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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer Malignant mesothelioma develops in the thin layer of tissue lining certain organs. The majority of cases of mesothelioma begin in the lungs and are referred to as mesothelioma pleural; less common forms begin in the abdomen and are called mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lungs or stomachs of people who have been exposed to asbestos. It could take 50 years or longer for symptoms to be evident. Signs and symptoms The cancerous mesothelioma cells are found in the tissue lining the lungs and stomach, as well as other organs. Mesothelioma patients may suffer symptoms like shortness of breath, pain and fever, as well as fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms may vary based on the type of disease and its stage. lancaster asbestos attorneys depend on where the tumor is located and how it progresses. Since mesothelioma is so uncommon, doctors may have difficulty diagnosing it. The disease can have a long duration of latency, and the symptoms may look or feel like less serious illnesses like pneumonia. Therefore, it is crucial for asbestos exposure victims to consult their physician if they experience any symptoms that are persistent or unusual. They should also tell their doctor about any past history of exposure to asbestos. Trouble breathing, chest pain and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma of the pleura. These symptoms can become more severe as mesothelioma progresses and the lungs become inflamed. In severe cases, fluid can build up in the lungs or chest wall and cause extreme pain. In addition to mesothelioma signs those suffering from this disease may have trouble swallowing or feel abdominal pain. These symptoms can also cause some people to lose weight and suffer from an appetite reduction. The toxins released by mesothelioma can also affect kidneys, causing them to lose their ability perform their duties. Depending on the mesothelioma type the doctor can order blood tests or imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These include CT (computer-tomography) scanners, MRIs (magnetic imaging) and PETs (positron emission scans). These tests can assist doctors determine the best treatment for mesothelioma patients by excluding other conditions. Chest X rays are also useful in diagnosing Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may cause the chest cavity and lungs to appear cloudy or discolored. A doctor can perform a procedure called VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to decrease the inflammation caused by the buildup of fluid and improve breathlessness. It can also remove any tissue samples that are needed for testing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a cancer of asbestos that forms on the lining of organs, such as the abdomen and lungs is a type of cancer caused by asbestos. It is a rare type of cancer, however asbestos exposure puts people at risk. It is crucial to consult your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on the combination of physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are typically done in a clinic or hospital and could include an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. X-rays are a way to see the internal structures of your body, such as your chest and abdomen. They can show an accumulation of fluid between the chest wall and the lungs and is referred to as pleural effusion. They may also show the presence of a lump or mass in the chest, abdomen or a different area. MRI and CT scans offer more precise images than X-rays of the organs you have and are utilized by doctors to determine the location and size of mesothelioma. These scans can also show whether mesothelioma has spread to other areas of your body. A biopsy is another important diagnostic instrument. In this process it is where a small amount of tissue or fluid is collected and tested for cancerous cell growth. The most commonly used mesothelioma biopsies consist of fine needle aspiration and the surgical biopsy. If other tests aren't conclusive, or your symptoms suggest that the cancer is located in your chest cavity or lungs, a more invasive biopsy may be recommended. The more invasive procedures used to diagnose peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma include inserting a tube using a video camera into the abdomen or chest. A surgeon could utilize this technique to take a tissue sample or fluid for testing, and may also perform VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure), a type of keyhole surgery. In addition to mesothelioma tests Your doctor may also request blood tests and other medical tests to check how well your organs are functioning. Your doctor will conduct an examination to examine your lymph nodes and heart and other areas that may be affected by mesothelioma. They will also ask about your experience with asbestos exposure as well as any previous ailments or treatments you've experienced. Treatment The type of mesothelioma and stage determine the treatment. The stage of cancer is determined by many factors, such as how quickly the tumor expands and spreads. It is also influenced by how long symptoms take to show up and whether the disease has spread. People are more likely to develop mesothelioma if they have certain risk factors. The most important are asbestos exposure and gender. Asbestos may be ingested directly or indirectly by someone who is exposed in their work or pastime. Exposure can occur over many years and even decades before mesothelioma symptoms develop. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is extremely durable and heat resistant. During the mining process or when workers remove asbestos insulation, the material can break down into tiny dust particles that could be swallowed or inhaled. Inhaling fibers can cause irritation and scarring and cellular changes leading to mesothelioma. There are many procedures that can be used to detect mesothelioma. Doctors can collect samples of pleural fluid by a procedure called thoracentesis or insert a needle into the chest for a tissue sample. Other diagnostic tools are MRI and CT scanners that detect tumors and masses in the chest and abdomen. Once the diagnosis is confirmed doctors can treat it to lessen the pain and other symptoms. Some patients require a combination of treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Certain doctors also offer immunotherapy or tumor-treating fields as part of the mesothelioma treatment program. The excess fluid can be eliminated from the lungs by placing tubes in the chest. In some instances a patient could be genetically predisposed and increases his or her risk for mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can help determine if the test is suitable for a particular patient. A doctor will schedule follow-up appointments after mesothelioma treatments. These visits will allow the doctor to keep track of the patient's condition and look for any signs of the recurrence of the disease. Prognosis Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group composed of microscopic fibres once used extensively in the construction of homes. These fibres can get stuck in the linings of organs like the stomach cavity and lungs when people breathe them in or swallow them. Over time, they can cause irritation and lead to tumours forming. Symptoms typically don't show up until decades after initial exposure, and the majority of patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma at the end of their life. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary on the type, stage and location of the cancer. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are the pleural type, which occurs in the tissue (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be found inside the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types could develop in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs. If a diagnosis is established, doctors can perform a variety of tests to determine the severity of cancer and the most effective treatment for the patient. Doctors can test for mesothelioma by using an X-ray of the chest, CT scan or ultrasound as well as urine and blood samples, or biopsy. CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds are a way to determine whether the cancer has grown or not. Doctors can determine whether the cancer is epithelioid, or pleural mesothelioma. Both types can grow and spread more quickly at later stages, especially in cases where cancer has been able to spread to lymph nodes or other body parts. In some instances doctors can remove the mesothelioma entirely. This can dramatically improve the patient's chances of survival. In the majority of cases, the mesothelioma has advanced too far to be surgically removed. Patients may need undergo other treatments in order to prolong their lives. Certain patient characteristics can impact the rate of survival for mesothelioma as per research. People with a history of the disease or who are younger and in better health have a generally better prognosis. Other factors include whether smoking or uses tobacco, as well as the number of other health issues they suffer from.