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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer Malignant mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in thin layer of tissue lining certain organs. The majority of cases of mesothelioma begin in the lungs and are referred to as mesothelioma of the pleural region. Other types start in the abdomen and are called peritoneal mesothelioma. People who have been exposed to asbestos might develop mesothelioma after asbestos fibers get into the stomach or lungs, and cause irritation. It can take as long as 50 years or more for symptoms to show up. Signs and symptoms The cancerous cells of mesothelioma are found in the tissues that line the lungs, stomach and other organs. Mesothelioma patients may suffer symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain, fever, fluid buildup and weight loss. The symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. They depend on where the tumor is situated and the speed at which it grows. Mesothelioma is so rare, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. The disease has a long time of latency and symptoms typically look or appear like less severe conditions, such as pneumonia. This is why it is important for asbestos exposure sufferers to consult their doctor when they experience any symptoms that are persistent or unusual. They should also tell their doctor about any past history of exposure to asbestos. Chest pain, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma pleural. As the mesothelioma expands and the lungs get inflamed, the symptoms may worsen. In severe cases, the fluid may build up in the lungs or the chest wall, causing extreme pain. In addition to mesothelioma-related symptoms those suffering from this disease may have trouble swallowing or experience abdominal pain. These symptoms can also cause some people to lose weight and experience less appetite. The mesothelioma-related toxins can also affect kidneys, making them reduce their ability to function properly. A doctor may order imaging scans or blood tests to check for abnormalities, depending on the mesothelioma type. These include CT (computer-tomography) scanners and MRIs (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 most effective treatment option for mesothelioma patients. Chest X-rays are useful in diagnosing Mesothelioma. The lungs and chest cavity might appear discolored or cloudy due the presence of mesothelioma. A doctor can perform a procedure called VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to decrease the inflammation caused by the buildup of fluid and improve breathlessness. Additionally, they can remove any tissue samples for testing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a form of asbestos cancer that develops in the lining of organs such as the abdomen and lungs. It is a rare cancer however, those who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. The symptoms can be similar to other conditions and illnesses, so it is important to seek out an accurate diagnosis from your doctor. A diagnosis of mesothelioma is made on physical examinations as well as blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are usually done in a clinic or hospital and could include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. X-rays create a picture of the structures inside your body like your abdomen and chest. They can show the presence of fluid between the chest wall and lungs, which is called 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 detailed images of organs than X-rays, and can help doctors determine the location and size of any mesothelioma. The scans can also indicate whether mesothelioma has spread other parts of your body. Another vital diagnostic tool is a biopsy in which a small amount of fluid or tissue is removed and tested for cancerous cells. The most frequent mesothelioma biopsies include fine needle aspiration and a surgical biopsy. A more invasive surgical biopsy may be suggested if the results of other tests aren't conclusive, or if the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma suggest it is in your chest cavity or lungs. More invasive procedures to detect pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma involve inserting a tube using a video camera into the abdomen or chest. A surgeon could use this to take samples of tissue or fluid to test, and could also perform VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery), a type of keyhole surgery. Your doctor might also recommend blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma tests to assess how well your organs work. Your doctor will do a complete physical exam, checking your lymph nodes, heart and other organs that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will ask about your asbestos exposure history and any previous illnesses or treatments. Treatment The type of mesothelioma and stage determine the treatment. springfield asbestos law firm of cancer is determined by many aspects, including the speed at which the tumor expands and spreads. It is also influenced by the time it takes for symptoms to appear and whether the cancer has progressed. People are more likely to develop mesothelioma when they have certain risk factors. One of the most significant is asbestos exposure and gender. Asbestos can be consumed either directly or indirectly by an individual working or enjoying a hobby. Exposure can last for years, and even decades before symptoms of mesothelioma develop. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is strong and heat-resistant. During the mining process or when workers remove asbestos insulation, the material is broken down into tiny dust particles that could be swallowed or inhaled. Inhaling the fibers may cause irritation and scarring and also cellular changes leading to mesothelioma. A variety of procedures are available to help detect mesothelioma. Doctors can collect the pleural liquid through a procedure known as thoracentesis, or insert an needle into the chest to collect a tissue sample. Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scanners that show tumors and masses in the chest and abdomen. Once a diagnosis is made, doctors can treat the disease to reduce pain and other signs. Some patients receive a combination treatment that includes chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Some doctors also incorporate immunotherapy or tumor-treating fields in the mesothelioma treatment program. The excess fluid can be eliminated from the lungs by placing tubes in the chest. In some instances a patient could be genetically predisposed and increases his or her chance of developing mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can help determine whether testing for the patient is appropriate. A doctor will schedule follow-up visits following mesothelioma treatment. These visits will allow the doctor to keep track of the patient's condition and look for signs of recurrence. Prognosis Mesothelioma can be triggered by exposure to asbestos, a group composed of microscopic fibres often used in construction. When people inhale or swallow these fibres, they can get stuck in the lining of organs such as the lungs or stomach cavity. Over time, they can cause irritation and lead to cancers forming. The symptoms are usually not apparent until a long time after the initial exposure. Most patients are diagnosed with Mesothelioma later in life. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as which part of the body it is in. Most cases of mesothelioma are the pleural type, which occurs in the tissue (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be found inside the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types can occur within the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs. When doctors are able to confirm an indication of cancer and have a diagnosis, they can run a variety of tests to show how far the cancer has spread and determine what treatment is best for the patient. Doctors can test mesothelioma with a chest X ray, CT scan, ultrasound or urine and blood samples, or by taking a biopsy. X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds are a way to determine if the tumour has gotten larger or not. Doctors can tell whether it's epithelioid or mesothelioma pleural. Both types are prone to growing and spread more quickly in later stages of the disease, particularly when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. In certain cases doctors can remove mesothelioma completely. This could improve the outlook of the patient. In most cases, the mesothelioma is too advanced to be surgically removed. Patients may have undergo other treatments in order to prolong their lives. Certain patient characteristics can affect the survival rate of mesothelioma, according to research. Patients with a family history of mesothelioma or who are younger and in better health have a generally better prognosis. Other factors include smoking and the number of health problems the person suffers from.