Five Killer Quora Answers To Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity and, in rare instances the lining of the abdomen and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma.

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

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect the organs inside the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause these cells to change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma occur in the lungs (pleura). It can also be found in the linings of the heart, abdomen and testicles.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition certain patients experience abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms are often confusing and difficult to identify in the beginning stages, especially when mesothelioma is still a relatively new condition. It could take years or even decades following exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to appear.

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

X-rays could reveal a lump or fluid that is not normal in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the kind of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and mesothelioid are the two major kinds. Around 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

The majority of people diagnosed with pleural melanoma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. In certain instances, a patient with pleural mesothelioma could have an abnormal heart murmur, a condition known as pericardial effusion or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The most effective method to identify mesothelioma is through a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma also determines the way a doctor treats the condition. For instance when a patient has mesothelioma of the pericardium the doctor could drain excess fluid with a procedure called pleurodesis or insert an indwelling pleural catheter to ease inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include surgery and chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

The cancerous mesothelioma forms on the linings of organs. The disease is most common in the lungs, however it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes.

It can take between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. Because of this latency time, many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. This condition is often mistakenly referred to as other, less serious illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis may lead to a delay in treatment that can reduce the chances of survival for a patient.

If you suspect mesothelioma, see their doctor as soon as they can. In the initial visit, doctors review the patient's entire medical history to identify signs and any other factors that might make them more susceptible to mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the type and duration of the exposure.

The doctor will then order imaging tests in the abdomen and chest to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all offer precise images of the inside of the body. They can show lung changes like the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also reveal the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of the body.

A doctor may also recommend a blood test to see whether the patient has elevated levels of certain chemicals 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 examining the lungs for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy will be taken to look at an insignificant portion of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle-guided CT scan may be used to perform this procedure. The results of this test will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life.

Treatment

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that line and protect organs such as the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. It is impossible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment can help manage symptoms.

Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos attorney exposure, as asbestos 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, tummy or heart (mesothelium). This causes inflammation over time and may change normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests are used to identify mesothelioma.

Your doctor will make use of an X-ray of your chest to detect changes in your lung tissue, and determine if you suffer from the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). Your provider will order MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected region. They will also do a needle biopsy to obtain an image of the affected tissue.

A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue with a magnifying lens to detect cancerous cells and determine their kind. The pathologist will use a dye to color the tissues to determine the type of cancer. The dye is visible when certain types of mesothelioma are present. The doctor will then employ a technique to magnify the tissue.

Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because mesothelioma cells appear like other types of cell in the body. Your care team will try to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. These tests involve an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3, or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble.

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

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the type and the stage of cancer, in addition to other factors, such as the patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are experienced to learn about their treatment options.

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

The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory 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 the biopsy samples against a database in order to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can help them predict a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan.

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

It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop after exposure to asbestos, which is why many patients don't 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 look for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also perform a simple blood test to check the health of a patient's general. If the results show that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is high, they can schedule additional tests to determine an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This will include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound and lung function tests, and a chest MRI or PET scan.