Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer
The thin layer of tissue that lines certain organs could develop malignant mesothelioma. Most mesothelioma cases begin in the lungs, and are known as pleural mesothelioma; less common forms begin in the abdomen and are known as 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 more for the symptoms to show.
Signs and symptoms
The cancerous mesothelioma cells are found in the tissues lining the lungs and stomach, as well as other organs. Patients with mesothelioma may suffer from symptoms like pain, shortness-of-breath fever, a high temperature and weight loss. The symptoms vary based on the type and stage of the disease. They depend on the location where the tumor is situated and the speed at which it grows.
Since mesothelioma is so uncommon, doctors may have difficulty diagnosing it. The disease may have a long latency and symptoms may appear or feel like less serious diseases like pneumonia. Therefore, it is important for asbestos exposure sufferers to make an appointment with their doctor when they experience symptoms that are persistent or unusual. 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 are inflamed, these symptoms can worsen. In severe cases, they may result in the accumulation of fluid in the chest wall and lungs that causes the patient to experience severe pain when breathing.
In addition to mesothelioma symptoms, people with this illness may have trouble swallowing or experiencing abdominal pain. Some sufferers may experience lower appetite and weight loss due to these symptoms as well. The mesothelioma toxins can also affect kidneys, making them lose their ability to function properly.
Depending on the mesothelioma type, a doctor may order blood tests or imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These include CT (computer-tomography) scanners as well as the MRI (magnetic imaging) and PETs (positron emission scans). The results of these tests can aid doctors in determining the presence of other diseases and determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma sufferers.
Chest Xrays can be useful in identifying mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can cause the lungs and chest cavity to appear discolored or cloudy. A doctor can perform the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to reduce the inflammation caused by the buildup of fluid, improve breathlessness and remove any tissue samples to test.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a form of asbestos cancer that is found in the tissues of organs like the lungs and abdomen. It is a rare form of cancer, but exposure to asbestos can put people at risk. It is important to consult your doctor to confirm the diagnosis.
A mesothelioma is diagnosed by a combination of physical examinations, blood tests, and imaging tests. These tests are usually performed in a clinic or hospital and could include an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. X-rays can provide a visual of your internal structures including your chest and abdomen. They may reveal a clog between the chest wall, lungs and a fluid called pleural effusion. They may also reveal an abnormal lump or mass in the chest, abdomen or any other part of the body.
MRI and CT scans can give more precise images of your organs than Xrays and help doctors determine the extent and location of any mesothelioma. These scans can also show whether mesothelioma has spread to other parts of your body.
Another crucial diagnostic tool is a biopsy, where a small amount of tissue or fluid is taken away and tested for cancerous cells. The most commonly used mesothelioma biopsies include a fine needle aspiration and a surgical biopsy. If midland asbestos lawyer aren't conclusive, or if symptoms suggest that the cancer is located in your chest cavity or lungs A more invasive biopsy could be recommended.
Invasive procedures to detect peritoneal and pericardial Mesothelioma include inserting a tube containing a video camera in the chest or abdomen. This can be used by a surgeon to take samples of tissue or fluids for testing. They can also perform VATS, which is a type of keyhole surgery.
Your doctor may also order blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma test to assess how well your organs function. Your doctor will conduct an entire physical exam and will examine your lymph nodes, the heart and other organs that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will also inquire about your past asbestos exposure, as well as any prior diseases or treatments you've been through.
Treatment
The type of mesothelioma and the stage determine the treatment. The stage of the cancer is determined by a combination of factors, including the speed at which the tumor expands and spreads, how long it takes for symptoms to manifest, and whether or not the cancer has metastasized.
People are more likely to develop mesothelioma if they have certain risk factors. The most important factors are asbestos exposure and gender. People can be exposed to asbestos through working directly with the material or indirectly through other work or hobbies. Exposure may occur over many years, and sometimes for decades prior to when mesothelioma symptoms develop.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally is extremely durable and resistant to heat. It can break down into dust particles during the mining process, or when workers remove asbestos-containing insulation. The dust particles can then be inhaled or ingested. When inhaled, the fibers can cause irritation, scarring, and cell division that may result in mesothelioma.
There are many methods that can be used to identify mesothelioma. Doctors can collect the pleural liquid by a procedure called thoracentesis or insert a needle into the chest to collect an in-tissue sample. Other diagnostic tools are MRI and CT scanners, which can detect masses and tumors in the chest and abdomen.
Once a diagnosis has been established, doctors can treat the illness to reduce the pain and other symptoms. Some patients receive a combination treatment, such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Certain doctors also offer immunotherapy or tumor-treating fields in a mesothelioma treatment plan.
If a patient is suffering from a build-up of fluid around their lungs, doctors can treat it by draining the excess through a tube placed in the chest (pleurodesis). In some instances a patient could have a genetic mutation that increases the risk for mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can determine if testing is right for a particular patient.
Following treatment for mesothelioma, the doctor will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These appointments will allow the doctor to monitor the patient's condition and look for signs of an increase in the incidence.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres that were often used in the construction industry. These fibres can lodge in the linings of organs, such as the stomach cavity and lungs when people breathe them in or swallow them. Over time, they can cause irritation and eventually lead to tumors developing. The symptoms usually don't show until a long time after the initial exposure. The majority of patients are diagnosed with Mesothelioma in later life.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary on the type and stage of the cancer as well as the part of the body it's in. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs (pleura), and is the most common cause mesothelioma that develops in the stomach cavity. Other types of mesothelioma may develop in the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs.
Once a diagnosis is established, doctors can perform various tests to determine the extent 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, blood and urine samples or a biopsy. X-rays, along with other tests, can determine if the tumor is in one place or has spread to other areas of the body.
Doctors can also identify whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid or pleural type. Both types can develop and spread more quickly in later stages of the disease, particularly if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other areas of the body.
In certain instances doctors are able to eliminate mesothelioma completely. This can improve the prognosis of patients. In most cases, the mesothelioma has progressed too far to be surgically removed. Patients may have undergo other treatments in order to prolong their lives.
Certain patient characteristics can impact the mesothelioma survival rate as per research. People who have mesothelioma-related family history or are younger and in good health generally have a better prognosis. Other factors include smoking and the number of health issues that an individual has.