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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of asbestosis and mesothelioma can be similar. Both are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers as well as dust. Pleural mesothelioma can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma reveal the extent of the cancer's spread. Doctors employ staging to determine treatments and life expectancy. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It is usually found in the linings of the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen (pleura), although it may also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means that it is able to grow and spread outside of the original site. The first sign of a non-phlegmatic cough is common. Other symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness and weight loss. Some patients may notice lumps or swelling on their abdomen. If a patient has these symptoms, their doctor may refer them for specialized treatment. The specialist will perform several tests to determine whether mesothelioma or any other cancers are the reason. They will employ imaging scanners to see inside abdominal organs, lungs or hearts and then perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural mesothelioma there are two primary surgical options. An extrapleural pneumonectomy removes part of the lung affected, the diaphragm, and a portion of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy or pulmonary decortication removes only the pleura, not the whole lung. The chemotherapy and radiation are also options. The first makes use of high-energy X radiation to kill cancerous cells. The second utilizes drugs like pemetrexed or carboplatin in order to destroy cancerous cells or slow their growth. Patients must inform their physician whether they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This is important since mesothelioma may grow up to 20 years after the initial exposure. The doctor will inquire about the frequency of exposure and the duration of the exposure, since these factors can influence the development of symptoms. If your GP suspects that you have mesothelioma, they will request an CT scan to determine the extent to which the cancer has spread across the body. If the mesothelioma is located in the lung, they will perform a bronchoscopy examine the lungs' airways as well as lymph nodes. In some cases doctors may suggest a PET-CT or a chest MRI scan to determine if the cancer has developed to the heart. Diagnosis The most reliable way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to collect a tissue or fluid sample. Doctors make use of this sample to search for cancerous cells, which differ from normal cells. A biopsy can be carried out surgically or through the use of needles. To detect mesothelioma, doctors may use imaging tests, such as CT scans and x-rays. They can also perform the positron emission (PET) scan that is used to find cancerous cells that have spread. Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms are so similar to other conditions. The chest pain caused by mesothelioma can be mistaken as heart disease or lung cancer. Additionally asbestos-related conditions such as pleural effusion can be confused with pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient has mesothelioma, they will ask them about their past exposure to asbestos and the symptoms. The doctor will also perform a physical examination and ask about the medical history of the family members. The doctor will conduct urine and blood tests to look for elevated levels. These tests can be done in the hospital or even at home. lakewood asbestos law firm will allow doctors to determine the amount of asbestos in the body and also how well other organs are functioning. They also need to know if the patient has been through any surgeries previously. A chest x-ray as well as a CT scan are also performed to determine the presence of the mesothelioma, like a thickening or swelling of the lining around the lungs. If doctors suspect pericardial mesothelioma they usually conduct an echocardiogram. This is a test which uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. A MRI scan might be useful in the event of pleural mesothelioma since it can provide detailed images of soft tissues. They can also perform a mediastinoscopy, which involves inserting a tube with an imager and a light inside the chest to examine and sample lymph nodes close to the middle of the chest. This is especially helpful when mesothelioma is spreading to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma is a respiratory disease that is slow-moving. However, there are treatments that can help you manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Doctors can employ medications, fluid drainage techniques, surgeries or a combination of these methods to alleviate fatigue and lung pain. Doctors can also assist patients cope with the loss of normal levels of energy and how this affects their daily routine. The first step in treating mesothelioma asbestosis is to find out if cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the best way to find out. When they perform a biopsy, physicians will take a small piece of mesothelium for examination under the microscope. They will search for cancerous cells. A biopsy is typically performed through surgery, although doctors may also perform the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting a needle into the chest cavity to take an amount of fluid for testing. When the test results are available the surgeon could decide to remove any part of the body that have been affected by the mesothelioma asbestosis. This is typically performed for pleural mesothelioma but it is sometimes used to treat peritoneal cancer as well. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled and become stuck in the digestive tract. After surgery, patients can make steps to increase their comfort. This can be done by taking breaks in the morning, planning trips to the store and other activities when you are feeling better and doing light exercise. Patients can also inquire with their doctor about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments. These trials are studies on new mesothelioma treatment options which aren't yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, may be available. Chemotherapy makes use of drugs to kill cancer cells, whereas radiation and immunotherapy boost the body's natural defense systems against cancer. The targeted therapy uses specific drugs to attack vulnerabilities in mesothelioma cancer cells. Every patient's situation is individual. It is important to discuss with a mesothelioma expert all options for treatment. Prognosis A prognosis is an approximate estimation of the extent to which mesothelioma spreads and the treatment options available. It can also tell patients how long they can anticipate living after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. A patient's general health is another factor that affects their mesothelioma prognosis. People who are healthier and have higher blood tests, such as normal haemoglobin levels and higher platelet and white cell counts will have a better chance of being able to beat the cancer. They are also more in their ability to handle chemotherapy and surgeries than those who have less general health. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is aggressive that is often a poor prognosis than other kinds of cancer. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed much later, when the disease has already spread to other areas of the body. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to many other illnesses making it difficult to identify. In some cases it can take years for a person to develop mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos. There are two kinds of mesothelioma: peritoneal and pleural. Both are triggered by exposure to asbestos. The mesothelial tissues which cover the majority of the internal organs of the body. The cancerous cells that cause mesothelioma pleural affect the membrane that surrounds the chest cavity. It may also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the testicles' lining (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis is not a type of mesothelioma but it does exhibit similar symptoms to mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems such as stiffness and scarring. It is possible to develop mesothelioma and asbestosis at the same time. Only those who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It is most often found in the lining of the chest and abdomen, as well as other organs. It is not a result of smoking cigarettes, and the majority of people who suffer from mesothelioma are exposed to asbestos while at work. Smokers and those with other ailments, such as heart disease or diabetes, are more likely to develop the disease.