Five Killer Quora Answers On Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma asbestos (great post to read) Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs and, in rare instances, the tissues surrounding the abdomen and the heart. Exposure to asbestos litigation is the primary cause of mesothelioma.

Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This causes cells to transform into mesothelioma cancer cells.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs inside the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers could cause these cells to change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in the lung (pleura). However, it can also happen in the abdominal lining, heart and testicles.

Breathlessness, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms can be a bit confusing and difficult to diagnose in the early stages particularly when mesothelioma is still a relatively new disease. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to appear.

A physical examination and a medical history of the patient is the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. A doctor can request blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans include CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).

X-rays may reveal a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lungs. These scans can help the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma and sarcomatoid are the two most prevalent types. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is, and has a worse prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

The majority of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough, chest wall pain, and difficulty breathing. Patients with pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart tone, a condition called pericardial effusion or swelling of the scrotum.

The most accurate method to identify mesothelioma is to take an examination of the tissues. The type of mesothelioma also determine how a physician manages the disease. If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial cancer doctors will remove excess fluid with a procedure known as pleurodesis or insert a pleural catheter in order to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the organ's linings, known as 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 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to appear. Because of this time period of latency many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. The disease is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious conditions like the flu or pneumonia. This can lead to a delay in treatment that can reduce a patient's chance of survival.

Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should visit their doctor as soon as they can. During the first visit, doctors review the patient's entire medical history to look for symptoms and any factors that may make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes any previous exposure to asbestos and asbestos lawsuit, as well as the nature and duration of exposure.

The next step is to have doctors conduct imaging tests to examine the chest and abdomen for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs all offer precise images of the inside of the body. They also show lung changes, such as the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also tell the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other organs of the body.

A doctor may also order an examination of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation called a thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and examining for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed then a biopsy is taken to look at an insignificant portion of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. This can be done using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or through the use of a needle that is guided by a CT scan. The results will aid in determining the best mesothelioma treatment for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Certain patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This newer form can improve the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues which line and protect organs such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. While mesothelioma can't be treated however, treatment can reduce symptoms.

Your doctor will ask you about your health history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also ask about your asbestos exposure, since asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become trapped in the chest cavity's lining the stomach, tummy or the heart (mesothelium). In time, this causes inflammation and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed 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 whether you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your healthcare provider will request an MRI, CT scan, or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET) to obtain high-quality images. They may also perform an incision using a needle to collect a sample of the affected tissue.

A pathologist, also known as a mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue under an magnifying glass to find cancerous cells and determine the kind. To make the diagnosis the doctor will stain the sample using a dye which shows up when certain types of protein are present. The doctor will then use a technique to magnify the tissue.

Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose as mesothelioma-related cells appear similar to other kinds of cells within the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. They may use blood tests to measure levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related, soluble peptide.

Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma, based on the type of cancer and stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatment options for mesothelioma. Palliative treatment may be offered if your mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage. This will alleviate the pain and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis of mesothelioma is based on the type and stage of cancer as well as other factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are skilled to find out about their treatment options.

Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos litigation fibers harm the tissues that line and protect vital organs. These asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma forms are mesothelioma pleural (which forms on the lung linings as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking small amounts of tissue for testing. Doctors can then compare biopsy samples against a database to determine the most likely mesothelioma-related cell type. This information can be used to estimate the life expectancy of a person 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 an individual rate and responds to treatment in a different way. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a better survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid.

It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos, so many patients do not be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they experience significant symptoms. Asbestos victims should disclose their exposure to a physician and undergo periodic checkups.

During these visits, doctors can look for signs of asbestos compensation exposure like scarring on the lungs, as well as other respiratory problems. They can also conduct simple blood tests to determine the patient's health. If the results show that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is high they can schedule additional tests to determine mesothelioma-related prognosis. This could include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound and lung function tests and a chest MRI or PET scan.