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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer

The thin layer of tissue that lines certain organs can develop mesothelioma that is malignant. The most frequent type of mesothelioma starts in the lungs and is referred to as pleural msothelioma. Less common cases start in the abdomen and are referred to as peritoneal msothelioma.

People who are exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma when asbestos fibers get into the stomach or lungs and cause irritation. It can take as long as 50 years or more to show symptoms to manifest.

Symptoms

The cancerous cells of mesothelioma are found in the tissues that line the lungs, stomach and other organs. Patients with mesothelioma may be afflicted by symptoms such as discomfort, shortness of breath and fever, as well as fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms vary based on the stage and type of the disease. They also depend on where the tumor is situated and the speed at which it grows.

Mesothelioma is so rare that it can be difficult for doctors to identify. The disease may be long-lasting and symptoms may appear or feel similar to less serious conditions such as pneumonia. This is why it is important for asbestos exposure victims to see their physician when they notice any symptoms that are not normal or persistent. It is also important to let their doctor know about any history of asbestos exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath. These symptoms can get worse as the mesothelioma spreads and the lungs get inflamed. In extreme cases, fluid can accumulate in the lungs or the chest wall, causing severe pain.

In addition to mesothelioma, patients may also experience abdominal pain or have difficulty swallowing. These symptoms can cause some people to lose weight and experience less appetite. The mesothelioma toxins released can also affect the kidneys, causing them to cease to perform their duties.

Depending on the mesothelioma type the doctor can order blood tests or imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. These tests can help doctors determine the best treatment for mesothelioma patients by excluding other conditions.

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

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is an asbestos cancer that develops in the organs' linings, such as the abdomen and lungs. It is a rare cancer however, people who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. The symptoms can be similar to those of other ailments and diseases and it is therefore important to get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor.

A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on the combination of physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are typically performed in a clinic or hospital, and may include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. X-rays can provide a visual of your internal structures, including your abdomen and chest. They can reveal an accumulation of fluid between the chest wall and the lungs that is known as the pleural effusion. They can also reveal the presence of a lump or mass in the abdomen, chest, or another area.

MRI and CT scans provide more detailed images of your organs than Xrays and help doctors find out the size and location of any mesothelioma. The scans can also indicate whether mesothelioma has spread other parts of your body.

Another important diagnostic instrument is a biopsy in which a small portion of fluid or tissue is removed and examined for cancerous cells. The most common mesothelioma biopsies consist of an aspiration using a fine needle and the surgical biopsy. A more invasive surgical biopsy may be recommended if the results from other tests are not conclusive or when the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma indicate it is located in the chest cavity or lungs.

The most invasive procedures for diagnosing Mesothelioma of the pericardial and peritoneal regions include the placement of a tube that contains video cameras in the abdomen or chest. This procedure is used by surgeons to collect tissue samples or fluids for testing. They may also perform VATS, a type keyhole surgery.

Your doctor may also order blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma test in order to determine the efficiency of your organs. Your doctor will perform physical examinations to check your lymph nodes and heart, as well as other areas that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will also ask about your past asbestos settlement exposure and any past diseases or treatments you've experienced.

Treatment

The type of mesothelioma and stage determine the treatment. The stage of cancer is determined by many factors, including how quickly the tumor expands and spreads. It also depends on how long symptoms take to appear and whether the cancer has progressed.

People are more likely to develop mesothelioma if they have certain risk factors. The most significant risk factors are asbestos exposure and gender. People can be exposed to asbestos attorney working directly with the material or indirectly through other jobs or activities. Exposure can continue for years, sometimes even for years before the mesothelioma symptoms begin to manifest.

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is extremely durable and heat resistant. During the mining process or when workers are removing asbestos law insulation, the substance can become broken up into tiny dust particles that could be swallowed or inhaled. Inhaling the fibers can cause irritation, scarring, and cellular changes that result in mesothelioma.

There are a variety of procedures that can be used to identify mesothelioma. Doctors can take the pleural liquid by a procedure called thoracentesis or insert a needle into the chest to collect an in-tissue sample. Other tools for diagnosing include MRI and CT scans, which reveal areas of the abdomen and chest where tumors or masses are situated.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, doctors can treat it to reduce the symptoms and pain. Some patients have several treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Some doctors include the treatment of tumors and immunotherapy in a mesothelioma treatment plan.

The excess fluid can be removed from the lungs through an instrument in the chest. In some cases patients may have a genetic mutation that increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can help determine if a test is appropriate for the patient.

After treatment for mesothelioma the doctor will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These appointments will allow the doctor to keep track of the patient's health and look for any signs of recurrence.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class composed of microscopic fibres that were often used in construction. When people breathe in or swallow the fibres, they may be absorbed into the tissues of organs like the stomach cavity or the lungs. As time passes, they can cause irritation and result in tumours forming. The symptoms usually don't show until a long time after the initial exposure. Most patients are diagnosed with Mesothelioma later in the course of their lives.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are based on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as which part of the body it's in. Pleural mesothelioma develops in the lung's lining (pleura), and accounts for most cases, while peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the stomach cavity. Other types of mesothelioma can be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, doctors can utilize a variety of tests to determine the extent of the cancer and determine the best treatment for the patient. Doctors can test for mesothelioma using chest X-rays, 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 grown or not.

Doctors can also tell if the mesothelioma is of epithelioid or pleural type. Both types can grow and spread more quickly at later stages, particularly in cases where cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other body organs.

In some cases doctors are able to remove mesothelioma entirely. This can significantly improve the prognosis of a patient. However, in most cases, mesothelioma is too advanced to be surgically removed completely and patients will need to undergo other treatments to extend their lives as long as possible.

Research has shown that certain patient traits can help determine mesothelioma survival rates. People who have mesothelioma in their family or are healthier and younger generally have a better likelihood of survival. Other factors include whether or not a person smokes or uses tobacco, as well as the amount of health issues they suffer from.