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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer The thin layer of tissue that lines certain organs could develop mesothelioma maligna. Most mesothelioma cases begin in the lungs, and are known as mesothelioma of the pleural region. Other types start in the abdomen and are referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lungs or stomach of people who have been exposed to asbestos. It can take up to 50 years or more to show symptoms to show up. Signs and symptoms The mesothelioma-related cancerous cells are located in the tissues that line the stomach, lungs and other organs. Mesothelioma patients might experience symptoms like shortness of breath, pain, fever, fluid buildup and weight loss. The symptoms can differ based on the type of cancer and its stage. They depend on the location where the tumor is located and how it develops. Mesothelioma is so rare, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. The disease has a long latency time and the symptoms can appear or feel like less severe conditions, such as pneumonia. It is therefore important that asbestos exposure victims make an appointment with their doctors whenever they experience symptoms that are not normal or persistent. It is also important to let their doctor know about any previous exposure to asbestos. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, and shortness breath are among the most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. These symptoms can get worse as mesothelioma progresses and the lungs get inflamed. In the most severe cases, the fluid may build up in the lungs and chest wall and cause extreme pain. In addition to mesothelioma signs patients may have trouble swallowing or feel abdominal pain. Some sufferers may experience low appetite and weight loss as a result of these symptoms as well. The toxins released by mesothelioma may also affect the kidneys, causing them to lose the ability to function properly. Depending on the mesothelioma type, a doctor may order blood tests or imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. These tests can assist doctors determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma sufferers, by ruling out other diseases. Chest X-rays can also be helpful in diagnosing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may cause the chest cavity and lungs to appear cloudy or discolored. A doctor may perform the procedure known as VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to decrease inflammation caused by the accumulation of fluid and improve breathlessness. remove tissue samples for testing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a type of asbestos-related cancer, is that is found in the organs' linings, such as the abdomen and lungs. It is a rare form of cancer however, those who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. It is important to consult your physician to confirm the diagnosis. oakland asbestos attorneys is based on the combination of physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are typically performed in a clinic or hospital and could include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. The X-rays may create a photo of your internal structures including your chest and abdomen. They can show an accumulation of fluid between your lungs and chest wall and is referred to as pleural effusion. They can also reveal the presence of a mass or lump in the abdomen, chest or in any other region. MRI and CT scans offer more precise images than X-rays of your organs, and can be used by doctors to determine the location and size of mesothelioma. The scans can also tell if mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of your body. A biopsy is a different diagnostic instrument. In this procedure it is where a small amount of tissue or fluid is collected and analyzed for cancerous cell growth. A fine needle aspiration or surgical biopsy are the two most common types of mesothelioma biopsy. A more invasive surgical biopsy could be recommended if the results from other tests aren't conclusive, or when the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma indicate it is in the chest cavity or lungs. More invasive procedures used to detect pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma involves inserting a tube with a video camera into the abdomen or chest. A surgeon could make use of this procedure to collect a tissue sample or fluid for testing, and may also perform VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) it is a kind of keyhole surgery. Your doctor might also recommend blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma tests to determine how well your organs function. Your doctor will perform a physical exam to check your heart and lymph nodes and other areas that may be affected by mesothelioma. They will inquire about your asbestos exposure history, as well as previous diseases or treatments. Treatment The type of mesothelioma and stage determine the treatment. The stage of cancer is determined by a variety of factors, such as the speed at which the tumor expands and spreads. It is also influenced by how long it takes for symptoms to manifest and whether or not the cancer has progressed. People are more likely to develop mesothelioma when they have certain risk factors. The most significant are asbestos exposure and gender. One can be exposed to asbestos working directly with the substance or indirectly through other work or pastimes. Exposure can happen over a number of years, and sometimes for decades prior to when mesothelioma symptoms begin to manifest. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is strong and heat resistant. During the mining process or when workers take asbestos insulation, the material is broken down into tiny dust particles that can be swallowed or inhaled. If inhaled, the fibers can cause irritation, scarring, and cellular changes that cause mesothelioma. There are many procedures that can be used to identify mesothelioma. Doctors can make use of a pleural fluid sample through the process known as thoracentesis. It is also possible to insert a needle into the chest to get a tissue sample for biopsy. Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scanners that detect tumors and masses in the chest and abdomen. Once a diagnosis has been made doctors can treat it to reduce the symptoms and pain. Some patients require a combination of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Some doctors also incorporate immunotherapy or tumor-treating fields as part of a mesothelioma treatment plan. If a patient is suffering from a build-up of lungs-related fluid doctors can treat it by draining the excess through tubes placed inside the chest (pleurodesis). In some cases a patient could be genetically predisposed and increases his or her chance of developing mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can determine if testing is right for the patient. A doctor will schedule follow-up appointments following mesothelioma treatments. These appointments will allow the doctor to monitor the health of the patient and look for signs of recurrence. Prognosis Asbestos, a class of minerals that has microscopic fibres and was once widely employed in construction as the main mesothelioma causing agent. When people inhale or swallow these fibres, they could become lodged in the lining of organs such as the stomach cavity or the lungs. In time, they may cause irritation and result in tumours forming. The symptoms usually do not show up until decades after the initial exposure, and the majority of patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma in later life. The symptoms of mesothelioma are dependent on the type, stage and location of the cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lung lining (pleura), and accounts for the majority of cases mesothelioma arising from peritoneal mesotheli in the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types could be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs. After a diagnosis has been confirmed, doctors can utilize a variety of tests to determine the severity of the cancer and determine the best treatment for the patient. Doctors can test for mesothelioma using an X-ray of the chest, CT scan or ultrasound and also urine and blood samples, or a biopsy. CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds are a way to determine if the tumour has spread or not. Doctors can also determine if the mesothelioma is of epithelioid or pleural types. Both types can grow and spread faster in later stages of the disease, particularly if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. In certain cases doctors can remove mesothelioma entirely. This can greatly improve the patient's chances of survival. However, in the majority mesothelioma is too advanced to be fully removed surgically and patients will have to undergo other treatments to extend their lives as long as possible. Research has revealed that certain characteristics of patients can influence mesothelioma survival rates. People who have mesothelioma in their family or are healthy and younger generally have a better likelihood of survival. Other factors include smoking and the amount of health issues that the person suffers from.