Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer
The thin layer of tissue that line certain organs may develop malignant mesothelioma. Most cases of mesothelioma start in the lungs and are referred to as pleural mesothelioma; less common types start in the abdomen and are known as peritoneal mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lungs or stomachs of those who have been exposed to asbestos. It can take 50 years or more for symptoms to be evident.
Signs and symptoms
The cancerous mesothelioma cells are found in the tissue lining the lungs and stomach, as well as other organs. Mesothelioma patients may suffer symptoms such as discomfort, shortness of breath and fever, as well as fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of cancer and its stage. They also depend on the site of the tumor and its progression.
Mesothelioma is so rare, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. The disease has a long latency period and the symptoms can appear or appear like less severe ailments, such as pneumonia. This is why it is crucial for asbestos-related victims to make an appointment with their doctor when they notice any symptoms that are not normal or persistent. They should also tell their doctor about any past history of exposure to asbestos.
Chest pain, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. These symptoms can worsen as the mesothelioma spreads and the lungs get inflamed. In extreme instances, they can cause fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest wall which causes the patient to feel pain in their chest when breathing.
Along with mesothelioma, some people may have abdominal pains or struggle to swallow. Some individuals may experience low appetite and weight loss due to these symptoms as well. The mesothelioma toxins released may also affect the kidneys and cause them to lose their ability perform their duties.
Depending on the mesothelioma type the doctor can order blood tests or imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These include CT (computer-tomography) scanners as well as MRIs (magnetic imaging) and PETs (positron emission scans). These tests help doctors determine the best treatment for mesothelioma sufferers, by ruling out other diseases.
Chest X rays are also useful in identifying Mesothelioma. The lungs and chest cavity can appear cloudy or discolored due to the presence of mesothelioma. A doctor may perform a procedure known as VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) to reduce inflammation caused by fluid accumulation, improve breathlessness, and take tissue samples to test.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is an asbestos cancer that is found in the lining of organs such as the lungs and abdomen. It is a rare form of cancer however, those who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. It is crucial to consult your physician to confirm the diagnosis.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma is based on physical examinations, 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. The X-rays may create a photo of your internal structures including your chest and abdomen. They may reveal an accumulation of fluid between the chest wall and the lungs and is referred to as the pleural effusion. They can also reveal an abnormal lump or mass in the chest, abdomen or other area.
MRI and CT scans can give more precise images of your organs than Xrays, and can help doctors determine the extent and location of any mesothelioma. These scans can also show whether mesothelioma has spread to other areas of the body.
Another vital diagnostic tool is a biopsy where a small amount of fluid or tissue is taken out and analyzed for cancerous cells. The most commonly used mesothelioma biopsies are a fine needle aspiration and surgical biopsy. A more invasive surgical biopsy could be suggested if the results of other tests aren't conclusive, or when the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma suggest that it is located in the chest cavity or lungs.
More invasive procedures used to detect pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma involve the use of a tube equipped with a video camera in the chest or abdomen. A surgeon may make use of this procedure to take samples of tissue or fluid for testing, and may also perform VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure), a type of keyhole surgery.
In addition to mesothelioma tests the doctor may request blood tests and other medical tests to check how well your organs are functioning. Your doctor will do an extensive physical examination and will examine your lymph nodes, heart and other organs that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will ask about your asbestos exposure history and previous ailments or treatments.
Treatment
The type of mesothelioma as well as the stage determine the treatment. The stage of cancer is determined by several factors, such as how fast the tumor expands and spreads. It also depends on how long it takes for symptoms to appear and whether the cancer has spread.
Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. The most important are asbestos exposure and gender. Asbestos may be ingested directly or indirectly by someone who is exposed in their work or pastime. Exposure may occur over many years, and sometimes for decades prior to when mesothelioma symptoms appear.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is extremely durable and heat resistant. In the process of mining or when workers take asbestos insulation, the material is broken down into tiny dust particles that can be swallowed or inhaled. Inhaling the fibers may cause irritation, scarring, and cellular changes that result in mesothelioma.
There are many methods that can be used to identify mesothelioma. Doctors can take the pleural liquid by performing a procedure referred to as thoracentesis, or insert an needle into the chest to collect an in-tissue sample. port st lucie asbestos attorneys are MRI and CT scanners that detect masses and tumors that are located in the abdomen and chest.
Once a diagnosis has been made doctors can treat it in order to reduce pain and other symptom. Certain patients receive several treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Some doctors also include immunotherapy or tumor-treating fields in the mesothelioma treatment plan.
If a patient is suffering from a build-up 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 could have a genetic mutation that increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can help determine the appropriateness of testing the patient is necessary.
After mesothelioma treatment, doctors will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These appointments will let the doctor monitor the patient's health and look for signs of an occurrence.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma can be triggered by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals made up of microscopic fibres once used extensively in the construction industry. When people breathe in or swallow the fibres, they may become lodged in the tissues of organs, such as the stomach cavity or the lungs. Over time, they can cause irritation and result in cancers forming. The symptoms typically don't show until a long time after the initial exposure. The majority of patients are diagnosed with Mesothelioma later in the course of their lives.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are dependent on the type, stage and location of the cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lung's lining (pleura) and accounts for most cases mesothelioma that develops inside 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 severity of the cancer and determine the best treatment for the patient. Doctors can look for mesothelioma with an X-ray of the chest, CT scan or ultrasound, as well as blood and urine samples, or biopsy. X-rays and other tests may show if the tumour is in one place or has spread to other regions of the body.
Doctors can also determine whether the mesothelioma is the pleural or epithelioid type. Both types are prone to growing and spread more quickly in later stages of the disease especially when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other areas of the body.
In certain instances doctors can remove mesothelioma entirely. This can significantly improve a patient's prognosis. However, in most cases, mesothelioma is too advanced to be completely removed surgically, and patients will need to take other types of treatments to extend their lives as long as possible.
Research has shown that certain characteristics of patients can help determine mesothelioma survival rates. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history, or are healthier and younger generally have a better prognosis. Other factors include smoking and the number of health issues a person has.