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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer The thin layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs may develop mesothelioma maligna. The majority of cases of mesothelioma begin in the lungs and are called mesothelioma of the pleural region. Other types begin in the abdomen and are referred to as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. 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 cells of mesothelioma are found in the tissues that line the stomach, lungs and other organs. Patients with mesothelioma may suffer from symptoms like shortness-of-breath, pain, fever, fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms vary based on the stage and type of the disease. They also depend on the location of the tumor as well as its progression. Mesothelioma is so rare, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. The disease has a long time of latency and symptoms often look or appear like less severe conditions such as pneumonia. Therefore, it is important for asbestos exposure victims to make an appointment with their physician if they experience any symptoms that are not normal or persistent. They should also tell their doctor about any history of exposure to asbestos. Chest pain, breathing difficulties 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 the most severe cases, the fluid can build up in the lungs or chest wall and cause severe pain. In addition to mesothelioma-related symptoms those suffering from this disease might have difficulty swallowing or experience abdominal pain. Some sufferers may experience lower appetite and weight loss due to these symptoms too. The toxins released by mesothelioma can also affect kidneys and cause them to cease to function properly. A doctor might order scans of the body or blood tests to check for abnormalities, depending on the type of mesothelioma. These include CT (computer-tomography) scanners as well as the MRI (magnetic imaging) and PETs (positron emission scans). These tests can help doctors decide on the best treatment for mesothelioma sufferers by ruling out other diseases. Chest X-rays can be useful in identifying Mesothelioma. The lungs and chest cavity may appear cloudy or discolored due to the presence of mesothelioma. A doctor may use the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to reduce the inflammation caused by fluid accumulation and improve breathlessness. It can also remove any tissue samples to test. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is an asbestos cancer, which develops in the tissues of organs like the abdomen and lungs. It is a rare type of cancer however, people who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. It is important to consult your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. The diagnosis of mesothelioma is made through physical examinations, 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. The X-rays provide a visual representation of the structures inside your body including your abdomen and chest. They may reveal a clog between the chest wall, the lungs and a fluid known as pleural effusion. They may also show the presence of a lump or mass in the abdomen, chest, or another area. MRI and CT scans offer more precise images than X-rays of your organs, and can be utilized by doctors to determine the location and size mesothelioma. These scans can also reveal whether mesothelioma has spread to other areas of your body. Another vital diagnostic tool is a biopsy in which a small portion of tissue or fluid is removed and analyzed for cancerous cells. A fine needle aspiration or surgical biopsy are the two most common types of mesothelioma biopsy. If other tests are not conclusive, or if symptoms suggest that the cancer is located in your chest cavity or lungs, a more invasive biopsy could be recommended. Invasive procedures to detect peritoneal and pericardial Mesothelioma include the placement of a tube that contains a video camera in the abdomen or chest. A surgeon may make use of this procedure to collect a tissue sample or fluid for testing, and may also perform VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) it is a kind of keyhole surgery. Your doctor may also order blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma test to determine how well your organs function. Your doctor will perform a complete physical exam and will examine your lymph nodes, the heart and other areas that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will also ask about your experience with asbestos exposure and any past diseases or treatments you've experienced. Treatment Mesothelioma treatment is contingent on the type of mesothelioma patient has and the stage at which it is. The stage of the cancer is determined by a mix of factors, such as the speed at which the tumor grows and spreads, the time it takes for symptoms to manifest and whether the disease has metastasized. Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. The most significant are asbestos exposure and gender. People can be exposed to asbestos through working directly with the substance or indirectly through other jobs or pastimes. Exposure can occur over many years, and sometimes for decades prior to when mesothelioma symptoms begin to manifest. Asbestos is a natural mineral that is extremely durable and heat-resistant. The material can be broken down into dust particles during mining or when workers are removing asbestos-containing insulation. denver asbestos attorneys can then be inhaled or ingested. Inhaling the fibers may cause irritation and scarring and mesothelioma-like changes in the cells. There are many methods that can be used to identify mesothelioma. Doctors can make use of a pleural fluid sample through a procedure called thoracentesis or inserting a needle in the chest cavity to obtain an organ sample to be used for a biopsy. Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scanners that detect 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 have several treatments, like chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Certain doctors also offer the fields of immunotherapy or tumor-treatment in the mesothelioma treatment program. The excess fluid can be eliminated from the lungs through an instrument in the chest. In some cases, a patient may be genetically predisposed and increases his or her chance of developing mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can determine the appropriateness of testing the patient is necessary. A doctor will schedule follow-up visits following mesothelioma treatment. These appointments will allow the doctor to observe the patient's health and look for indications of an occurrence. Prognosis Asbestos, a grouping of minerals that contain microscopic fibres and was widely used in the construction industry, is the most common mesothelioma causing agent. The fibres can become lodged in the linings of organs such as the stomach cavity and the lungs when people breathe them in or swallow them. Over time, these fibres may cause irritation that could result in tumors. Symptoms usually don't appear until decades after the initial exposure, and the majority of patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma later in life. The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the type and stage of the cancer as well as the part of the body it is in. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are pleural, which develops in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be found inside the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types can occur in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs. If doctors discover confirmed the diagnosis, they can use various tests to show how far the cancer has spread and decide the best treatment for the patient. Doctors can test for mesothelioma using a chest X ray, CT scan, ultrasound as well as urine and blood samples, or by taking a biopsy. CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds can be used to determine whether the cancer has spread or not. Doctors can also identify whether the mesothelioma belongs to epithelioid or pleural types. Both types can grow and spread more quickly in later stages of the disease particularly when the cancer has spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. In certain cases doctors can remove the mesothelioma completely. This could improve the outlook of a patient. However, in the majority of cases mesothelioma has advanced enough to be completely removed surgically and patients will need to take other types of treatments to prolong their lives as much as possible. Research has shown that certain characteristics of patients can help determine mesothelioma survival rates. People with a history of the disease or who are younger and in better health have a better chance of survival. Other factors include whether smoking cigarettes or uses tobacco, as well as the amount of health issues they suffer from.