Mesothelioma asbestos (read article) Cancer

The thin layer of tissue that line certain organs can develop mesothelioma maligna. Most cases of mesothelioma start in the lungs and are referred to as mesothelioma pleural; less common types start in the abdomen and are referred to as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region.

People who are exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma when asbestos fibers enter the stomach or lungs and cause irritation. It can take up to 50 years or more for symptoms to show up.

Signs and symptoms

The cancerous cells of mesothelioma are located in the tissue that lines the stomach, lungs and other organs. Patients with mesothelioma may suffer from symptoms like pain, shortness-of-breath, fever, fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. They depend on the location where the tumor is located and how it progresses.

Mesothelioma is so rare, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. The disease can have a long duration of latency, and the symptoms may look or feel similar to less serious conditions such as pneumonia. As a result, it is essential for asbestos exposure victims to see their physician if they experience any symptoms that are unusual or persistent. It is also important to let their doctor know of any history of asbestos exposure.

Chest pain, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma of the pleura. As mesothelioma increases and the lungs are inflamed, these symptoms could worsen. In the most severe cases, fluid can accumulate in the lungs or chest wall and cause severe pain.

Alongside mesothelioma and other cancers, some patients may have abdominal pains or suffer from difficulty swallowing. Some people may have a reduced appetite and weight loss as a result of these symptoms as well. The toxins released by mesothelioma may also affect the kidneys, causing them to lose their ability perform their duties.

Depending on the mesothelioma type doctors may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. These tests can help doctors determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma patients by excluding other conditions.

Chest Xrays can be helpful in diagnosing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may cause the lungs and chest cavity to appear cloudy or discolored. A doctor can use a procedure called VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to reduce the inflammation caused by fluid accumulation and improve breathlessness. Additionally, they can remove any tissue samples for testing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is an asbestos cancer that is found in the tissues of organs like the abdomen and lungs. It is a rare form of cancer however, people who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. The symptoms may be similar to other conditions and illnesses, so it is important to obtain an appointment with your doctor.

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

MRI and CT scans can provide more detailed images of your organs than an X-ray and help doctors determine the location and size of mesothelioma. The scans can also tell if mesothelioma is spreading to other areas of the body.

Another vital diagnostic tool is a biopsy, where a small amount of fluid or tissue is taken out and analyzed for cancerous cells. The most common mesothelioma biopsies are an aspiration using a fine needle and a surgical biopsy. If other tests are not conclusive, or your symptoms suggest that the cancer is in your chest cavity or lungs an additional invasive biopsy may be recommended.

Invasive procedures to diagnose Mesothelioma of the pericardial and peritoneal regions involve inserting a tube with an electronic camera into the chest or abdomen. A surgeon can make use of this procedure to take a tissue sample or fluid for testing, and may also perform VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery), a type of keyhole surgery.

In addition to mesothelioma testing, your doctor may conduct blood tests and other medical tests to see how well your organs are working. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to check your heart and lymph nodes, as well as other areas that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will also ask about your past asbestos exposure and any past diseases or treatments you've been through.

Treatment

Mesothelioma treatment varies based on the type of mesothelioma a person has and its stage. The stage of the cancer is determined by a combination of factors, including the speed at which the tumor grows and spreads, how long it takes for symptoms to appear and whether the cancer has metastasized.

Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. One of the most significant is asbestos exposure and gender. A person may be exposed to asbestos lawsuit working directly with the material or indirectly through other occupations or hobbies. Exposure can occur for many years, sometimes even for decades before symptoms of mesothelioma develop.

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is strong and heat resistant. When mining or when workers are removing asbestos lawsuit insulation, the material can break down into tiny dust particles that can be swallowed or inhaled. When inhaled, the fibers may cause irritation, scarring and cell changes that can result in mesothelioma.

There are a variety of procedures that can be used to detect mesothelioma. Doctors can take a pleural fluid sample through the process known as thoracentesis. It is also possible to insert a needle into the chest cavity to obtain a tissue sample for biopsy. Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scanners that show masses and tumors that are located in the abdomen and chest.

Once an diagnosis has been made doctors can treat it to lessen the symptoms and pain. Certain patients receive a combination of treatments, like chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Certain doctors incorporate immunotherapy and tumor-treating fields in a mesothelioma treatment plan.

If a patient experiences a build-up of fluid around the lungs, doctors can treat it by draining the excess through tubes placed inside the chest (pleurodesis). In some instances patients could have an abnormality that increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can help determine whether testing for the patient is necessary.

After mesothelioma treatment, doctors will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These appointments will allow the doctor to keep track of the patient's condition and look for any indications of the recurrence of the disease.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos lawyer, which is a group of minerals made up of microscopic fibres that were previously extensively used in construction. When people breathe in or swallow these fibres, they could get stuck in the tissues of organs, such as the stomach cavity or the lungs. As time passes, these fibres can cause irritation and lead to tumours. Symptoms usually don't appear until decades after the initial exposure, and the majority of patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma later in life.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are based on the stage and type of the cancer as well as the part of the body it is in. Most 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 forms can be found within the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs.

If doctors discover an indication of cancer and have a diagnosis, they can run a range of tests to show how far the cancer has spread and determine which treatment is most suitable for the patient. Doctors can test for mesothelioma by using a chest X-ray, CT scan or ultrasound and also blood and urine samples, or biopsy. X-rays, along with other tests, can reveal if the cancer is located in one area or has spread to other areas of the body.

Doctors can also determine whether the mesothelioma is the pleural or epithelioid type. Both types can grow and spread faster in later stages, especially if cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other body organs.

In some cases doctors are able to eliminate the mesothelioma completely. This could improve the outlook of the patient. In most cases, the mesothelioma has advanced too far to be surgically removed. Patients may have to undergo other treatments to prolong their lives.

Research has revealed that certain characteristics of patients can help determine mesothelioma survival rates. People with a family history of mesothelioma, or are younger and in good health generally have a better prognosis. Other factors include whether smoking cigarettes, as well as the amount of health issues they suffer from.