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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis can be similar. This is because both conditions are caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma may receive treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma indicate the extent of cancer's spread. Doctors use staging to determine the best treatment options and life expectancies. Symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It is usually found in the lung linings, the chest cavity, and the abdomen (pleura) but it can also affect membranes that connect the heart (pericardium) or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is malignant, meaning it is able to spread and grow beyond the location of origin. The first sign is usually a cough that doesn't produce the phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and weight loss. Some patients may experience swelling or lumps on the abdomen. If a patient is experiencing these symptoms, their doctor might refer them to a specialist for treatment. The specialist will conduct several tests to determine whether the symptoms are caused by mesothelioma or another type of cancer. They will employ imaging scanners to look inside lungs, abdomens or hearts and will perform a biopsy in order 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 eliminates the cancer and a part of the lung affected, the diaphragm and a part of the lining of the heart; and a pleurectomy with pulmonary decortication (P/D), which removes the pleura, but not the entire affected lung. Chemotherapy and radiation are both options. The first makes use of high-energy X radiation to destroy cancer cells, while the second makes use of drugs like carboplatin or pemetrexed to kill cancerous cells or stop their growth. Patients must inform their physician whether they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This is vital, as mesothelioma can develop within a period of time of up to 20 years following the initial asbestos exposure. The doctor will also inquire about the frequency and duration of exposure since these can impact the development of symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma, they'll arrange a CT scan to determine how the cancer has spread across the body. If mesothelioma has spread to the lung, a bronchoscopy may be performed to check the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In some cases doctors may recommend a PET-CT or chest MRI scan to determine if cancer has developed to the heart. Diagnosis The best method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma involves taking a sample of fluid or tissue. The sample is utilized by doctors to look for cancerous cells that differ from normal cells. A biopsy can be performed surgically or through the use of a needle. To identify mesothelioma, doctors can use imaging tests like CT scans and x-rays. They may also do the positron emission (PET) scan, which is used to find cancerous cells that have expanded. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms may be so similar to other conditions. For instance the chest pain that occurs mesothelioma may be mistaken for heart disease or lung cancer. In addition asbestos-related diseases such as pleural effusion could be confused with pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient has mesothelioma, they will inquire about the patient's prior exposure to asbestos, and their symptoms. They will also perform an examination and collect a medical history of the medical history of the patient's family. The doctor will conduct blood and urine testing to look for elevated levels. These tests can be performed in the hospital or even at home. These tests aid doctors in determining how much asbestos is in the body, and how well the organs are working. They will also ask whether the patient has had any prior surgery. A chest x-ray and a CT scan will also be performed to determine the presence of mesothelioma, such as a thickening of the membrane surrounding the lung. Doctors will usually take an echocardiogram, a test that makes use of sound waves to create an image of the heart, in case they believe that a person is suffering from pericardial mesothelioma. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, an MRI scan can be helpful because it gives detailed images of the soft tissues. They may also do a mediastinoscopy, which involves placing a tube equipped with cameras and a light inside the chest to study and sample lymph nodes in the middle of the chest. elizabeth asbestos law firm is particularly beneficial if mesothelioma spreads to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma is a respiratory disease that is slow-moving. However there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. To alleviate discomfort and fatigue doctors can prescribe medications, fluid draining techniques, or surgery. Doctors can also help patients cope with fatigue and how it affects their daily routine. The first step to treating mesothelioma is to determine if cancerous cells are present. The best way to do this is to take an examination. During a biopsy, doctors will take a small portion of mesothelium to examine under a microscope. They are looking for cancerous cells. A biopsy is typically performed via surgery, but doctors can also perform the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting a needle into the chest to take out fluid samples for testing. After the test results are available, a surgeon may decide to take out any parts of the body affected by mesothelioma or asbestosis. This is typically done for pleural mesothelioma, but it is sometimes used to treat peritoneal cancer as well. Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lining of the lungs (pleura). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers that are ingested into the digestive tract. Patients can take steps following surgery to increase their comfort. This can be done by taking napping in the morning, planning trips to the store and other activities when you feel better and performing light exercises. Patients may also inquire with their healthcare provider about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatment. These trials involve studies of mesothelioma treatments which have not yet been approved by the FDA. Other treatments may also be available, such as chemotherapy as well as radiation and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy and radiation are used to enhance the body's natural defence mechanisms against cancer. The targeted therapy uses specific drugs to target weaknesses in mesothelioma cells. Because every patient and case is unique, it's essential to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma specialist. Prognosis A prognosis is an estimate of how far mesothelioma has spread and what the most effective treatment options will be. It can also indicate the length of time patients can expect to endure mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is also an important factor in the likelihood of them surviving mesothelioma. Patients who are healthier and have higher blood test results like a normal level of haemoglobin and higher platelet and white cells counts will have a greater chance of surviving mesothelioma. They are also more able to tolerate chemo and surgery than those with less general health. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is aggressive that is often a poor prognosis than other kinds of cancer. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed much later, once the cancer has already spread to other areas of the body. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be compared to many other diseases making it difficult to recognize. In some instances, it can take decades from the time that asbestos exposure is discovered until the patient develops mesothelioma. There are two major types of mesothelioma: pleural mesotheliom and mesothelioma peritoneal. Both are caused from asbestos exposure. The mesothelial tissue that covers the majority of the internal organs of the body. The cancerous cells that cause pleural mesothelioma affect the membrane that lines the chest cavity. It may also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the membrane around the testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis is not a type of mesothelioma. However, it has similar symptoms as mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems like stiffness and scarring. It is possible to contract both asbestosis and mesothelioma simultaneously. Mesothelioma cancer is only found in people who have been exposed to asbestos. It typically occurs 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 when they were working. People who have smoked and also those with other illnesses like diabetes or heart disease may be more likely to develop mesothelioma over others.