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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer The thin layer of tissue that lines certain organs can develop mesothelioma that is malignant. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma starts in the lungs and is referred to as pleural msothelioma. The less common cases begin in the abdomen and are referred to as peritoneal msothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation in the lungs or stomachs of people who have been exposed to asbestos. It can take up to 50 years or more for symptoms to show. Symptoms The mesothelioma cancerous cells are found in the tissue of the stomach and lungs as well as in other organs. Mesothelioma patients can experience symptoms such as discomfort, shortness of breath and fever, as well as fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms differ based on the stage and type of the disease. They also depend on the location of the tumor as well as its progress. Mesothelioma is so rare that it can be difficult for doctors to identify. The disease has a long latency period and symptoms often look or feel like less severe conditions such as pneumonia. Therefore, it is crucial for asbestos exposure victims to make an appointment with their doctor when they experience any symptoms that are persistent or unusual. They should also let their doctor know about any prior exposure to asbestos. The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain, breathing difficulties and breath shortness. These symptoms can become more severe as mesothelioma progresses and the lungs become inflamed. In the most severe cases, fluid can accumulate in the lungs or chest wall and cause extreme pain. In addition to mesothelioma signs patients may experience difficulty swallowing or feel abdominal pain. These symptoms can cause some people to lose weight and have an appetite reduction. The mesothelioma-related toxins may also affect the kidneys, causing them to lose the ability to function properly. A doctor can order imaging scans or blood tests to test for abnormalities, depending on the mesothelioma type. These include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. These tests can help doctors determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma patients by excluding other illnesses. Chest X-rays are helpful in diagnosing Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may cause the lungs and chest cavity to appear discolored or cloudy. A doctor can carry out the procedure known as VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to decrease inflammation caused by the accumulation of fluid as well as improve breathlessness. remove tissue samples for testing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a form of asbestos cancer that develops on the lining of organs such as the abdomen and lungs, is a form of cancer that is caused by asbestos. It is a rare type of cancer however, people who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. It is important to consult your physician to confirm the diagnosis. A mesothelioma is diagnosed by a combination of physical examinations, blood tests, and imaging tests. These tests are usually done in a hospital or clinic and could include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. X-rays are a way to see the body's structures including your abdomen and chest. They can show a buildup of fluid between the chest wall and the lungs that is known as pleural effusion. They may also show a mass or lump in the abdomen, chest or in another part of the body. MRI and CT scans offer more precise images than X-rays taken of your organs and are utilized by doctors to determine the location and size of mesothelioma. These scans can also show whether mesothelioma has spread to other parts of the body. A biopsy is another important diagnostic tool. In this method it is where a small amount of tissue or fluid is collected and tested for cancerous cell growth. The most frequent mesothelioma biopsies include an aspiration using a fine needle and the surgical biopsy. A more invasive surgical biopsy may be suggested if the results of other tests aren't conclusive, or if the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma suggest it is in the chest cavity or lungs. More invasive procedures to determine pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma include inserting a tube with a video camera into the chest or abdomen. This procedure can be performed by a surgeon to collect tissue samples or fluids to test. They may also perform VATS, a kind of keyhole surgery. new york asbestos law firm may also order blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma test in order to assess how well your organs function. Your doctor will do an entire physical exam as well as examine your lymph nodes, the heart and other organs that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will also ask about your history with asbestos exposure, as well as any prior illnesses or treatments you have been through. Treatment The type of mesothelioma as well as the stage determine the treatment. The stage of cancer is determined by many factors, including how fast the tumor expands and spreads. It is also influenced by how long symptoms take to show up and whether the disease has spread. Certain risk factors can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. One of the most significant is asbestos exposure and gender. A person may be exposed to asbestos working directly with the substance or indirectly through other work or activities. Exposure can last for years, or even for years before the mesothelioma symptoms begin to manifest. Asbestos is a natural mineral that is durable and heat resistant. It can break into dust particles during the mining process or when workers are removing asbestos-containing insulation. These dust particles can be inhaled or consumed. Inhaling the fibers may cause irritation, scarring and cellular changes that result in mesothelioma. There are many procedures that can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors can take the pleural fluid sample via the procedure known as thoracentesis, or insert a needle into the chest cavity to obtain a tissue sample to be used for a biopsy. Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scans, which show the chest and abdomen where tumors or masses can be found. Once the diagnosis is made, doctors can treat it to lessen the pain and other symptoms. Some patients require various treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Some doctors include immunotherapy and tumor-treating fields in a mesothelioma treatment plan. The excess fluid can be removed out of the lungs by putting tubes in the chest. In some instances patients may be genetically predisposed and increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can help determine the appropriateness of testing the patient is appropriate. Following treatment for mesothelioma, the doctor will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These appointments let the doctor to observe the health of the patient and look for signs of the possibility of recurrence. Prognosis Asbestos, a grouping of minerals that has microscopic fibres, and was once widely employed in construction and is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause. These fibres can get stuck in the linings of organs like the stomach cavity and the lungs when people breathe them in or swallow them. In time, these fibers may cause irritation that could lead to tumors. Symptoms typically don't show up until decades after the initial exposure, and most patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma in later life. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as which part of the body it's in. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung lining (pleura) and is the most common cause mesothelioma that develops within the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types may be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs. If doctors discover confirmed the diagnosis they can perform a variety of tests to determine the extent the cancer has spread and decide the best treatment for the patient. The doctor can test mesothelioma by using chest X-rays, CT scan, ultrasound as well as urine and blood samples or biopsy. CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds can be used to determine if the tumour has spread or not. Doctors can also determine if the mesothelioma is of epithelioid or pleural types. Both types can develop and spread more rapidly in later stages of the disease, particularly when the cancer has spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. In some cases doctors can remove mesothelioma entirely. This can greatly improve the prognosis of a patient. However, in most cases mesothelioma is too advanced to be fully removed surgically and patients will need to take other types of treatments to extend their lives as much as possible. Research has proven that certain patient traits can affect mesothelioma's survival rates. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma or who are older and healthier have a better chance of survival. Other factors include smoking and the number of health problems a person has.