Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs and, in rare cases the tissues surrounding the abdomen and the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers can get stuck in tissues, causing DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into cancerous mesothelioma cells.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause the cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the lungs (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 frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Additionally mesothelioma from asbestos exposure are suffering from abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms are similar to many other ailments and are difficult to identify, particularly in the early stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma could not appear for years or even decades following asbestos exposure.
A physical examination and a medical history of the patient is the first steps in determining mesothelioma. To determine the severity of the symptoms the doctor can order blood tests and imaging scans. These scans comprise CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).
X-rays can reveal a strange mass or fluid in the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesothelioma the two major types. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid.
The majority of patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. In rare cases, people suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur a condition known as pericardial effusion or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).
The best way to accurately diagnose mesothelioma involves the taking of a biopsy of the tissue. The type of mesothelioma also determine how a physician will treat the illness. For example, if a person has mesothelioma of the pericardium, the doctor may eliminate excess fluid through pleurodesis procedure or insert a pleural catheter in the body to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery or chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the organ's linings, known as the mesothelium. The disease most commonly occurs in the lungs (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).
It takes between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to manifest. Because of this latency period it is possible for patients to be incorrectly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. This misdiagnosis can result in delays in treatment, which can decrease the chance of surviving.
If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. During the initial visit, doctors examine the medical history of the patient to determine if there are any symptoms or conditions that could increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes past asbestos exposure, as well the kind and duration.
The doctor will then recommend imaging tests for the abdomen and chest to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest X rays, CT scans and MRIs can all reveal changes in the lungs, including pleural thickness or fluid accumulation. They can also reveal whether mesothelioma has spread other parts of the body.
A doctor may also recommend a blood test to see if the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that are linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves removing fluid from the lungs and examining for cancerous cells.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cell. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle-guided CT scan is a method to perform this procedure. The results of this test will help determine the best mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest form of treatment can improve the prognosis of a patient and increase their quality of life.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs, such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or the heart or testicles. It is not possible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment can help reduce symptoms.
Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and search for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your exposure to asbestos, 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 and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). This can cause inflammation over time and can change normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be identified using imaging tests and blood tests.
Your healthcare provider will employ an X-ray chest scan to observe changes in your lung tissue, and determine if you suffer from an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET) to obtain precise images. They will also conduct the needle biopsy to collect an in-situ sample of the affected tissue.
A pathologist, a mesothelioma specialist, will look at the tissue using a magnifying glass to identify cancerous cells and determine the type. The doctor will use a dye to stain the tissues to diagnose the cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types of mesothelioma are present. The doctor will then use an instrument to magnify the tissue.
Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because the mesothelioma cells look similar to other kinds of cell in the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma using other tests. These tests include a blood sample to measure the levels of fibulin-3 or soluble mesothelin related peptide.
Your care team will determine a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatments for mesothelioma. If your mesothelioma is at an advanced stages you could also be offered palliative treatment to relieve discomfort and other symptoms.
Prognosis
The prognosis of mesothelioma is based on the type and stage cancer as well as factors such as age and general health. Patients should work with skilled doctors to know more 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 inhaled or eaten, and they can cause genetic changes and inflammation, which transform normal cells into mesothelioma tumours. The most frequent mesothelioma variants are pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining and the chest cavity (pleura), and peritoneal mesothelioma, a rarer form that arises in the protective lining of the abdomen.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue to be tested. The doctors can then compare the biopsy samples against databases to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to estimate the longevity of a patient with mesothelioma and their treatment plan.
Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma type develops at different rates and responds to treatment in a different way. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a higher survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients aren't diagnosed of mesothelioma until they show serious symptoms. Asbestos exposure should be disclosed to a doctor and patients should undergo periodic checks.
In these visits, doctors will look for signs of exposure to asbestos, such as scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory problems. They can also conduct simple blood tests to check the overall health of a patient. If the results show that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is high they can schedule further tests to receive an estimate of the prognosis for mesothelioma. This will include imaging exams such as X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, as well lung function tests, a chest MRI or PET scan.