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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma as well as asbestosis may be similar. Both conditions are caused from exposure to asbestos fibers and dust. People who have pleural mesothelioma may receive treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Mesothelioma has four stages that reveal how far the cancer has spread. Doctors use staging to determine available treatments and life expectation. 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 most commonly found in the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura) however it can also affect the membrane that line the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means it is able to grow and spread outside of its original location. The first symptom is often a cough that doesn't produce Phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breathe and weight loss. In some cases, patients experience swelling or lumps in the abdomen. If a patient is experiencing these symptoms, their doctor may refer them for specialized treatment. The specialist will run a series of tests to determine whether mesothelioma or any other cancers are the cause. The imaging scanners are used to look inside stomachs, lungs, or heart and will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural mesothelioma there are two primary surgical options. A pneumonectomy that is extrapleural removes part of the lung affected, the diaphragm, and a portion of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy or pulmonary decortication eliminates only the pleura, not the entire lung. The chemotherapy and radiation are also options. The former uses X-rays that are high-energy at cancerous cells in order to destroy them, and the latter uses drugs like carboplatin and pemetrexed in order to kill cancerous cells or slow their growth. Patients should inform their doctor about any previous asbestos exposure. This is important, as mesothelioma may develop up to twenty years after the initial asbestos exposure. The doctor will ask about the frequency of exposure and the duration of the exposure, since these factors may impact the development symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma, they will arrange an CT scan to determine how the cancer has spread in the body. If mesothelioma has spread to the lung, they will perform a bronchoscopy look at the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In certain cases, a doctor may also suggest a PET-CT or chest MRI scan to determine if cancer has spread to your heart. Diagnosis The most reliable method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to obtain a biopsy or fluid sample. The sample is utilized by doctors to determine cancerous cells that are different from normal ones. A biopsy can be done surgically or through the use of needles. Doctors may also utilize imaging tests, like x-rays and CT scans to find mesothelioma. They may also do the positron emission tomography scan (PET), which can be used to detect cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are so similar to other conditions. The chest pain that is associated with mesothelioma could be misinterpreted as heart disease or lung cancer. In addition asbestos-related diseases such as pleural effusion may be confused with pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma, they will inquire about the person's past exposure to asbestos, as well as their symptoms. The doctor will also conduct an examination of the body and inquire about the medical history of relatives. The doctor will order urine and blood tests to look for elevated levels. These tests can be performed in a hospital or at home. These tests will help doctors determine how much asbestos is in the body and how the organs are performing. They will also ask whether the patient has undergone any prior surgery. A CT scan and chest x-ray will be taken to determine the presence of mesothelioma. Doctors typically conduct an echocardiogram, which utilizes sound waves to produce a picture of the heart if they believe that a person is suffering from pericardial mesothelioma. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, an MRI scan could be beneficial because it gives detailed images of the soft tissues. Mediastinoscopy can be performed by inserting a tube containing a camera and light inside the chest to examine and sample the lymph nodes that are located near the center. This is particularly helpful if mesothelioma spreads to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma is a chronic respiratory illness that is slow to progress. However, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of living. Doctors can employ medications, fluid drainage techniques or surgeries, or a combination of methods to alleviate fatigue and lung pain. Doctors can also assist patients cope with their loss of energy and how it affects their daily life. The first step to treating mesothelioma involves determining if cancerous cells are present. The best way to do that is by taking the procedure of a biopsy. During the biopsy, doctors take a small sample of mesothelium and look at it under a microscope in order to determine if there are any cancerous cells. A biopsy is typically done by surgery, however, doctors can also undergo the procedure known as thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle in the chest cavity to take a sample of fluid for testing. A surgeon may decide, after the test results have been received to remove any affected parts of the body. This is usually done for pleural, however it can also be done to treat asbestosis that is peritoneal or peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers are consumed and become trapped in the digestive tract. Patients can take steps following surgery to increase their level of comfort. This can be done by taking napping in the morning, planning trips to the market and other activities when you are feeling better and doing light exercise. Patients can also ask 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, such as radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, may be available. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiation and immunotherapy increase the body's natural defense system against the cancer. The term “targeted therapy” refers to the use of specific medications to attack vulnerabilities within mesothelioma cancer cells. Every patient's situation is unique. It is important to discuss with a mesothelioma expert all treatment options. Prognosis A prognosis is an estimate of how far a mesothelioma has spread, and what the most effective treatment options will be. It can also tell how long patients will have to live with mesothelioma. A patient's general health is another factor that affects their mesothelioma prognosis. Patients who are healthier and have higher blood tests such as normal haemoglobin levels and higher platelet and white cell counts will have a greater chance of surviving mesothelioma. They are also more at enduring chemotherapy and surgery than those with less general health. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is aggressive that typically has a less favorable prognosis than other forms of cancer. This is mainly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed later after the cancer has already taken hold. Mesothelioma can be a difficult cancer to detect because the symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases. In some instances, it can take decades from the time that asbestos exposure is discovered until the patient develops mesothelioma. There are two main types of mesothelioma: pleural mesotheliom and mesothelioma peritoneal. Both are caused by asbestos exposure. fort wayne asbestos lawyer affects the mesothelial tissue that covers the majority of the internal organs of the body. The cancerous cells that cause pleural mesothelioma affect the membrane that line the chest cavity. It can also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or around the testicles. Asbestosis is not a form of mesothelioma, but it has similar symptoms to those of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems such as stiffness and scarring. It is possible to contract mesothelioma and asbestosis simultaneously. Mesothelioma cancer can only be found in people who have been exposed to asbestos. It usually develops on the chest lining and abdomen. It is not triggered by smoking, and the majority of people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos when they were working. Smokers and also those with other illnesses like heart disease or diabetes may be more likely to develop mesothelioma than others.