Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer
The thin layer of tissue that line certain organs can develop mesothelioma that is malignant. Most mesothelioma cases begin in the lungs and are called pleural mesothelioma; less common types begin in the abdomen and are known as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region.
People who are exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma if asbestos fibers enter the lungs or stomach and cause irritation. It can take 50 years or more for the symptoms to show.
Symptoms
The cancerous cells of mesothelioma are found in the tissues that line the lungs, stomach and other organs. Patients suffering from mesothelioma can suffer from symptoms like discomfort, shortness of breath fever, a high temperature and weight loss. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of cancer and its stage. They also depend on the location where the tumor is located and how it develops.
Mesothelioma is so rare, it can be difficult for doctors to recognize. The disease has a long latency period and symptoms often look or appear like less severe conditions such as pneumonia. It is therefore important that asbestos exposure sufferers make an appointment with their doctors when they experience symptoms that are unusual or persistent. They should also tell their doctor about any history of exposure to asbestos.
Chest pain, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma pleural. These symptoms can become more severe as mesothelioma progresses and the lungs become inflamed. In extreme instances, they can result in the accumulation of fluid in the lungs and chest wall that causes the patient to feel pain in their chest when breathing.
In addition to mesothelioma, people may have abdominal pains or struggle to swallow. These symptoms can also cause some people to lose weight and suffer from a reduced appetite. The toxins produced by mesothelioma can also affect kidneys, causing them to reduce their ability to function effectively.
A doctor might require scans of imaging or blood tests to test for any abnormalities, based on the type of mesothelioma. These include CT (computer-tomography) scanners and magnetic resonance imaging (magnetic imaging) and PETs (positron emission scans). These tests help doctors decide on the best treatment for mesothelioma sufferers by ruling out other diseases.
Chest Xrays can be helpful in diagnosing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can cause the lungs and chest cavity to appear discolored or cloudy. A doctor may perform a procedure known as VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) to reduce inflammation caused by the accumulation of fluid, improve breathlessness, and take tissue samples to test.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma, a form of asbestos cancer that develops on the lining of organs such as the abdomen and lungs, is a type of cancer caused by asbestos. It is a rare cancer however, those who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. The symptoms can be similar to other conditions and illnesses which is why it is crucial to obtain a diagnosis from your doctor.
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is made on the results of physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are typically performed in a hospital or clinic, and may include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. X-rays create a picture of the body's structures including your chest and abdomen. They may reveal an accumulation of fluid between the chest wall and the lungs and is referred to as the pleural effusion. They can also reveal a lump or mass in the chest, abdomen or in any other region.
MRI and CT scans provide more precise images of your organs than Xrays and can aid doctors determine the location and size of any mesothelioma. These scans can also show whether mesothelioma has spread other areas of your body.
Another important diagnostic tool is a biopsy, in which a small amount of fluid or tissue is removed and analyzed for cancerous cells. The most common mesothelioma biopsies include a fine needle aspiration and the surgical biopsy. If other tests aren't conclusive, or your symptoms suggest that the cancer is in your chest cavity or lungs, a more aggressive biopsy might be suggested.
The most invasive procedures for diagnosing Mesothelioma of the pericardial and peritoneal regions involve inserting a tube with an electronic camera into the abdomen or chest. A surgeon may use this to take a tissue sample or fluid for testing, and may also perform VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) which is a form of keyhole surgery.
Your doctor might also recommend blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma test in order to assess how well your organs work. Your doctor will do a complete physical exam, checking your lymph nodes, heart and other areas that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will ask about your asbestos exposure history and past illnesses or treatments.
Treatment
Mesothelioma treatment is contingent on the type of mesothelioma person is suffering from and the stage. The stage of cancer is determined by a variety of factors, including how quickly the tumor grows and spreads. It also depends on the time it takes for symptoms to show up and whether the disease has spread.
Certain risk factors can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most significant are asbestos exposure and gender. People can be exposed to asbestos by working directly with the material or indirectly through other occupations or activities. Exposure can happen over a number of years, and sometimes for decades prior to when mesothelioma symptoms develop.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is extremely durable and heat resistant. The mineral can be broken into dust particles during mining or when workers take away asbestos-containing insulation. These dust particles could then be inhaled or ingested. When inhaled, the fibers may cause irritation, scarring and cellular changes that lead to mesothelioma.
A variety of procedures can help detect mesothelioma. Doctors can make use of an pleural fluid sample during the process known as thoracentesis. It is also possible to insert a needle into the chest to get a tissue sample for biopsy. Other diagnostic tools are MRI and CT scanners that show masses and tumors that are located in the chest and abdomen.
Once a diagnosis has been established doctors can treat the disease to lessen the pain and other symptoms. Some patients have several treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Certain doctors also include the treatment of tumors and immunotherapy in a mesothelioma treatment plan.
The excess fluid can be drained from the lungs through an instrument within the chest. In some instances, a patient may be genetically predisposed and increases their chance of developing mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can tell if testing for a patient is appropriate.
After treatment for mesothelioma doctors will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These appointments allow the doctor to keep track of the patient's health and look for signs of the recurrence of the disease.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group composed of microscopic fibres that were often used in construction. These fibres can lodge in the linings of organs like the stomach cavity and lungs when people inhale them or swallow them. In time, these fibers may cause irritation that could lead to tumors. The symptoms usually do not show up until decades after the initial exposure, and the majority of patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma in later life.
The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the type, stage and location of the cancer. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are Pleural, which is a form of cancer that develops in the tissue (pleura) of the lungs. meridian asbestos law firm occurs inside the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma forms may develop in the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs.
If a diagnosis is established, doctors can perform various tests to determine the extent of the cancer and determine the best treatment for the patient. The doctor can test mesothelioma by using an X-ray of the chest, CT scan, ultrasound or urine and blood samples or a biopsy. X-rays and other tests can determine if the tumor is located in one area or has spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors can also identify whether the mesothelioma belongs to epithelioid or pleural type. Both types are prone to growing and spread more quickly in later stages of the disease, especially if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
In certain cases doctors are able to eliminate the mesothelioma completely. This could improve the outlook of the patient. However, in the majority of cases mesothelioma is too advanced to be surgically removed completely and patients will have to take other types of treatments to extend their lives as long as possible.
Certain characteristics of patients can impact the rate of survival for mesothelioma according to research. People with a family history of mesothelioma, or are healthy and younger generally have a better likelihood of survival. Other factors include whether or not a person smokes or uses tobacco, as well as the number of other health issues they suffer from.