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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer

The thin layer of tissue that line certain organs can develop mesothelioma maligna. Most mesothelioma cases begin in the lungs, and are known as mesothelioma pleural; less common types begin in the abdomen and are called mesothelioma peritoneal.

People who are exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma after asbestos fibers enter the stomach or lungs and cause irritation. It can take 50 years or more for symptoms to manifest.

Signs and symptoms

The

cancerous cells are found in the tissue that lines the lungs, stomach and other organs. Mesothelioma patients might experience symptoms such as discomfort, shortness of breath, fever, fluid buildup and weight loss. The symptoms can differ based on the type of disease and its stage. They depend on the location where the tumor is located and how it develops.

Because mesothelioma can be so rare, doctors may be unable to identify it. The disease may be long-lasting and symptoms may appear or feel like less serious conditions such as pneumonia. As a result, it is important for asbestos-related victims to consult their physician when they notice any symptoms that are unusual or persistent. They should also let their doctor know about any history of asbestos exposure.

Chest pain, difficulty breathing, and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma pleural. These symptoms can become more severe as the mesothelioma spreads and the lungs get inflamed. In severe cases, the fluid may build up in the lungs and chest wall, and cause severe pain.

In addition to mesothelioma, patients may also experience abdominal pain or struggle to swallow. These symptoms can cause some people to lose weight and experience an appetite reduction. The mesothelioma toxins can also affect the kidneys, causing them to lose their ability to function effectively.

A doctor might require scans of imaging or blood tests to test for abnormalities, depending on the type of mesothelioma. These include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. These tests help doctors determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma sufferers by ruling out other illnesses.

Chest X-rays are helpful in diagnosing Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can cause the lungs and chest cavity to appear cloudy or discolored. A doctor may perform an operation called VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) to decrease inflammation caused by fluid accumulation, improve breathlessness, and remove tissue samples for testing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a form of asbestos cancer, which develops in the tissues of organs like the abdomen and lungs. It is a rare type of cancer however, people who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases and conditions 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, blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are usually performed in a hospital or clinic and may 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 buildup of fluid between the chest wall and the lungs that is known as the pleural effusion. They can also reveal the presence of a lump or mass in the abdomen, chest, or another area.

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

A biopsy is another important diagnostic tool. In this process the small amount of tissue or fluid is collected and examined for cancerous cells growth. A fine needle aspiration or surgical biopsy are among the most common types of mesothelioma biopsy. If other tests aren't conclusive, or your symptoms suggest that the cancer is located in your lungs or chest cavity, a more invasive biopsy could be recommended.

The more invasive procedures used to detect pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma involves inserting a tube using a video camera into the abdomen or chest. This procedure can be performed by a surgeon to take tissue samples or fluids for testing. They can also perform VATS, which is a type of keyhole surgery.

Your doctor might also recommend blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma test to determine how well your organs work. Your doctor will conduct a complete physical exam and will examine your lymph nodes, your heart and other organs that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will inquire about your asbestos exposure history, as well as previous diseases or treatments.

Treatment

The type of mesothelioma and the stage determine the treatment. The stage of the cancer is determined by a mix of factors, such as the speed at which the tumor grows and spreads, the time it takes for symptoms to appear and whether the disease has metastasized.

Certain risk factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most significant risk factors are asbestos exposure and gender. Asbestos can be consumed in a direct or indirect way by a person in their work or pastime. Exposure may occur over many years and often decades before mesothelioma symptoms appear.

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is strong and heat resistant. The mineral can be broken into dust particles during mining, or when workers remove asbestos-containing insulation. These dust particles can then be inhaled or ingested. Inhaling fibers can cause irritation and scarring, and also mesothelioma-like cellular changes.

A range of procedures can be used to detect mesothelioma. Doctors can use an pleural fluid sample during the procedure known as thoracentesis, or insert a needle into the chest to get a tissue sample to be used for a biopsy. Other diagnostic tools are MRI and CT scanners that detect tumors and masses in the chest and abdomen.

Once an diagnosis has been made doctors can treat it in order to reduce the pain and other symptoms. Some patients have various treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Some doctors include the treatment of tumors and immunotherapy in a mesothelioma strategy.

The excess fluid can be drained from the lungs by placing an instrument inside the chest. In some instances a patient could be genetically predisposed and increases the risk for mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can determine if a test is appropriate for the patient.

A doctor will schedule follow-up appointments after mesothelioma treatment. These appointments let the doctor to observe the patient's health and look for indications of the possibility of recurrence.

Prognosis

Asbestos, a grouping of minerals that contain microscopic fibres, and was once extensively used in the construction industry, is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. When people inhale or swallow these fibres, they can be absorbed into the lining of organs such as the lungs or stomach cavity. In time, they may cause irritation and

lead to tumours forming. The symptoms are usually not apparent up until decades after the initial exposure. Most patients are diagnosed with Mesothelioma in later life.

The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the type stage, location and stage of the cancer. Pleural mesothelioma develops in the lung's lining (pleura), and is the most common cause mesothelioma arising from peritoneal mesotheli in the stomach cavity. Other types of mesothelioma 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 the cancer and the best treatment for the patient. The doctor can test mesothelioma by using an X-ray of the chest, CT scan, ultrasound or urine and blood samples or a biopsy. X-rays and other tests can show if the tumour is in one location or has spread to other areas of the body.

Doctors can also tell whether the mesothelioma belongs to the pleural or epithelioid type. Both types can develop and spread more rapidly in later stages of the disease, particularly when the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other areas of the body.

In some cases doctors can eliminate mesothelioma completely. This can significantly improve the patient's chances of survival. In the majority of cases, the mesothelioma is too advanced to be surgically removed. Patients may have undergo other treatments in order to prolong their lives.

Certain characteristics of patients can impact the mesothelioma survival rate, according to research. People with a history of mesothelioma or who are older and healthier have a better chance of survival. Other factors include whether or not a person smokes, as well as the amount of health issues they suffer from.