Five Killer Quora Answers On Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity, lungs and, in rare cases the tissues of the heart and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This changes cells into mesothelioma cancer cells.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos legal fibers could cause these cells to change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lungs. However, it can also occur in the abdominal lining as well as the testicles, heart and lungs.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to many other diseases and are difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages of mesothelioma. It could take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is a physical examination and a medical history. A doctor may require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).

X-rays may reveal an unusual swelling or fluid inside the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is located and the type of mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two major kinds. About 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.

People with pleural cancer typically have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing problems. In some cases, people with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart murmur, which is known as pericardial effusion or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).

The most accurate method to diagnose mesothelioma involves the taking of a biopsy of the tissue. The type of mesothelioma will also determine how a physician treats the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer doctors will drain the excess fluid through the procedure known as pleurodesis, or insert an pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve respiration. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the organ's linings called the mesothelium. The disease is most common in the lungs, however it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes.

It can take between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Because of this time period of latency many patients are incorrectly diagnosed. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. This mistake could result in a delay in treatment, which can decrease a patient's chance of survival.

If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma must visit their doctor right away. In the initial appointment, doctors will review a patient's medical history in order to identify any signs or symptoms that could increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos and asbestos, as well as the nature and duration of the exposure.

Next, doctors will request imaging tests to look at the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma or other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans, and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, including the thickness of the pleural wall or the accumulation of fluid. They can also tell whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

A doctor may also order an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis. It involves removing a sample of the fluid surrounding the lungs to look for cancer cells.

If a mesothelioma is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to test a small amount of the tumor for cancerous cell. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or a needle guided CT scan is a method to perform this procedure. The results will help determine which mesothelioma treatments are most suitable for the patient. This could include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This more advanced mesothelioma treatment could improve a patient's quality of life and improve their prognosis.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. Although mesothelioma cannot be cured however, treatment can reduce symptoms.

Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your asbestos exposure, because asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity the stomach, tummy or the heart (mesothelium). This can cause inflammation over time and may transform normal cells into cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed using imaging tests and blood tests.

Your healthcare provider will use a chest X-ray to see changes in the lung tissue and determine if you suffer from fluid build-up (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will order an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET), to get detailed images. They may also perform the procedure of a needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue.

A pathologist, or mesothelioma expert, will examine the tissue under a magnifying lens to detect cancerous cells and determine their kind. The doctor will use dyes to stain tissue samples in order to identify the cancer. The dye is visible when certain types are present. They will then use a special technique to get a closer look at the tissue under a microscope.

Mesothelioma may be difficult to diagnose as mesothelioma cells appear similar to other kinds of cells found within the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis by performing other tests. These tests involve a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble.

Your healthcare team will decide on the mesothelioma treatment plan based on the kind of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most common treatment options for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is in advanced stages you could also be offered palliative care to relieve discomfort and other signs.

Prognosis

The prognosis of mesothelioma is based on the type and stage cancer as well as factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are knowledgeable about the treatment options available to them.

Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma forms are pleural (which develops on the lung linings, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma.

The doctor diagnoses mesothelioma based on symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against a database in order to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can be used to determine the life expectancy of a patient with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan.

The three types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and epithelial, epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells, and biphasic cells. Each mesothelioma type develops at an individual rate and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 60 percent to 80% cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma.

It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients don't be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a doctor and have regular checkups.

During these visits, doctors will check for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on the lungs and other respiratory problems. They can also do an easy blood test to determine the health of the patient. If the results show that an individual is at a high risk for mesothelioma, they can arrange for additional tests to receive an outlook. This may include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound and lung function tests and an chest MRI or PET scan.