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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer The thin layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs may develop mesothelioma maligna. Most cases of mesothelioma start in the lungs and are referred to as mesothelioma pleural; less common types start 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 can take 50 years or longer for symptoms to show. Signs and symptoms The cancerous mesothelioma cells are found in the tissues lining the lungs and stomach as well as in other organs. Patients with mesothelioma might suffer from symptoms like shortness-of-breath, pain, fever, fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of cancer and its stage. They also depend on where the tumor is situated and the speed at which it grows. Mesothelioma is so rare that it can be difficult for doctors to identify. The disease has a long latency period and symptoms typically look or appear like less severe conditions, such as pneumonia. It is crucial that asbestos exposure victims make an appointment with their physician when they encounter symptoms that are not normal or persistent. They should also inform their doctor about any history of exposure to asbestos. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain, breathing difficulties and breath shortness. As mesothelioma increases and the lungs become inflamed, the symptoms may worsen. In extreme cases, fluid can build up in the lungs or chest wall and cause severe pain. In addition to mesothelioma symptoms patients may have trouble swallowing or experience abdominal pain. Some individuals may experience lower appetite and weight loss as a result of these symptoms too. The mesothelioma toxins released can also affect the kidneys and cause them to cease to function properly. A doctor can request scans of imaging or blood tests to test for any abnormalities, based on the mesothelioma type. These include CT (computer-tomography) scanners and the MRI (magnetic imaging) and PETs (positron emission scans). These tests can assist doctors determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma sufferers, by ruling out other conditions. Chest X-rays are useful in identifying Mesothelioma. The lungs and chest cavity might appear cloudy or discolored due to the presence of mesothelioma. A doctor may perform an operation known as VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to reduce inflammation caused by the accumulation of fluid, improve breathlessness, and remove tissue samples for testing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, an asbestos cancer that is found in the lining of organs, such as the abdomen and lungs is a form of cancer that is caused by asbestos. It is a rare form of cancer, however exposure to asbestos can put people at risk. It is essential to speak with your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on the results of physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are usually done in a clinic or hospital and may include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. X-rays can provide a visual of your internal structures including your abdomen and chest. They may reveal a buildup between the lungs, chest wall and fluid called pleural effusion. They may also reveal the presence of a mass or lump in the abdomen, chest or in any other region. MRI and CT scans can provide more detailed images of your organs than Xrays and can aid doctors find out the size and location of any mesothelioma. The scans can also indicate whether mesothelioma has spread to other parts of your body. A biopsy is another important diagnostic tool. In this process the small amount of fluid or tissue is taken and tested for cancerous cell growth. Fine needle aspiration or surgical biopsy are the most common types of mesothelioma biopsy. A more invasive surgical biopsy may be recommended if the results from other tests are not conclusive or when the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma suggest that it is located in your chest cavity or lungs. Invasive procedures to detect peritoneal and pericardial Mesothelioma include inserting a tube containing video cameras in the chest or abdomen. A surgeon may use this to take the tissue sample or the fluid to test, and could also perform VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) it is a kind of keyhole surgery. Your doctor can also order blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma tests to assess how well your organs work. Your doctor will perform a physical exam to check your heart and lymph nodes, as well as other areas that might be affected by mesothelioma. They will ask about your asbestos exposure history as well as previous illnesses or treatments. Treatment Mesothelioma treatment varies based on the type of mesothelioma that a patient has and the stage at which it is. The stage of the cancer is determined by a combination of factors, including how fast the tumor expands and spreads, the time it takes for symptoms to manifest and whether or not the disease 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 directly or indirectly by an individual through their job or hobby. Exposure may occur over many years, and sometimes for decades prior to when mesothelioma symptoms appear. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral is extremely durable and resistant to heat. When mining or when workers are removing asbestos insulation, the material 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. A variety of procedures can help detect mesothelioma. Doctors can take a pleural fluid sample through the procedure known as thoracentesis, or inserting a needle into the chest to get the tissue sample needed for biopsy. Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scans, which can reveal the abdomen and chest that contain tumors or masses can be found. Once a diagnosis has been established doctors can treat it to lessen the pain and other symptoms. Some patients receive a combination treatment that includes chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Some doctors include the fields of immunotherapy and tumor-treatment in a mesothelioma treatment plan. If a patient is suffering from an accumulation of lungs-related fluid doctors can treat this by removing the excess via an incision placed in the chest (pleurodesis). In some cases, a patient may have a genetic mutation that increases his or her risk of developing mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can determine whether testing for the patient is necessary. A doctor will schedule follow-up visits following mesothelioma treatment. These visits will allow the doctor to monitor the patient's condition and look for any signs of an increase in the incidence. Prognosis Mesothelioma can be triggered by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres previously extensively used in construction. These fibres can lodge in the linings of organs, such as the lungs and stomach cavity when people breathe them in or swallow them. As time passes, they can cause irritation and lead to tumours forming. Symptoms typically don't show up until decades after the initial exposure, and the majority of patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma in later life. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary on the type, stage and location of the cancer. Pleural mesothelioma develops in the lung lining (pleura) and is the most common cause, while peritoneal mesothelioma develops inside the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types may occur in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs. Once doctors have confirmed the diagnosis and have a diagnosis, they can run a range of tests to show how far the cancer has spread and decide which treatment is most suitable for the patient. Doctors can test for mesothelioma with chest X-rays, CT scan or ultrasound as well as blood and urine samples, or biopsy. X-rays, along with other tests, can reveal if the cancer is in one location or has spread to other parts of the body. san angelo asbestos attorneys can also determine whether the mesothelioma belongs to epithelioid or pleural type. Both types can grow and spread more rapidly in later stages of the disease, particularly when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. In some cases, doctors are able to eliminate the mesothelioma completely. This can greatly improve a patient's prognosis. However, in the majority mesothelioma is too advanced to be completely removed surgically, and patients will need to undergo other treatments to extend their lives as long as possible. Research has proven that certain patient traits can help determine mesothelioma survival rates. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma, or are healthier and younger generally have a better prognosis. Other factors include smoking and the number of health issues that an individual has.