Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs, and, in rare cases the linings of the abdomen and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main reason for mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers can get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, affects the tissues that connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause these cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma tumours. The majority of mesothelioma cases originate in the lung (pleura). It can also be found in the tissues of the abdomen, heart and testicles.
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and coughing are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Additionally patients may suffer from abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms are often confusing and difficult to diagnose in the beginning particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively young disease. It could take years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to show up.
The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is an examination and a health history. To determine the severity of the symptoms, a doctor may order imaging tests and blood tests. These scans may include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).
X-rays can show an unusual mass or fluid in the lung. These scans help the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two major types. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.
The majority of patients with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, non-productive cough and breathing difficulties. Patients with pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart sound and 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, to test. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also dictate how a doctor manages the disease. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will remove excess fluid with the procedure called pleurodesis, or place the pleural catheter to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
The mesothelioma cancerous form forms on the organ's linings. The disease is most common in the lungs, but it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes.
It takes between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest. Because of this time period of latency many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. This can lead to delays in treatment, which can reduce the chances of survival.
Those who suspect mesothelioma should visit their doctor as soon as they can. During the initial visit, doctors examine a patient's complete medical history to look for symptoms and any factors that may make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes any prior exposure to asbestos or other asbestos-containing substances, 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 and other abnormalities. Chest Xrays, CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the inside of the body. They can reveal lung changes like the pleural thickening process or the accumulation of fluid. They can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of the body.
A doctor will also order an analysis of blood to determine whether the patient has high levels of certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a Thoracentesis which involves taking out the lungs of fluid and examining the lungs for cancerous cells.
If a mesothelioma is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cells. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) or through an instrument that guides the needle through a CT scan. The results of this test will aid in determining the most effective mesothelioma treatment for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life.
mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer is a cancer that affects the tissues which line and protect organs such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. Although mesothelioma cannot be cured however, treatment can reduce symptoms.
Your doctor will ask you about your health background and will look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure since it is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibers to be trapped in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium), stomach or the heart. This causes inflammation over time, and can change normal cells into cancerous ones. Blood tests and imaging tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma.
Your healthcare provider will employ an X-ray of your chest to detect changes in your lung tissue, and determine whether you have fluid build-up (pleural effusion). Your doctor will request MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected area. They will also do an incisional needle biopsy to collect a sample of the affected tissue.
A pathologist, or mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue using a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cell and determine the kind. The pathologist will employ a dye to color the tissue samples in order to diagnose the cancer. This dye is visible when certain types are present. Then, they will employ a special technique to get a closer look at the tissue under microscope.
Mesothelioma may be difficult to recognize because mesothelioma cells appear similar to other kinds of cell in the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by performing other tests. This includes a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptide.
Your healthcare team will determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma based on the type of cancer you have and stage. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most commonly used treatment options for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is at an advanced stages, you may also receive palliative care to ease discomfort and other signs.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the type and stage of cancer, and other factors like a patient's age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are skilled to find out about the treatment options available to them.
Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers cause damage to the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers are breathed in or eaten, and can cause genetic changes and inflammation that can transform normal cells into mesothelioma cancers. The most prevalent mesothelioma forms are the pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the lung linings, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, lab tests and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when you take small amounts of tissue to test. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples to an online database to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can be used to predict the longevity of a patient suffering from mesothelioma as well as their treatment plan.
Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma kind develops at a different rate and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a better survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid.
Mesothelioma may develop for up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they show serious symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and have regular checkups.
During these visits, doctors can examine for signs of asbestos exposure like scarring on the lung and other respiratory issues. They can also perform simple blood tests to determine the health of the patient. If the results indicate that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is high they can schedule further tests to receive mesothelioma-related prognosis. This will include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound as well as lung function tests and a chest MRI or PET scan.