Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer

Malignant mesothelioma can develop in the thin layer of tissues that line certain organs. The most common type of mesothelioma is found in the lungs and is known as pleural mesothelioma. The less common cases start in the abdomen and are referred to as peritoneal msothelioma.

People who are exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma if asbestos (sneak a peek at this site) fibers are absorbed into the stomach or lungs, and cause irritation. It could take 50 years or longer for symptoms to be evident.

Symptoms

The mesothelioma-like cancerous cells are found in the tissue of the stomach and lungs, as well as other organs. Mesothelioma patients may suffer symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain and fever, as well as fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms vary based on the stage and type of the disease. They also depend on the location where the tumor is located and how it progresses.

Since mesothelioma is so rare, doctors might be unable to diagnose it. The disease may be long-lasting and symptoms may appear or feel similar to less serious diseases like pneumonia. This is why it is important for asbestos litigation exposure victims to see their physician if they notice any symptoms that are unusual or persistent. They should also let their doctor know of any history of asbestos exposure.

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 the mesothelioma spreads and the lungs become inflamed. In severe cases, they can even lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest wall that causes the patient to experience pain and discomfort when breathing.

In addition to mesothelioma signs patients may have trouble swallowing or experience abdominal pain. These symptoms can also cause some people to lose weight and have less appetite. The mesothelioma-related toxins can also affect kidneys, causing them to lose their ability to function effectively.

Based on the type of mesothelioma, a doctor may order blood tests or imaging scans to look 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 option for mesothelioma patients by excluding other conditions.

Chest X-rays can also be useful in identifying mesothelioma. The chest cavity and lungs might appear discolored or cloudy due the presence of mesothelioma. A doctor can perform the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to decrease the inflammation caused by the buildup of fluid, improve breathlessness and remove any tissue samples to test.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is an asbestos claim cancer, which develops in the organs' linings, such as the abdomen and lungs. It is a rare cancer however, those who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. The symptoms may be similar to other conditions and illnesses and it is therefore important to get a diagnosis from your doctor.

A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on physical examinations as well as blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are typically done in a hospital or clinic and may include an X ray, CT scan, or MRI. X-rays are a way to see the internal structures of your body including your chest and abdomen. They may reveal a clog between the lungs, chest wall and a fluid called the pleural effusion. They may also show the presence of a mass or lump in the chest, abdomen or any other part of the body.

MRI and CT scans can provide more precise images of your organs than an X-ray, and can help doctors determine the location and size of mesothelioma. These scans can also show whether mesothelioma has spread other parts of your body.

Another crucial diagnostic instrument is a biopsy in which a small portion of tissue or fluid is taken out and examined for cancerous cells. A fine needle aspiration or a surgical biopsy are the two most commonly used types of mesothelioma biopsy. A more invasive biopsy can be recommended if results from other tests are inconclusive or when the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma suggest that it is located in the chest cavity or lungs.

More invasive procedures used to diagnose peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma include the use of a tube equipped with an electronic camera into the abdomen or chest. This procedure is used by surgeons to take tissue samples or fluids for testing. They can also perform VATS, which is a type of keyhole surgery.

In addition to mesothelioma testing the doctor may order blood work and other medical tests to see how well your organs are working. Your doctor will perform an examination to examine your lymph nodes and heart, as well as other areas that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will also ask about your experience with asbestos exposure, as well as any prior diseases or treatments you've experienced.

Treatment

The type of mesothelioma and the stage determine the treatment. The stage of cancer is determined by several factors, such as how fast the tumor grows and spreads. It also depends on the time it takes for symptoms to show up and whether the disease has progressed.

Certain risk factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. Among the most significant are asbestos lawsuit exposure and gender. People can be exposed to asbestos case working directly with the substance or indirectly through other occupations or pastimes. Exposure can continue for years, or even for decades, before symptoms of mesothelioma develop.

asbestos case is a naturally occurring mineral that is durable and heat resistant. When mining or when workers are removing asbestos insulation, the substance can break down into tiny dust particles that can be swallowed or inhaled. Inhaling the fibers may cause irritation and scarring as well as mesothelioma-like cellular changes.

There are a variety of procedures that can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors can collect the pleural liquid by a procedure called thoracentesis, or place a needle into the chest for the collection of a tissue sample. Other tools for diagnosing include MRI and CT scans, which show areas of the chest and abdomen where tumors or masses can be found.

Once an diagnosis has been established doctors can treat it to reduce the symptoms and pain. Some patients require various treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Certain doctors also offer the fields of immunotherapy or tumor-treatment as part of a mesothelioma treatment plan.

If a patient is suffering from a build-up of fluid around the lungs doctors can treat it by draining the excess fluid through an incision placed in the chest (pleurodesis). In certain cases patients could have an abnormality that increases the risk of mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can determine if testing for a patient is appropriate.

After treatment for mesothelioma a doctor will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These visits will enable the doctor to observe the patient's condition and check for any indications of the recurrence of the disease.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres previously extensively used in construction. These fibres can get stuck in the linings of organs such as the stomach cavity and the lungs when people breathe them in or swallow them. As time passes, they can cause irritation and eventually lead to cancers forming. The symptoms usually do not show up until decades after exposure, and most patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma at the end of their life.

The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the type, stage and location of the cancer. Most cases of mesothelioma are pleural, which develops in the wall (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be found inside the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma forms may develop in the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs.

After a diagnosis has been established, doctors can perform different tests to determine the severity of cancer and the most effective treatment for the patient. Doctors can test for mesothelioma using a chest X ray, CT scan, ultrasound or urine and blood samples, or by taking biopsy. X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds are a way to determine if the tumor has gotten larger or not.

Doctors can also tell if the mesothelioma is of the pleural or epithelioid type. Both types are prone to growing and spread more quickly in later stages of the disease, particularly if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

In some cases doctors are able to eliminate mesothelioma completely. This may improve the chances of survival of a patient. In the majority of cases, mesothelioma is too advanced to be surgically removed. Patients will need undergo other treatments in order to prolong their lives.

Certain patient characteristics can affect the rate of survival for mesothelioma according to research. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history, or are healthier and younger generally have a better prognosis. Other factors include smoking and the amount of health problems the person suffers from.