Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity, lungs, and, in rare instances, the linings of the heart and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the main reason for mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues which can cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into cancerous mesothelioma cells.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers could cause these cells to change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lung. It can also occur in the tissues of the abdomen, the heart and testicles.
The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms are breathlessness coughing, chest pain and chest pain. Patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms are akin to other ailments and are difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages of mesothelioma. greenville asbestos lawsuit may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up.
A physical exam and a patient's health history are the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. To determine the severity of the symptoms doctors may recommend tests for blood and imaging scans. These scans comprise CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).
X-rays may reveal an unusual swelling or fluid inside the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. The two main mesothelioma types are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Around 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Most people with pleural cancer have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing problems. A person with pleural msothelioma can suffer from an abnormal heart sound or a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum.
The most reliable method to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, for testing. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also determine how a physician treats the illness. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will drain excess fluid using the procedure known as pleurodesis, or place the pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
The cancerous mesothelioma forms on the linings of organs. The majority of cases occur in the lungs (pleura) however it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).
It takes between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. Due to this latency period many patients are misdiagnosed. It is often mistaken for other less serious illnesses, like the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis may cause delays in treatment, which could reduce the chance of a patient's survival.
Anyone who suspects that they might have mesothelioma must visit their doctor right away. During the initial visit, doctors review a patient's medical history to identify any symptoms or factors that may increase their likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos, and also the type and duration of the exposure.
Next, doctors will order imaging tests to check the abdomen and chest for any signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all offer precise images of the inside of the body. They also reveal lung changes like the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also tell if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
A doctor may also request a blood test to see whether the patient has elevated levels of certain substances associated with mesothelioma. They may also perform the procedure known as a thoracentesis, which involves removing a sample of the lungs' fluid to look for cancer cells.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure will be taken to look at an insignificant portion of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle guided CT scan may be used to perform this procedure. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are most suitable for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life.
Treatment
Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line and protect organs, like the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the testicles or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Although mesothelioma cannot be cured, treatment can help control symptoms.
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and look for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will ask you about asbestos exposure because it is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the lining of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). This can cause inflammation over time and can change normal cells into cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is diagnosed with blood tests and imaging tests.
Your doctor will use a chest X ray to determine if there is fluid accumulation (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 a needle biopsy to obtain an image of the affected tissue.
A mesothelioma specialist called a pathologist will examine the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope in order to find cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma that you have. The pathologist will use a dye to stain the tissue samples in order to determine the type of cancer. The dye is visible when certain types of mesothelioma are present. They will then use a specific method to obtain an in-depth look at the tissue under a microscope.
It can be difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the cells that cause it look similar to those of other types of cells within the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the diagnosis by performing other tests. These tests involve an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3, or soluble mesothelin related peptide.
Your healthcare team will choose a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the most popular treatments for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is at an an advanced stage you could also receive palliative treatment to relieve discomfort and other symptoms.
Prognosis
The prognosis of mesothelioma is determined by the type and stage of cancer as well as other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are knowledgeable about their treatment options.
Asbestos fibers can cause damage to tissues that connect vital organs and shield them. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or eaten, and can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma cancers. The most prevalent mesothelioma types are pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining and the chest cavity (pleura), as well as peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer form that develops in the lining of the abdomen.
The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking small amounts of tissue to be tested. Doctors can then compare the biopsy samples to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cell type. This information can be used to predict the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan.
Mesothelioma cells are classified in three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma type develops at an individual rate and responds to treatment differently. 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, so many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they show signs of. Asbestos sufferers should report their exposure to a doctor and have regular checkups.
In these visits, doctors will look for signs of exposure to asbestos for example, scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory issues. They can also do an easy blood test to assess the health of the patient. If the results indicate that a patient is at high risk for mesothelioma, they can schedule additional tests to receive 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.