Five Killer Quora Answers To Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

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Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity and, in some cases the abdominal lining and heart. Exposure to asbestos compensation is the principal cause of mesothelioma.

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

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, affects tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause these cells to undergo a change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. Most cases of mesothelioma are located in the lungs. It can also occur in the tissues of the abdomen, the heart and testicles.

The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath coughing, chest pain and chest pain. Patients also feel abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are akin to other diseases and are difficult to diagnose, especially in the initial stages of mesothelioma. It may take years or even decades following exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to show up.

A physical examination and a health history of the patient are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. A doctor might ask for blood tests or imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).

X-rays can reveal a strange mass or fluid in the lungs. These scans may help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is located and the type of mesothelioma. The two most common mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. About 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

The majority of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. A person with pleural msothelioma may suffer from an abnormal heart sound, a condition called pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum.

The best way to accurately identify mesothelioma is through an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma will determine how a doctor will treat the illness. For example in the case of mesothelioma of the pericardium the doctor could drain excess fluid with a procedure called pleurodesis or install an indwelling pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the organ's linings, known as the mesothelium. The disease most commonly occurs in the lung (pleura), though it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).

The signs of mesothelioma may be noticed between 10 and 50 years after the first exposure. Because of this latency period it is possible for patients to be mistakenly diagnosed. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious conditions such as pneumonia or the flu. This mistake can result in delays in treatment, which could decrease the chance of surviving.

If you suspect mesothelioma, see their doctor immediately. In the initial visit, doctors will take a patient's full medical history to identify signs and other factors that may make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos case and asbestos, as well as the type and duration of exposure.

The doctor will then recommend imaging tests for the chest and abdomen to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all offer precise images of the inside of the body. They also show lung issues like pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also reveal whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other areas 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 may also carry out an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves removing fluid from the lungs and looking for cancer cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle guided CT scan may be used to carry out this procedure. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are best for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. It is not possible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment can help manage symptoms.

Your doctor will inquire about your health background and will look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure, because asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). As time passes this causes inflammation and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma.

Your healthcare provider will employ a chest X-ray to see changes in your lung tissue and determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (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 an incisional needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue.

A pathologist, or mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue under a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cells and determine the kind. The doctor will use dyes to stain tissue samples to determine the type of cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types are present. The doctor will then use a technique to magnify the tissue.

Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because mesothelioma-related cells appear similar to other kinds of cells found in the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. These tests include a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3, or mesothelin related protein that is soluble.

Your healthcare provider will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma depending on your cancer type and stage. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most commonly used treatments for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is in an advanced stage you could also be offered palliative care to relieve pain and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is based on the type and stage cancer and other factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are skilled to find out about the treatment options available to them.

Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity (pleura) as well as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, a rarer form that arises in the lining of the abdomen.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of 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 to test. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can be used to estimate the life expectancy of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan.

Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma develops at a different pace and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer makes up 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a better survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid.

It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma develop following exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients do not receive a mesothelioma diagnosis until they begin to experience serious symptoms. asbestos case victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and be checked regularly.

During these visits, doctors check for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They can also perform simple blood tests to assess the health of the patient. If the results indicate that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is very high, they can schedule additional tests to determine an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This could include imaging tests like X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well a lung function test or chest MRI, or PET scan.