Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue that lines the lungs and chest cavity and, in some cases the abdominal lining and heart. The most common cause of mesothelioma lies in asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers are entangled in tissues and cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect the organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause the cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma originate in the lungs (pleura). However, it can also be found in the lining of the abdomen, heart and testicles.
The most common mesothelioma symptoms are breathlessness, chest pain and coughing. In addition patients may experience abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms are often confusing and difficult to recognize in the beginning stages, especially when mesothelioma is still a relatively new condition. It could take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to appear.
A physical examination and health history of the patient are the first step to diagnose mesothelioma. A doctor can ask for blood tests or imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).
X-rays could reveal a lump or fluid that is not normal in the lungs. These scans help the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. The two major mesothelioma types are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.
Most people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. A person with pleural msothelioma may have an abnormal heart sound and a condition known as pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum.
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 in the case of mesothelioma pericardial the doctor could remove excess fluid using pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or insert a pleural catheter in the body to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery.
Diagnosis
The mesothelioma cancerous form forms on the linings of the organs. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, however it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes.
It takes between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to appear. Because of this latency time, many patients could be misdiagnosed. This illness is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious such as the flu or pneumonia. This mistake could result in a delay in treatment, which could reduce a patient's chance of survival.
Those who suspect mesothelioma should consult their physician as soon as they can. During the initial visit, doctors review the medical history of a patient in order to identify any symptoms or conditions that increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos, and also the type and duration of the exposure.
Next, doctors will request imaging tests to look at the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X rays, CT scans and MRIs are all able to reveal changes in the lungs, including the thickness of the pleural wall or the accumulation of fluid. They can also show whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other regions of the body.
A doctor may also recommend a blood test to see whether the patient has high levels of certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also carry out a procedure called 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 is confirmed, a biopsy will be performed to examine an insignificant portion of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or through a needle guided by the aid of a CT scan. The results of this test will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to participate in immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment could improve a patient's quality of life and improve their outlook.
Treatment
Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). It is not possible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment can help manage symptoms.
Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will ask you about asbestos exposure because it is the most significant 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 causes inflammation over time, and can change normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests are used to identify mesothelioma.
Your healthcare provider will use an X-ray chest scan to observe changes in your lung tissue, and determine if you have fluid build-up (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET) to obtain precise images. They will also do an incisional needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue.
A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue under a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cells and determine the type. The doctor will use a dye to stain the tissue samples to identify the cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types of mesothelioma are present. They will then use a special technique to get an even closer view of the tissue under a microscope.
It can be difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells look similar to those of other types of cells in the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by performing other tests. They may use blood tests to determine the levels of fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptide.
Your medical team will choose mesothelioma treatments based on the type of cancer you suffer from and the degree to which it is advanced. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. The option of palliative therapy is available in the event that your mesothelioma has progressed to an advanced stage. This will alleviate the pain and other signs.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is dependent on the stage and type of cancer and other factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are experienced to learn about their treatment options.
Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that connect vital organs and shield them. These asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten, and can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumours. The most common mesothelioma types are mesothelioma pleural (which forms on the linings of the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma based on symptoms, lab tests, and X-rays. allen asbestos attorneys may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking a small sample of tissue to be tested. Doctors can then compare the samples of the biopsy to databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma cells type. This information can help them determine the patient's mesothelioma's life expectancy and treatment plan.
The three mesothelioma types are epithelioid, epithelial or epithelial cells as well as sarcomatoid and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type grows at different rates and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for 60% to 80% of cases and has a better survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma.
It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma develop following exposure to asbestos, so many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they show signs of. Asbestos exposure should be disclosed to a physician and the victims should undergo periodic checks.
During these visits, doctors will check for signs of asbestos exposure such as scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They may also conduct simple blood tests to assess a patient's overall health. If the results show that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is very high, they can schedule further tests to get a mesothelioma prognosis. This will include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound and a lung function test and a chest MRI or PET scan.