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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of asbestosis and mesothelioma can be similar. Both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers and dust. Pleural mesothelioma is treatable with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Mesothelioma has four stages that show how the cancer has spread. Doctors make use of staging to determine treatment options and the life expectation. Signs and 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 linings of the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen (pleura), although it can also affect the membranes that line the heart (pericardium) or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means it is able to grow and spread outside of the original site. The first symptom is often an unremitting cough that does not produce phlegm. Other signs include breathlessness, fatigue and weight loss. Some patients may notice lumps or swelling on the abdomen. If a patient has these symptoms, their doctor may refer them to a specialist treatment. The specialist will conduct a series of tests to determine if the symptoms are caused by mesothelioma, or another cancer. They will use imaging scans to see inside the abdomen, lungs, or the heart, and then 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 lining the heart. A pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication removes only the pleura, but not the entire lung. Other types of treatment include radiation and chemotherapy. The first makes use of high-energy X radiation to destroy cancerous cells, while the second uses drugs such as pemetrexed or carboplatin in order to eliminate cancerous cells or stop their growth. Patients should tell their doctor about any previous asbestos exposure. This is vital, as mesothelioma may develop in the years that follow the initial exposure to asbestos. The doctor will also inquire about the frequency and duration of exposure as these factors can impact the development of symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma, they'll arrange a CT scan to see how far the cancer has spread across the body. If the mesothelioma has spread to the lung, a bronchoscopy should be conducted to look at the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In certain instances the doctor might recommend an abdominal MRI or PET-CT scan to assess if the cancer has developed into the heart. Diagnosis The most reliable way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to collect a tissue or fluid sample. Doctors will use this sample to identify cancerous cells, which differ from normal cells. A biopsy can be done surgically or with a needle. To detect mesothelioma in patients, doctors can utilize imaging tests, such as CT scans and x-rays. They may also do an positron-emission tomography (PET) scan (PET), which can be used to detect cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms may be similar to other diseases. For instance, the chest pain associated mesothelioma may be mistaken for heart disease or lung cancer. Pleural effusion, which is a condition caused by asbestos, can be misinterpreted as pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma they will ask about the patient's previous exposure to asbestos and the symptoms. The doctor will also conduct physical examination and inquire about the medical history of family members. The doctor will conduct urine and blood tests to determine if there are elevated levels. These tests can be performed in a hospital setting or at home. These tests can help doctors determine how much asbestos is in the body, as well as how the organs are performing. They will also inquire whether the patient has undergone any prior surgery. A CT scan and chest x-ray will be performed to check for signs of mesothelioma. If doctors suspect pericardial Mesothelioma, they will often conduct an echocardiogram. This is a test that uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. A MRI scan might be useful in the case of pleural mesothelioma because it can provide detailed images of soft tissues. They can also perform mediastinoscopy. This involves inserting a tube with a light and camera inside the chest to look at and sample lymph nodes near the center of the chest. This is especially beneficial if the mesothelioma has spread to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma is a slow-moving respiratory disease. However there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of living. Doctors may use medications, fluid drainage techniques surgery, or a combination of these methods to ease lung pain and fatigue. Doctors can also assist patients cope with the loss of their normal energy levels and how that impacts their daily activities. The first step to treat mesothelioma is to determine whether cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the most effective method to determine. The biopsy will take a small portion of mesothelium and look at it under a microscope to determine if there are any 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 extract an amount of fluid to test. Once the test results are in the surgeon could decide to take out any parts of the body affected by mesothelioma asbestosis. This is most often performed for pleural mesothelioma however, it can be used to treat peritoneal cancer as well. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers are consumed and become stuck in the digestive tract. Patients can take actions following surgery to increase their level of ease. These include taking naps earlier in the day, arranging shopping trips and other activities when they are feeling stronger, and participating in light exercise to decrease fatigue. Patients may also inquire about clinical trials that are being conducted for the treatment of mesothelioma by speaking with their health care provider. These trials involve studies of new mesothelioma treatments that are not yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments are also available, such as chemotherapy as well as radiation and immunotherapy. The use of radiation and immunotherapy is to strengthen the body's natural defence mechanisms against cancer. Targeted therapy involves using specific drugs to target weaknesses in mesothelioma cells. Since each patient and situation is unique, it's crucial to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma doctor. Prognosis A prognosis is a measure of how far a mesothelioma has spread and what the best treatment options would be. It also informs patients how long they can expect to live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient can be a factor in the prognosis of mesothelioma. Fitter people with more accurate blood tests, like normal haemoglobin levels and higher white cell and platelet counts are likely to have a higher chance of being able to beat the cancer. They are also more in their ability to handle chemotherapy and surgery than people with poorer general health. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is aggressive that often has a worse prognosis than other forms of cancer. This is mainly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed later when the cancer has already progressed. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to many other illnesses making it difficult to identify. In some instances it can take a long time from the point that asbestos exposure begins until the patient develops mesothelioma. There are two main types of mesothelioma, pleural mesotheliom and peritoneal mesothelioma. Both are the result of exposure to asbestos. This cancer affects the mesothelial tissues that cover the majority of the internal organs of the body. The cancerous cells that cause mesothelioma pleural affect the membrane that surrounds the chest cavity. It can also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the membrane around the testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis does not exhibit the same symptoms as mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung issues like stiffness and scarring. Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis can occur simultaneously. Only people who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. san leandro asbestos lawyer is most often found in the chest lining stomach, abdomen and other organs. It is not triggered by smoking and most people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos when they were working. Smokers and those who have other conditions like heart disease or diabetes may be more likely to develop mesothelioma over others.