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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer

Malignant mesothelioma develops in the thin layer of tissue that lines certain organs. Most cases of mesothelioma start in the lungs and are referred to as pleural mesothelioma; less common types begin in the abdomen and are referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma.

People who are exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma after asbestos fibers are absorbed into the stomach or lungs and cause irritation. It could take up to 50 years or more for symptoms to manifest.

Signs and symptoms

The cancerous mesothelioma cells are found in the tissue lining the lungs and stomach as well as in other organs. Mesothelioma patients might experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain and fever, fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms differ based on the type and stage of the disease. They also depend on the site of the tumor and its progress.

Because mesothelioma can be so uncommon, doctors may be unable to identify it. The disease has a long latency time and symptoms typically look or appear like less severe ailments like pneumonia. This is why it is important for asbestos attorney exposure victims to make an appointment with their doctor when they experience any symptoms that are not normal or persistent. They should also let their doctor know about any history of asbestos exposure.

The most commonly reported pleural mesothelioma symptoms are chest pain, difficulty breathing and breath shortness. As the mesothelioma expands and the lungs get inflamed, these symptoms could worsen. In extreme cases, they may cause fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest wall that causes the patient to experience severe pain when breathing.

In addition to mesothelioma symptoms those suffering from this disease may have trouble swallowing or experience abdominal pain. Some sufferers may experience low appetite and weight loss due to these symptoms as well. The toxins produced by mesothelioma can also affect kidneys, making them reduce their ability to function properly.

A doctor can require imaging scans or blood tests to look for any abnormalities, based on the type of mesothelioma. These include CT (computer-tomography) scanners and the MRI (magnetic imaging) and PETs (positron emission scans). The results of these tests can aid doctors in determining if there are other diseases and determine the most effective treatment option for mesothelioma patients.

Chest X-rays can be useful in identifying Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may cause the lungs and chest cavity to appear cloudy or discolored. A doctor can use a procedure called VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to decrease the inflammation caused by fluid accumulation, improve breathlessness and remove any tissue samples that are needed for testing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is an asbestos cancer that is found in the organs' linings, such as the lungs and abdomen. It is a rare form of cancer, but people exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. The symptoms may be similar to other diseases and conditions, so it is important to get a diagnosis from your doctor.

A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are typically performed in a hospital or clinic, and may include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. The X-rays may create a photo of your internal structures including your chest and abdomen. They can reveal a buildup between the chest wall, the lungs and fluid called the pleural effusion. They can also reveal a mass or lump in the chest, abdomen or a different area.

MRI and CT scans provide more detailed images than X-rays of your organs and are used by doctors to determine the location and size mesothelioma. These scans can also reveal whether mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of your body.

Another crucial diagnostic tool is a biopsy, in which a small portion of fluid or tissue is taken away and examined for cancerous cells. The most frequent mesothelioma biopsies include fine needle aspiration and surgical biopsy. A more invasive surgical biopsy may be recommended if results from other tests aren't conclusive, or if the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma suggest that it is in your chest cavity or lungs.

The most invasive procedures for diagnosing Mesothelioma pericardial and peritoneal include the placement of a tube that contains an electronic camera into the chest or abdomen. A surgeon may utilize this technique to take the tissue sample or the fluid for testing, and may also perform VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) which is a form of keyhole surgery.

Your doctor may also order blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma tests to determine how well your organs work. Your doctor will conduct a complete physical exam and will examine your lymph nodes, the heart and other organs that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will also inquire about your experience with asbestos law exposure, as well as any prior ailments or treatments you've experienced.

Treatment

The type of mesothelioma as well as the stage determine the treatment. The stage of the cancer is determined by a combination of factors, such as how quickly the tumor expands and spreads, how long it takes for symptoms to appear, and whether or not the cancer has metastasized.

People are more likely to develop mesothelioma when they have certain risk factors. The most significant risk factors are asbestos exposure and gender. One can be exposed to asbestos case through working directly with the material or indirectly through other occupations or activities. Exposure can happen over a number of years and often decades before mesothelioma symptoms appear.

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is durable and heat-resistant. In the process of mining or when workers take asbestos insulation, the material can break down into tiny dust particles that could be inhaled or swallowed. When inhaled, the fibers can cause irritation, scarring and cell division that may lead to mesothelioma.

There are a variety of procedures that can be used to detect mesothelioma. Doctors can take a sample of pleural liquid through a procedure known as thoracentesis, or insert an needle into the chest for the collection of a tissue sample. Other diagnostic tools are MRI and CT scanners that detect tumors and masses in the chest and abdomen.

Once a diagnosis has been made doctors can treat it to lessen pain and other symptom. Certain patients receive several treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Some doctors also include immunotherapy or tumor-treating fields as part of the mesothelioma treatment plan.

If a patient has a build-up of fluid around their lungs doctors can treat this by draining the excess through an incision placed in the chest (pleurodesis). In certain cases a patient could have a genetic mutation that increases his or her risk for mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can tell the appropriateness of testing the patient is appropriate.

After mesothelioma treatment, doctors will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These visits will allow the doctor to monitor the patient's condition and check for any signs of an increase in the incidence.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a class composed of microscopic fibres that were once used extensively in construction. When people swallow or inhale these fibres, they can get stuck in the lining of organs such as the lungs or stomach cavity. As time passes, they can cause irritation and lead to tumors developing. The symptoms usually don't show up until decades after the initial exposure. Most patients are diagnosed with Mesothelioma in later the course of their lives.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are dependent on the type, stage and location of the cancer. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are the pleural type, which occurs in the lining (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the stomach cavity. Other types of mesothelioma may develop within the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs.

Once a diagnosis is made, doctors can use a variety of tests to determine the severity of the cancer and the best treatment for the patient. The doctor can test mesothelioma by using an X-ray of the chest, CT scan, ultrasound as well as urine and blood samples, or by taking biopsy. X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds are a way to determine whether the cancer has spread or not.

Doctors can also identify whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid or pleural types. Both types can spread and grow faster in later stages, particularly when cancer has expanded to lymph nodes and other body parts.

In some instances, doctors are able to eliminate the mesothelioma completely. This may improve the chances of survival of the patient. In most cases, the mesothelioma is too advanced to be surgically removed. Patients may have to undergo additional treatments to prolong their lives.

Research has revealed that certain patient traits can affect mesothelioma's survival rates. People with mesothelioma in their family or are healthier and younger generally have a better prognosis. Other factors include whether smoking and the amount of health problems they have.