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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of asbestosis and mesothelioma may be similar. Both are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers as well as dust. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma may receive treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma reveal the extent of the cancer's spread. Amarillo asbestos attorney utilize staging to determine treatment options and life expectations. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It usually affects the lung lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura) however, it can also occur in the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is malignant, which means it has the potential to expand and spread beyond the area of origin. The first symptom is often a cough that does not produce the phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and weight loss. In some cases patients, they experience swelling or lumps in the abdomen. A patient's doctor may recommend a specialist if they are experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will conduct several tests to determine if the symptoms are caused by mesothelioma, or another cancer. They will employ imaging scanners to examine the lungs, abdomens or hearts and perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural mesothelioma there are two primary surgical options. Extrapleural pneumonectomy eliminates part of the lung affected, including the diaphragm, and a portion of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication eliminates only the pleura, but not the entire lung. Chemotherapy and radiation are both options. The first makes use of high-energy X radiation to kill cancerous cells, while the second uses drugs such as pemetrexed or carboplatin in order to destroy cancerous cells or stop their growth. Patients should inform their doctor about any history of asbestos exposure. This is crucial, since mesothelioma could develop for up to twenty years after the initial exposure to asbestos. The doctor will ask about the frequency of exposure and the duration of exposure, as these variables can influence the development of symptoms. If your GP suspects that you are suffering from mesothelioma they will order a CT scan in order to determine the extent to which the cancer spreads throughout the body. If the mesothelioma has spread to the lung, a bronchoscopy should be conducted to look at the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In some cases the doctor might recommend an chest MRI or PET-CT scans to determine if the cancer has been able to spread to the heart. Diagnosis The most reliable way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to obtain a tissue or fluid sample. Doctors will use this sample to search for cancerous cells that differ from normal cells. A biopsy can be done surgically or with a needle. Doctors can also use imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans to detect mesothelioma. They can also conduct a positron emission tomography (PET) scan which can be used to find cancerous cells that have spread. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be similar to symptoms of other diseases which makes it difficult to determine. For instance the chest pain that is associated mesothelioma could be mistaken for heart disease or lung cancer. Pleural effusion, a condition caused by asbestos, can be mistaken for pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient has mesothelioma they will ask about the patient's prior exposure to asbestos, and their symptoms. The doctor will also perform an examination of the body and inquire about the medical history of the family members. The doctor will order urine and blood tests to determine if there are elevated levels. These tests can be conducted at the hospital or at home. These tests will allow doctors to determine the amount of asbestos in the body as well as how well other organs function. They also need to know if the patient has been through any surgeries previously. A CT scan and chest x-ray are taken to determine the presence of mesothelioma. Doctors typically conduct an echocardiogram, a test which uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart if they suspect that a patient is suffering from pericardial mesothelioma. A MRI scan may be beneficial in the case of pleural mesothelioma since it can provide detailed pictures of soft tissues. They can also perform mediastinoscopy. This involves placing a tube equipped with an imager and a light inside the chest to examine and sample lymph nodes close to the middle of the chest. This is particularly helpful when mesothelioma is spreading to these regions. Treatment Mesothelioma is a chronic respiratory illness that is slow to progress. However, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of living. To ease fatigue and lung pain doctors can employ treatments, fluid draining techniques or surgery. Doctors can also help patients deal with their loss of energy and how it affects their daily lives. The first step in treating mesothelioma is to find out if cancerous cells are present. The best way to do that is by taking a biopsy. In a biopsy, doctors take a small sample of mesothelium, and examine it under a microscope in order to determine whether there are cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually performed via surgery, but doctors can also perform the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting a needle into the chest to remove an amount of fluid to be tested. A surgeon might decide, once test results have been received, to remove any affected part of the body. This is most often performed for pleural mesothelioma but it is sometimes used to treat peritoneal cancer as well. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs (pleura). Peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers are consumed and trapped in the digestive tract. Patients can take steps after surgery to improve their level of comfort. This can be done by taking naps in the morning, making trips to the market and other outings when you feel better and performing light exercises. Patients can also ask their healthcare provider about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments. These trials involve studies of mesothelioma treatments which are not yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments, like radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, are available. Chemotherapy makes use of drugs to kill cancer cells, whereas radiation and immunotherapy enhance the body's natural defense mechanisms against the cancer. Targeted therapy involves the use of specific drugs to attack vulnerabilities within mesothelioma cancer cells. Because every patient and case is unique, it's essential to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma expert. Prognosis A prognosis is a measure of how far a mesothelioma has spread, and what the best treatment options will be. It can also tell patients how long they can expect to live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient can be a factor in their prognosis for mesothelioma. Patients who are healthier and have higher blood tests like a normal level of haemoglobin and higher platelet and white cells counts will have a greater chance of surviving mesothelioma. They will also be better able to handle the effects of chemotherapy and surgery better than those who have less general health. Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous, which is agressive tumor and has a lower prognosis than other types of cancer. This is mainly because it is often diagnosed later when the disease has already spread. The symptoms of mesothelioma are the same as many other illnesses which makes it difficult to identify. In some instances it could take years from the time that asbestos exposure begins until a person develops mesothelioma. There are two main kinds of mesothelioma: pleural mesotheliom and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. Both are triggered by exposure to asbestos. It is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells which cover most of the body's internal organs. The cancerous cells that cause pleural mesothelioma affect the membrane that line the chest cavity. It can also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or around the testicles. Asbestosis does not exhibit the same symptoms as mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems including scarring and stiffness. It is possible to contract both asbestosis and mesothelioma at the same time. Mesothelioma tumors are only seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos. It is most often found in the chest's lining and abdomen, as well as other organs. It isn't caused by smoking cigarettes, and the majority of people who suffer from mesothelioma are exposed to asbestos at work. Smokers and people with other illnesses, like heart disease or diabetes are more likely to develop the disease.