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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis can be similar. Both are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers and dust. People who have mesothelioma pleural can undergo treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma indicate the extent of the cancer's spread. Doctors use staging to determine the best treatment options and life expectancies. Symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It is typically found in the lung linings, chest cavity and abdomen (pleura) however, it can also affect the membranes that line the heart (pericardium) or the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means it has the ability to grow and spread outside of its original site. The first symptom is typically an unremitting cough that does not produce the phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and weight loss. Some patients may notice lumps or swelling on their abdomen. A patient's doctor may refer them to an expert if they're experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will conduct a series tests to determine whether the symptoms are due to mesothelioma or another type of cancer. They will employ imaging scanners to examine the lungs, abdomens or hearts and perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. When it comes to pleural mesothelioma doctors have two main surgical options which include an extrapleural phlemonectomy (EPP), which removes the cancer and a part of the lung affected, the diaphragm as well as a portion of the lining the heart and a pleurectomy accompanied by pulmonary decortication (P/D), which removes the pleura but not the entire lung affected. The chemotherapy and radiation are also options. The former directs high-energy X-rays toward cancer cells to destroy them, while the latter utilizes drugs such as pemetrexed and carboplatin to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Patients should inform their doctor when they've been exposed to asbestos. This is crucial because mesothelioma is a cancer that can grow up to 20 years after the initial exposure. The doctor will also ask about the frequency and duration of exposure, as these factors can impact the development of symptoms. If your GP suspects that you have mesothelioma, they will request an CT scan to determine the extent to which the cancer has spread throughout the body. If the mesothelioma is located in the lung, they will conduct a bronchoscopy procedure to examine the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In some cases, a physician may suggest a PET-CT or chest MRI scan to determine if the cancer has been able to spread to your heart. Diagnosis The most effective method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is by collecting an amount of fluid or tissue. Doctors will use this sample to search for cancerous cells that are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be done surgically or with a needle. To identify mesothelioma, doctors can utilize imaging tests such as CT scans and x-rays. They may also perform a positron-emission tomography scan (PET) which can be used to detect cancerous cells. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to those of other conditions, making it difficult to determine. For example the chest pain that is associated with mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as heart disease or lung cancer. Additionally asbestos-related conditions such as pleural effusion could be mistaken for pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient has mesothelioma they will ask about the person's past exposure to asbestos, and the symptoms. The doctor will also conduct a physical examination and ask about the medical history of family members. The doctor will then request urine and blood tests to look for elevated levels of certain proteins. These tests can be performed in a hospital or at home. These tests will allow doctors to determine the level of asbestos in the body as well as how well other organs are functioning. They will also inquire whether the patient has undergone any previous surgery. A CT scan and chest xray will be taken to determine the presence of mesothelioma. If doctors suspect pericardial Mesothelioma it is common for them to request an echocardiogram. This is a test that uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. A MRI scan could be helpful in the event of pleural mesothelioma since it provides detailed images of soft tissues. Mediastinoscopy is a procedure that can be done, which involves inserting a tube containing an imager and a light into the chest in order to examine and sample the lymph nodes near the middle. This is particularly helpful when mesothelioma is spreading to these regions. Treatment Mesothelioma is a slow-moving respiratory disease. However there are treatments that can help you manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. To relieve discomfort and fatigue doctors can prescribe drugs, techniques for draining fluids or surgery. Doctors can also help patients deal with their lack of energy and how it affects their daily life. The first step to treating mesothelioma involves determining if cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the most effective way to find out. The biopsy will take a small portion of mesothelium and look at it under a microscope to see whether there are any cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually performed by surgery, however, doctors can also perform the procedure known as thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle into the chest in order to take out samples of fluid for testing. A surgeon might decide, after the test results have been confirmed, to remove any affected areas of the body. This is usually done for pleural but may also be done to treat asbestosis peritoneal or peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the lining (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers that are ingested into the digestive tract. After surgery, patients can make steps to increase their comfort level. This includes taking naps earlier in the day, planning trips to the shops and other activities when they feel stronger and taking part in moderate exercise to reduce fatigue. Patients may also inquire with their physician about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatment. These trials are studies of new mesothelioma treatments that have not yet been approved by the FDA. Other treatments are also available, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancerous cells, while radiation and immunotherapy increase the body's natural defense system against the cancer. Targeted therapy is the use of specific drugs to attack vulnerabilities in mesothelioma tumor cells. Since each patient and situation is unique, it is essential to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma expert. Prognosis A prognosis is a rough estimation of the extent to which mesothelioma develops and what treatment options are available. It can also tell the length of time patients can expect to endure mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is also an important factor in their prognosis for mesothelioma. Patients who are healthier and have higher blood tests like a normal level of haemoglobin and higher white cell and platelet counts will have a greater chance of being able to survive mesothelioma. They will also be more at enduring chemotherapy and surgery than people with less general health. Mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor that is extremely aggressive and has a poorer prognosis than other cancers. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed much later, when the disease has already spread to other parts of the body. Mesothelioma can be a difficult cancer to detect because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. In some instances, it may take years for someone to develop mesothelioma following asbestos exposure. There are thousand oaks asbestos lawsuit of mesothelioma: peritoneal and pleural. Both are the result of exposure to asbestos. It is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells which cover most of the organs of the body's internal system. When someone is diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, the cancer affects the membrane that lines the chest cavity (pleura). It can also affect membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or around the testicles. Asbestosis is not a type of mesothelioma but it does exhibit similar symptoms to mesothelioma. It is caused by exposure to asbestos and it can lead to lung problems, including the development of scarring and stiffness of the lungs. Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis can be present at the same time. Only people who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It typically occurs on the chest lining and abdomen. It is not caused by smoking cigarettes and the majority of those who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos while they worked. People who smoke or suffer from other conditions like diabetes or heart disease may be more likely to develop mesothelioma over others.