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. The most common cause of mesothelioma lies in asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This turns cells into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, affects tissues which connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cells to change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lungs. However, it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen and the testicles, as well as the heart.
The most common mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath as well as chest pain and coughing. Patients may also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to many other ailments and are difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages of mesothelioma. It may take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to manifest.
A physical examination and patient's health history are the first steps in determining mesothelioma. To determine the severity of symptoms the doctor can order blood tests and imaging scans. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).
X-rays could reveal a lump or fluid that isn't normal in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the type of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two major types. About 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. asbestos com mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.
Most patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. In rare cases, a person suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur an issue known as pericardial effusion or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).
The most reliable method to diagnose mesothelioma is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma also determines the way a doctor treats the disease. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer, the doctor will drain excess fluid using the procedure called pleurodesis or insert the pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the organ's linings called the mesothelium. The disease most commonly occurs in the lung (pleura) but 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. Because of this time period of latency, many patients may be misdiagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis can result in delays in treatment, which can lower a patient's chances of surviving.
If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. During the first visit, doctors examine a patient's complete medical history to identify signs and any other factors that may make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos, as well as the type and duration of exposure.
The next step is for doctors to conduct imaging tests to examine the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all offer detailed images of the inside of the body. They can show lung changes, such as the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also tell if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
A doctor can also request an examination of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They may also perform the procedure known as the thoracentesis. This involves the removal of a small amount of the fluid surrounding the lungs to look for cancer cells.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to check a small sample of the tumor for cancerous cell. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle guided CT scan can be used to carry out this procedure. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are the most effective for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve the prognosis of a patient and increase their quality of life.
Treatment
Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, including the lung (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). While mesothelioma can't be treated, treatment can help control symptoms.
Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure, as asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to become trapped in the linings the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach or the heart. This can cause inflammation over time, and can change normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using imaging tests and blood tests.
Your healthcare provider will employ a chest X-ray to see changes in your lung tissue and determine if you suffer from the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET), to get precise images. They will also conduct an incisional needle biopsy to collect an image of the affected tissue.
A pathologist, a mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue under a magnifying lens to detect cancerous cells and determine their type. The doctor will use a dye to color the tissue samples to determine the type of cancer. The dye is visible when certain types of mesothelioma are present. They will then use an advanced method to get a closer look at the tissue under microscope.
It is sometimes difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells are similar to other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. This includes a blood test to determine the levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble.
Your healthcare team will determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma based on the type of cancer you have and its stage. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most popular treatment options for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is at an advanced stages, you may also receive palliative care to relieve discomfort and other signs.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the type and stage of cancer, in addition to other factors such as the patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are experienced to learn about the treatment options available to them.
Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity (pleura) and peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer form that arises in the protective lining of the abdomen.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest taking a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take small amounts of tissue for testing. The doctors can compare biopsy samples to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information will help them predict a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan.
The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial and epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type develops at different rates and responds to treatment in a different way. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60 percent to 80% cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they have serious symptoms. Asbestos exposure must be reported to a physician, and victims should be checked regularly.
During these visits doctors can check for signs of asbestos-related exposure like lung scarring or other respiratory issues. They can also perform an easy blood test to determine the overall health of a patient. If the results show that an individual is at a the highest risk of developing mesothelioma they can schedule additional tests to receive an outlook. This may include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound as well as lung function tests and an chest MRI or PET scan.