of the prognosis. This could include imaging tests such as X radiographs, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well the lung function test, a chest MRI, or PET scan.