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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer

Malignant mesothelioma develops in the thin layer of tissue lining certain organs. The most common type of mesothelioma is found in the lungs and is known as pleural mesothelioma. The less frequent cases begin in the abdomen, and are known as peritoneal msothelioma.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation in the lungs or stomach of people who have been exposed to asbestos. It can take 50 years or more for the symptoms to show.

Signs and symptoms

The cancerous mesothelioma cells are found in the tissues that surrounds the stomach and lungs as well as in other organs. Patients with mesothelioma may be afflicted by symptoms such as shortness-of-breath, pain, fever, fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms can differ based on the type of disease and its stage. They also depend on the location of the tumor as well as its progress.

Mesothelioma is so rare, it can be difficult for doctors to identify. The disease can have a long duration of latency, and symptoms can look or feel like less serious diseases like pneumonia. It is therefore important that asbestos exposure sufferers make an appointment with their doctor when they notice symptoms that are not normal or persistent. They should also let their doctor know of any history of asbestos exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath. These symptoms can become more severe as the mesothelioma spreads and the lungs become inflamed. In the most severe cases, the fluid can build up in the lungs or chest wall and cause severe pain.

In addition to mesothelioma signs those suffering from this disease may have trouble swallowing or feel abdominal pain. Some sufferers may experience lower appetite and weight loss due to these symptoms too. The toxins released by mesothelioma can also affect the kidneys, causing them to lose their ability function properly.

A doctor may order imaging scans or blood tests to check for abnormalities, depending on the mesothelioma type. These include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. These tests help doctors determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma patients by excluding other diseases.

Chest X-rays are also useful in identifying mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may cause the chest cavity and lungs to appear cloudy or discolored. A doctor may use the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to lessen the inflammation caused by fluid buildup and improve breathlessness. It can also remove any tissue samples that are needed for testing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma, an asbestos cancer that is found in the lining of organs like the abdomen and lungs is a form of cancer that is caused by asbestos. It is a rare form of cancer, however exposure to asbestos puts people at risk. It is important to consult your physician to confirm the diagnosis.





A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on the combination of physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are usually performed in a clinic or hospital and may include an X ray, CT scan, or MRI. The X-rays may create a photo of your internal structures including your chest and abdomen. They can show a buildup of fluid between the chest wall and the lungs that is known as the pleural effusion. They may also show a lump or mass in the chest, abdomen or in any other region.

MRI and CT scans can give more detailed images of your organs than an X-ray, and can help doctors determine the location and size of mesothelioma. These scans can also show whether mesothelioma has spread to other areas of your body.

A biopsy is another important diagnostic tool. In this procedure, a small amount tissue or fluid is removed and examined for cancerous cells growth. Vimeo or a surgical biopsy are the two most commonly used types of mesothelioma biopsy. If other tests aren't conclusive, or if symptoms suggest that the cancer is in your chest cavity or lungs, a more invasive biopsy may be recommended.

The most invasive procedures for diagnosing Mesothelioma pericardial and peritoneal involve inserting a tube with an electronic camera into the chest or abdomen. A surgeon may utilize this technique to take a tissue sample or fluid to be tested, and can also perform VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) it is a kind of keyhole surgery.

In addition to mesothelioma testing the doctor may conduct blood tests and other medical tests to see how well your organs are working. Your doctor will perform an entire physical exam as well as examine your lymph nodes, your heart and other areas that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will inquire about your asbestos exposure history, as well as past diseases or treatments.

Treatment

Mesothelioma treatment depends on the type of mesothelioma a person has and its stage. The stage of cancer is determined by several factors, such as how quickly the tumor expands and spreads. It also depends on the time it takes for symptoms to show up and whether the disease has spread.

People are more likely to develop mesothelioma when they have certain risk factors. The most important are asbestos exposure and gender. Asbestos can be ingested directly or indirectly by a person in their work or pastime. Exposure can occur over many years, and sometimes for decades prior to when mesothelioma symptoms develop.

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

A variety of procedures are available to help diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors can take a sample of pleural liquid by a procedure called thoracentesis, or insert an needle into the chest for an in-tissue sample. Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scanners, which can detect tumors and masses in the abdomen and chest.

Once a diagnosis is established, doctors can treat the disease to lessen pain and other signs. Certain patients receive several treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Some doctors also incorporate the fields of immunotherapy or tumor-treatment in a mesothelioma treatment plan.

If a patient has a build-up of fluid around their lungs, doctors can treat this by removing the excess via a tube placed in the chest (pleurodesis). In certain cases patients may have a genetic mutation that increases their risk of developing mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can determine the appropriateness of testing the patient is appropriate.

A doctor will schedule follow-up appointments following mesothelioma treatments. These appointments allow the doctor to monitor the patient's condition and look for any indications of recurrence.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres that were previously extensively used in the construction industry. These fibres can get stuck in the linings of organs such as the lungs and stomach cavity when people breathe them in or swallow them. As time passes, these fibres can cause irritation and cause cancerous growths. The symptoms usually don't show until years after the initial exposure. Most patients are diagnosed with Mesothelioma later on in the course of their lives.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are dependent on the type the cancer is located, stage and type of the cancer. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are the pleural type, which occurs in the tissue (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs inside the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types may develop in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, doctors can utilize different tests to determine the extent of the cancer and the best treatment for the patient. Doctors can check for mesothelioma using chest X-rays, CT scan or ultrasound and also urine and blood samples or a biopsy. X-rays, along with other tests, can show if the tumour is in one location or has spread to other parts of the body.

Doctors can tell if it is epithelioid or mesothelioma of the pleural region. Both types are prone to growing and spread more quickly in later stages of the disease, especially if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

In some cases, doctors can remove mesothelioma completely. This can significantly improve the patient's chances of survival. However, in the majority mesothelioma is too advanced to be completely removed surgically and patients will have to take other types of treatments to prolong their lives as long as possible.

Research has revealed that certain patient traits can help determine mesothelioma survival rates. Patients with a history of the disease or who are younger and in better health have a generally better prognosis. Other factors include smoking and the amount of health issues that an individual has.