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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma as well as asbestosis may be similar. Both conditions are caused from exposure to asbestos fibers as well as dust. Pleural mesothelioma can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma reveal the extent of the cancer's spread. Doctors make use of staging to determine treatments and life expectation. Symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It is most commonly found in the linings of the lungs, the abdomen and chest cavity (pleura) but it may also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is malignant, which means it is able to spread and grow beyond the area of origin. The first sign of a non-phlegmatic cough is common. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and weight loss. In some cases, patients experience lumps or swelling in their abdomen. A patient's physician may recommend specialists if they're experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will run several tests to check whether mesothelioma or any other cancers are the reason. They will use imaging scans to see inside the abdomen, lungs or the heart, and then perform biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. When it is pleural mesothelioma that needs to be treated, doctors have two primary surgical options which include an extrapleural phlemonectomy (EPP), which removes the cancer and a part of the affected lung, the diaphragm and a portion of the lining of the heart; and a pleurectomy with pulmonary decortication (P/D) that removes the pleura but not the entire lung that is affected. Other types of treatment include radiation and chemotherapy. The former directs high-energy X-rays towards cancerous cells to kill them, and the latter uses drugs like pemetrexed and carboplatin to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Patients must inform their physician if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This is crucial because mesothelioma is a cancer that can develop up to 20 years after the initial exposure. The doctor will also inquire about the frequency and duration of exposure, as these can impact the development of symptoms. If your GP suspects that you are suffering from mesothelioma they will order an CT scan in order to determine how much the cancer has spread throughout the body. If mesothelioma has spread to the lung, they will conduct a bronchoscopy procedure to look at the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In some cases, a doctor may also suggest a PET-CT or chest MRI scan to determine if cancer has developed to the heart. Diagnosis The most reliable way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is to obtain a biopsy or fluid sample. Doctors will use this sample to look for cancerous cells, which are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be carried out through a needle or surgery. Doctors can also perform imaging tests, like x-rays and CT scans to detect mesothelioma. They may also perform an positron-emission tomography (PET) scan (PET), which can be used to detect cancerous cells. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to symptoms of other diseases making it difficult to diagnose. The chest pain that is caused by mesothelioma can be mistaken as heart disease or lung carcinoma. Pleural effusion, a condition caused by asbestos can be mistaken for bronchitis or pneumonia. If doctors suspect that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma, they will inquire about the patient's prior exposure to asbestos and the symptoms. They will also perform a physical exam and take a history of the patient's family's medical history. The doctor will then conduct blood and urine tests to look for elevated levels of certain proteins. These tests can be done in a hospital or at home. These tests will allow doctors to determine the level of asbestos in the body and how well other organs are functioning. They will also inquire if the patient had undergone any prior surgery. A chest xray and CT scan will also be taken to check for signs of mesothelioma such as a thickening of the membrane surrounding the lungs. If doctors suspect pericardial Mesothelioma they usually request an echocardiogram. This is a test which uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. In cases of pleural msothelioma an MRI scan could be beneficial since it provides precise images of the soft tissues. They can also perform mediastinoscopy, which entails placing a tube with a light and camera inside the chest to look at and sample lymph nodes near the middle of the chest. This is especially beneficial if the mesothelioma has spread to these regions. Treatment Mesothelioma is a respiratory disease that is slow-moving. However there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of living. To ease discomfort and fatigue doctors can prescribe medications, fluid draining techniques or surgery. Doctors can also help patients deal with their loss of energy and how it affects their daily life. The first step in treating mesothelioma asbestosis is to find out if cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the best way to find out. The biopsy will take a small amount of mesothelium, and examine it under a microscope to see whether there are cancerous cells. A biopsy is typically done by surgery, however, doctors can also perform the procedure known as thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle in the chest to remove the fluid sample to be tested. A surgeon may decide, after the results of the test have been obtained to remove any affected part of the body. This is usually performed to treat pleural mesothelioma however, it can be performed to treat peritoneal mesothelioma as well. Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers are consumed and become trapped in the digestive tract. Patients can take steps following surgery to increase their level of comfort. This can be done by taking breaks in the morning, making trips to the market and other activities for when you feel better and performing light exercises. Patients can also ask their doctor about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments. These trials focus on new mesothelioma treatment options that aren't yet approved by the FDA. kansas city asbestos lawyer could also be available, such as chemotherapy as well as radiation and immunotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiation and immunotherapy enhance the body's natural defense systems against the cancer. The targeted therapy uses specific drugs to attack vulnerabilities in mesothelioma cells. Every patient's experience is unique. It is crucial to discuss with a mesothelioma specialist all possible treatment options. Prognosis A prognosis is an estimate of how far mesothelioma is spreading and what the best treatment options will be. It can also tell the length of time patients can expect to endure mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is an important factor in the prognosis of mesothelioma. People who are healthier and have better blood tests like a normal level of haemoglobin and higher platelet and white cell counts will have a greater chance of being able to survive mesothelioma. They are also more in their ability to handle chemotherapy and surgery than those with poorer general health. Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor which is agressive tumor and has a lower prognosis than other cancers. This is partly due to the fact that it is often diagnosed much later, after the cancer has already taken hold. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be compared to many other illnesses making it difficult to identify. In some instances, it can take decades from the moment asbestos exposure is discovered until a person develops mesothelioma. There are two major types of mesothelioma: pleural mesotheliom and peritoneal mesothelioma. Both are caused from asbestos exposure. It is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells that cover the majority of the organs of the body's internal system. The cancerous cells that cause pleural mesothelioma affect the membrane that lines the chest cavity. It can also affect membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or around the testicles. Asbestosis is not characterized by the same symptoms as mesothelioma. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, and it can cause lung issues, such as the development of scarring and stiffness in the lung. It is possible to develop mesothelioma and asbestosis at the same time. Mesothelioma cancer can only be found in people who have been exposed to asbestos. It usually develops on the lining of the chest and abdomen. It is not triggered by smoking, and the majority of people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos while they worked. Smokers and people with other ailments, such as diabetes or heart disease, are more likely to be affected by the disease.