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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer Malignant mesothelioma develops in the thin layer of tissue that lines certain organs. Most cases of mesothelioma start in the lungs, and are known as pleural mesothelioma; less common types begin in the abdomen and are called peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation in the stomach or lungs of people who have been exposed to asbestos. It could take 50 years or longer for symptoms to be evident. Signs and symptoms The mesothelioma cancerous cells are found in the tissue lining the lungs and stomach, as well as other organs. Patients with mesothelioma may be afflicted by symptoms such as discomfort, shortness of breath, fever, fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of disease and its stage. They also depend on the location where the tumor is situated and the speed at which it grows. Mesothelioma is so rare that it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. The disease can be long-lasting and the symptoms may look or feel like less serious illnesses like pneumonia. This is why it is crucial for asbestos exposure victims to consult their doctor when they notice any symptoms that are unusual or persistent. They should also let their doctor know of any previous exposure to asbestos. The most common pleural mesothelioma symptoms are chest pain, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. As the mesothelioma grows and the lungs get inflamed, these symptoms could get worse. In extreme cases, they can even lead to fluid accumulation in the chest wall and lungs which causes the patient to feel pain in their chest when breathing. Alongside mesothelioma and other cancers, some sufferers may also experience abdominal pain or have difficulty swallowing. Some individuals may experience reduced appetite and weight loss due to these symptoms too. The mesothelioma-related toxins can also affect the kidneys, causing them to lose their ability function properly. A doctor might require scans of the body or blood tests to check for any abnormalities, based on the mesothelioma type. These include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. The results of these tests will aid doctors in determining the presence of other conditions and determine the most effective treatment option for mesothelioma patients. Chest X-rays are helpful in diagnosing Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may cause the lungs and chest cavity to appear cloudy or discolored. A doctor may use the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to lessen the inflammation caused by fluid buildup, improve breathlessness and remove any tissue samples to test. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, an asbestos cancer that is found in the lining of organs like the abdomen and lungs is a cancer caused by asbestos. It is a rare type of cancer, however exposure to asbestos puts people at risk. The symptoms can be similar to other conditions and illnesses and it is therefore important to obtain an accurate diagnosis from your doctor. A diagnosis of mesothelioma is made on a combination of physical exams as well as blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are usually done in a clinic or hospital and could include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. X-rays can create a picture of your internal structures, including your chest and abdomen. They may reveal a clog between the lungs, chest wall and a fluid known as pleural effusion. They may also show a lump or mass in the abdomen, chest or in any other region. MRI and CT scans offer more precise images than X-rays taken of your organs and can be used by doctors to determine the location and size of any mesothelioma. These scans will also reveal whether mesothelioma has spread to other parts of the body. A biopsy is an additional diagnostic instrument. In this procedure the small amount of tissue or fluid is collected and examined for cancerous cells growth. A fine needle aspiration or surgical biopsy are the two most commonly used types of mesothelioma biopsy. If other tests aren't conclusive, or if your symptoms suggest that the cancer is located in the chest cavity or lungs, a more invasive biopsy may be recommended. More invasive procedures to determine pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma include the use of a tube equipped with an electronic camera into the abdomen or chest. This can be used by surgeons to take samples of tissue or fluids to test. They can also carry out VATS, which is a type of keyhole surgery. In addition to mesothelioma testing the doctor may request blood tests and other medical tests to see the condition of your organs. working. Your doctor will perform a complete physical exam and will examine your lymph nodes, your heart and other areas that might be affected by mesothelioma. They will also ask about your past asbestos exposure and any past diseases or treatments you've had. Treatment The type of mesothelioma as well as the stage determine the treatment. The stage of the cancer is determined by a variety of factors, including how quickly the tumor grows and spreads, the time it takes for symptoms to appear, and whether or not the cancer has metastasized. Certain risk factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. Among the most significant are asbestos exposure and gender. Asbestos can be consumed either directly or indirectly by an individual through their job or hobby. Exposure can last for years, or even for decades, before mesothelioma symptoms begin to manifest. Asbestos is a natural mineral that is strong and heat-resistant. In the process of mining or when workers remove asbestos insulation, the material can break down into tiny dust particles that could be swallowed or inhaled. When inhaled, the fibers can cause irritation, scarring, and cellular changes that lead to mesothelioma. There are many procedures that can be used to identify mesothelioma. Doctors can use an pleural fluid sample during a procedure called thoracentesis or inserting a needle in the chest to collect a tissue sample to be used for a biopsy. Other diagnostic tools are MRI and CT scanners that detect masses and tumors that are located in the chest and abdomen. Once an diagnosis has been confirmed, doctors can treat it to reduce the symptoms and pain. Some patients receive a combination of treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Some doctors also incorporate the fields of immunotherapy or tumor-treatment as part of the mesothelioma treatment plan. The excess fluid can be removed out of the lungs by putting a tube in the chest. In some instances, a patient may have a genetic mutation that increases his or her risk for mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can tell if testing for the patient is necessary. Following treatment for mesothelioma, doctors will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These visits will enable the doctor to observe the patient's health and look for signs of recurrence. Prognosis Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a group composed of microscopic fibres that were previously extensively used in construction. pontiac asbestos attorneys can lodge in the linings of organs, such as the stomach cavity and lungs when people breathe them in or swallow them. In time, they may cause irritation and result in cancers forming. The symptoms usually do not 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 are dependent on the type, stage and location of the cancer. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung lining (pleura), and accounts for the majority of cases mesothelioma that develops within the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types may be found within the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs. Once doctors have an indication of cancer and have a diagnosis, they can run various tests to determine how far the cancer has spread and decide what treatment is best for the patient. Doctors can test mesothelioma with an X-ray of the chest, CT scan, ultrasound as well as urine and blood samples, or by taking a biopsy. X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds can be used to determine if the tumor has grown or not. Doctors can also determine whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid or pleural types. 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 or other parts of the body. In some cases, doctors can remove mesothelioma entirely. This can improve the prognosis of the patient. However, in most cases, mesothelioma is too advanced to be surgically removed completely and patients will need to undergo other treatments to extend their lives as long as possible. Research has revealed that certain patient traits can affect mesothelioma's survival rates. People who have mesothelioma-related family history, or are healthier and younger generally have a better prognosis. Other factors include whether smoking and the amount of health issues they suffer from.