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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis may be similar. Both are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers and dust. Pleural mesothelioma is treatable with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Mesothelioma has four stages that reveal how far the cancer has spread. Doctors make use of staging to determine treatment options and the life expectancy. 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 most commonly found in the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura) however it can also occur in the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means it is able to expand and spread beyond its original location. The first sign of a non-phlegmatic cough is quite common. Other signs include shortness of breath, weight loss and fatigue. Some patients may notice swelling or lumps on the abdomen. If a patient has these symptoms, their doctor may refer them to a specialist treatment. The specialist will perform a series of tests to determine if the symptoms are due to mesothelioma or a different cancer. The imaging scanners are used to look inside abdominal organs, lungs or hearts and then perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural msothelioma there are two primary surgical options. An extrapleural pneumonectomy removes part of the lung affected, including the diaphragm and a section of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy or pulmonary decortication removes only the pleura, but not the entire lung. The chemotherapy and radiation are also options. The first makes use of high-energy X radiation to destroy cancerous cells. The second utilizes drugs like carboplatin or pemetrexed to destroy cancerous cells or slow their growth. Patients should inform their doctor about any previous asbestos exposure. This is crucial because mesothelioma is a cancer that can grow up to 20 years after initial exposure. The doctor will ask about the frequency of exposure as well as the duration of the exposure, as these variables could influence the symptoms of development. If the GP suspects mesothelioma, they'll arrange an CT scan to see how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. If the mesothelioma has spread to the lung, a bronchoscopy may be performed to examine the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In some cases, a physician may suggest a PET-CT or a chest MRI scan to determine if the cancer has been able to spread to your heart. Diagnosis The most reliable method to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is to obtain a biopsy or fluid sample. The sample is used by doctors to determine cancerous cells that differ from normal ones. A biopsy can be done surgically or by inserting 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 is used to detect cancerous cells that have expanded. Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. For example the chest pain that is associated with mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as heart disease or lung cancer. Pleural effusion, a condition caused by asbestos, can be misinterpreted as pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect a person has mesothelioma, they'll ask them about their past exposure to asbestos as well as their symptoms. They will also conduct a physical exam and take a history of the patient's family's medical history. The doctor will then request urine and blood tests to determine the levels of certain proteins. These tests can be done in the hospital or at home. These tests aid doctors in determining how much asbestos is in the body, as well as how the organs are performing. They will also inquire if the patient had undergone any prior surgery. A CT scan and chest x-ray are done to look for signs of mesothelioma. If doctors suspect pericardial mesothelioma, they will often conduct an echocardiogram. This is a test which uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. A MRI scan could be helpful in the case of pleural mesothelioma since it provides detailed images of soft tissues. Mediastinoscopy can be performed, which involves inserting a tube that contains a camera and light inside the chest to study and sample lymph nodes that are located close to the middle. This is especially helpful if mesothelioma spreads to these regions. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-moving respiratory disease, however there are treatment options to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. To ease discomfort and fatigue, doctors can use drugs, techniques for draining fluids, or surgery. Doctors can also assist patients deal with their loss of energy and how it affects their daily routine. The first step in treating mesothelioma asbestosis is finding out if cancer cells are present. A biopsy is the most effective way to find out. In a biopsy, doctors will take a small piece of mesothelium for examination under the microscope. They will search for cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually done by surgery, however, doctors may also perform a procedure called thoracentesis. This involves inserting an needle through the chest to collect samples of fluid for testing. A surgeon could decide, after the test results have been received, to remove any affected areas of the body. This is usually performed to treat pleural mesothelioma but it can be done to treat peritoneal mesothelioma as well. Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers that are ingested into the digestive tract. Patients can take steps after surgery to increase their ease. These include taking breaks earlier in the day, planning shopping trips and other activities when they are feeling stronger and taking part in light exercise to decrease fatigue. Patients can also inquire about clinical trials for treatment of mesothelioma by speaking with their healthcare provider. These trials focus on new mesothelioma treatment options which aren't yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments, like radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, are available. Chemotherapy is a method of killing cancer cells, whereas radiation and immunotherapy boost the body's natural defense system against the cancer. Targeted therapy is the use of specific medications to target the weaknesses within mesothelioma cancer cells. Because each patient and case is different, it is crucial to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma expert. Prognosis A prognosis is a measure of how far mesothelioma has spread, and what the best treatment options will be. It can also indicate how long patients can expect to live with mesothelioma. A patient's general health is a different factor in their mesothelioma prognosis. People who are healthier and have better blood tests such as normal haemoglobin levels and higher platelet and white cell counts will have a higher chance of surviving mesothelioma. They will also be better able to tolerate chemo and surgeries than those who have poorer general health. Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor which is agressive tumor and has a less favorable prognosis than other cancers. This is mainly due to the fact that it is often diagnosed later, after the cancer has already progressed. Mesothelioma is also a challenging cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. In some cases it can take years for a patient to develop mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos. There are two main types of mesothelioma; pleural mesothelioma and mesothelioma peritoneal. Both are triggered by exposure to asbestos. It is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells that cover the majority of the organs of the body's internal system. The cancerous cells that cause mesothelioma pleural 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 characterized by the same symptoms as mesothelioma. Jacksonville asbestos lawsuits is caused by exposure to asbestos and it can lead to lung problems, including the formation of scarring and stiffness in the lungs. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can be present 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 lining and abdomen, as well as other organs. It is not caused by smoking and most people who have developed mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos when they worked. People who have smoked and those who have other illnesses like diabetes or heart disease may be more likely to develop mesothelioma over others.