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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer

Malignant mesothelioma develops in the thin layer of tissues that line certain organs. Most cases of mesothelioma start in the lungs, and are known as mesothelioma of the pleural region. Other types begin in the abdomen and are called 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 can take 50 years or more for the symptoms to show.

Signs and symptoms

The mesothelioma cancerous cells are found in the tissue that lines the lungs, stomach and other organs. Patients suffering from mesothelioma can experience symptoms such as shortness-of-breath, pain and fever, as well as fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms can differ based on the type of disease and its stage. They also depend on the site of the tumor and its progress.

Mesothelioma is so rare, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. The disease can be long-lasting and the symptoms may look or feel like less serious diseases like pneumonia. As a result, it is important for asbestos lawsuit exposure sufferers to consult their physician when they notice any symptoms that are unusual or persistent. They should also let their doctor know about any history of asbestos exposure.

Trouble breathing, chest pain and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. As mesothelioma increases and the lungs get inflamed, these symptoms can get worse. In severe cases, the fluid can accumulate in the lungs or chest wall, and cause severe pain.

In addition to mesothelioma-related symptoms patients may have trouble swallowing or feel abdominal pain. These symptoms can cause some people to lose weight and have a reduced appetite. The toxins released by mesothelioma can also affect kidneys, causing them to lose their ability function properly.

A doctor might require scans of the body or blood tests to look for any abnormalities, based on the mesothelioma type. These include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. These tests help doctors decide on the best treatment for mesothelioma patients by excluding other conditions.

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

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma, a type of asbestos-related cancer, is that develops in the lining of organs such as the lungs and abdomen. It is a rare form of cancer, however exposure to asbestos lawyer puts people at risk. The symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases and conditions and it is therefore important to get a diagnosis from your doctor.

A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are usually performed in a hospital or clinic and could include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. The X-rays provide a visual representation of the structures inside your body including your chest and abdomen. They can show an accumulation of fluid between your chest wall and the lungs, which is called pleural effusion. They can also reveal an abnormal lump or mass in the chest, abdomen or in any other region.

MRI and CT scans provide more detailed images of organs than X-rays and help doctors determine the extent and location of any mesothelioma. These scans can also show whether mesothelioma is spreading to other areas of your body.

A biopsy is an additional diagnostic instrument. In this procedure the small amount of tissue or fluid is collected and tested for cancerous cell growth. A fine needle aspiration or surgical biopsy are the most frequent types of mesothelioma biopsies. If other tests are not conclusive, or your symptoms suggest that the cancer is located in the chest cavity or lungs an additional aggressive biopsy might be suggested.

More invasive procedures used to detect pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma involve inserting a tube with an electronic camera into the abdomen or chest. A surgeon may make use of this procedure to take a tissue sample or fluid to be tested, and can also perform VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) which is a form of keyhole surgery.

Your doctor can also order blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma tests to determine the efficiency of your organs. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations to check your lymph nodes and the heart as well as other areas that may be affected by mesothelioma. They will ask about your asbestos exposure history, as well as previous illnesses or treatments.

Treatment

The type of mesothelioma and stage determine the treatment. The stage of cancer is determined by many factors, such as how quickly the tumor grows and spreads. It is also influenced by how long it takes for symptoms to manifest and whether or not the disease has spread.

Certain risk factors can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most significant risk factors are asbestos law exposure and gender. Asbestos can be consumed in a direct or indirect way by a person in their work or pastime. Exposure may occur over many years, and sometimes for decades prior to when mesothelioma symptoms appear.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, is strong and resistant to heat. In the process of mining or when workers remove asbestos insulation, the material can become broken up into tiny dust particles that can be inhaled or swallowed. If inhaled, the fibers may cause irritation, scarring, and cellular changes that result in mesothelioma.

There are many methods that can be used to detect mesothelioma. Doctors can collect the pleural liquid by performing a procedure referred to as thoracentesis, or place a needle into the chest to collect an in-tissue sample. Other diagnostic tools are MRI and CT scanners that detect tumors and masses in the abdomen and chest.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed doctors can treat it to reduce the pain and other symptoms. Some patients require various treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Some doctors also include immunotherapy or tumor-treating fields in the mesothelioma treatment program.

If a patient is suffering from a build-up of fluid around the lungs, doctors can treat this by draining the excess through an incision placed in the chest (pleurodesis). In certain cases patients may have a genetic mutation that increases the risk for mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can determine if the test is suitable for the patient.

A doctor will schedule follow-up visits following mesothelioma treatment. These appointments let the doctor to monitor the patient's health and check for signs of recurrence.

Prognosis

Asbestos, a class of minerals that contains microscopic fibres, and was once widely employed in construction as the main cause of mesothelioma. When people inhale or swallow these fibres, they can get stuck in the tissues of organs like the stomach cavity or the lungs. Over time, these fibres can cause irritation that can lead to cancerous growths. The symptoms are usually not apparent 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 vary on the stage and type of the cancer, as well as which part of the body it is in. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are Pleural, which is a form of cancer that develops in the wall (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be found inside the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types may develop in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs.

If a diagnosis is established, doctors can perform a variety of tests to determine the extent of the cancer and the best treatment for the patient. Doctors can look for mesothelioma using chest X-rays, CT scan or ultrasound and also urine and blood samples or a biopsy. X-rays and other tests may reveal if the cancer is in one place or has spread to other regions of the body.

Doctors can also tell whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid or pleural types. Both types can spread and grow more quickly at later stages, especially if cancer has been able to spread to lymph nodes or other body parts.

In some instances doctors can remove the mesothelioma completely. This can significantly improve a patient's prognosis. However, in most cases mesothelioma has advanced enough to be surgically removed completely and patients will need to take other types of treatments to extend their lives to the maximum extent possible.

Certain characteristics of patients can impact the survival rate of mesothelioma, according to research. People with a family history of mesothelioma or who are younger and in better health have a better chance of survival. Other factors include smoking and the amount of health issues the person suffers from.