Five Killer Quora Answers On Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity and lungs, and in rare cases, the abdominal lining and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main reason for mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause the cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are found in the lungs (pleura). It can also develop in the linings of the heart, abdomen and testicles.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also experience abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to recognize in the early stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new disease. It could take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is an examination and a medical history. To determine the severity of the symptoms the doctor can order blood tests and imaging scans. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).

X-rays may reveal a mass or fluid that isn't normal in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two most prevalent kinds. About 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis, and is less frequent than epithelioid.

People with pleural cancer typically suffer from a painful, nonproductive cough and breathing issues. Patients with pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart sound, a condition called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum.

The most accurate way to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma determines how a doctor will treat the illness. For example in the case of mesothelioma pericardial, the doctor may drain excess fluid with pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or insert a pleural catheter in the body to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

The mesothelioma-related cancer forms on the organ's linings. The disease most commonly occurs in the lungs (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).

The signs of mesothelioma may be seen between 10 and fifty years after the initial exposure. Because of this time period of latency, many patients may be mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. This can cause delays in treatment that can reduce a patient's chance of survival.

If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma should consult their physician immediately. During the initial visit, doctors examine a patient's medical history in order to identify any symptoms or factors that may increase their risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos and asbestos, and also the type and duration of the exposure.

The next step is for doctors to order imaging tests to check the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the inside of the body. They also show lung changes, such as pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also tell if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

A doctor may also order an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform the procedure known as a thoracentesis, which involves the removal of a small amount of the fluid surrounding the lungs to search for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed the biopsy procedure will be taken to look at small portions of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or by using an instrument that guides the needle through the aid of a CT scan. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are most suitable for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This more advanced mesothelioma treatment may improve the quality of life for patients and improve their chances of survival.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. While mesothelioma can't be treated however, treatment can reduce symptoms.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and search for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure, because asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos compensation can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the chest cavity's lining the stomach, tummy or the heart (mesothelium). Over time this causes inflammation and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using imaging tests and blood tests.

Your doctor will use chest X-rays to determine if there is fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images. They will also conduct a needle biopsy in order to obtain a sample from the affected tissue.

A mesothelioma expert, also known as a pathologist will examine the mesothelioma tissue under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma you have. To determine the type of mesothelioma the doctor will stain the sample with a dye that lights up when certain kinds of protein are present. The doctor will then employ techniques to magnify the tissue.

It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the mesothelioma-causing cells appear similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare provider will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. These include a blood test to determine the levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble.

Your healthcare team will determine mesothelioma treatments based on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatments for mesothelioma. The option of palliative therapy is available when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This will alleviate your discomfort and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is determined by the type and stage of cancer as well as factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are experienced to learn about the treatment options available to them.

Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos settlement fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining and the chest cavity (pleura) and peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer form that arises in the lining that protects the abdomen.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. Doctors then compare the biopsy samples to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can help them determine a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan.

Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma grows at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 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 to be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they begin to experience serious symptoms. asbestos lawsuit victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and be checked regularly.

During these visits, doctors can check for signs of asbestos lawsuit exposure such as scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They can also perform simple blood tests to assess the health of the patient. If the results indicate that the patient is at a an increased risk of mesothelioma, they can arrange for additional tests to get a prognosis. This will include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as lung function tests and an chest MRI or PET scan.