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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer The thin layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs may develop malignant mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma type is found in the lungs and is known as pleural mesothelioma. Less common cases begin in the abdomen and are known as peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the stomach or lungs of those who have been exposed to asbestos. It can take 50 years or longer for symptoms to manifest. Signs and symptoms The mesothelioma-like cancerous cells are found in the tissues that surrounds the stomach and lungs, as well as other organs. Mesothelioma patients can experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain and fever, as well as fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms vary based on the stage and type of the disease. They depend on where the tumor is located and how it progresses. Because mesothelioma is rare, doctors might be unable to identify it. The disease has a long latency period and symptoms often look or appear like less severe conditions, such as pneumonia. This is why it is important for asbestos exposure sufferers to consult their doctor when they experience symptoms that are unusual or persistent. They should also inform their doctor about any previous history of exposure to asbestos. The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain, difficulty breathing and breath shortness. As mesothelioma increases and the lungs get inflamed, these symptoms could get worse. In severe cases, fluid can build up in the lungs or chest wall, and cause severe pain. In addition to mesothelioma, patients may also experience abdominal pain or struggle to swallow. These symptoms can cause some people to lose weight and have a reduced appetite. The toxins released by mesothelioma may also affect the kidneys and cause them to lose their ability perform their duties. Depending on the mesothelioma type, a doctor may order blood tests or imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. These tests help doctors determine the best treatment for mesothelioma sufferers by ruling out other diseases. Chest X-rays are also helpful in diagnosing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can cause the chest cavity and lungs to appear discolored or cloudy. A doctor may use the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to decrease the inflammation caused by fluid buildup and improve breathlessness. Additionally, merced asbestos lawsuit can remove any tissue samples to test. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a cancer of asbestos that forms on the lining of organs like the abdomen and lungs is a form of cancer that is caused by asbestos. It is a rare type of cancer, but people exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. The symptoms can be similar to other ailments and diseases which is why it is crucial to obtain an accurate diagnosis from your doctor. The diagnosis of mesothelioma is made through a combination of physical examinations, blood tests, and imaging tests. These tests are usually done in a hospital or clinic and may include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. X-rays are a way to see the internal structures of your body including your abdomen and chest. They can reveal a buildup of fluid between the chest wall and the lungs, which is called pleural effusion. They may also reveal an area of lump or mass in the chest, abdomen or in another part of the body. MRI and CT scans offer more precise images than X-rays of your organs and are used by doctors to determine the location and size any mesothelioma. The scans can also indicate whether mesothelioma has spread other areas of your body. A biopsy is an additional diagnostic tool. In this procedure, a small amount fluid or tissue is taken and examined for cancerous cells growth. Fine needle aspiration or surgical biopsy are the most common types of mesothelioma biopsy. If other tests are not conclusive, or your symptoms suggest that the cancer is located in the chest cavity or lungs A more invasive biopsy may be recommended. More invasive procedures to detect pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma include inserting a tube with a video camera into the abdomen or chest. A surgeon may make use of this procedure to take a tissue sample or fluid to test, and could also perform VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments), a type of keyhole surgery. Your doctor might also recommend blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma test in order to assess how well your organs function. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to check your lymph nodes and the heart as well as other areas that may be affected by mesothelioma. They will inquire about your asbestos exposure history, as well as any previous diseases or treatments. Treatment The type of mesothelioma and stage determine the treatment. The stage of cancer is determined by many factors, such as how fast the tumor expands and spreads. It is also influenced by the time it takes for symptoms to manifest and whether or not the disease has spread. Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. One of the most significant is asbestos exposure and gender. Asbestos can be ingested in a direct or indirect way by a person through their job or hobby. Exposure can last for years, and even decades, before mesothelioma symptoms begin to manifest. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is strong and heat-resistant. The mineral can be broken down into dust particles during mining or when workers take away asbestos-containing insulation. These dust particles can then be inhaled or ingested. Inhaling fibers can cause irritation and scarring, and also mesothelioma-like cellular changes. A variety of procedures are available to help diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors can use the pleural fluid sample via a procedure called thoracentesis or inserting a needle in the chest to get the tissue sample needed to be used for a biopsy. Other diagnostic tools are MRI and CT scanners, which can detect masses and tumors in the chest and abdomen. Once a diagnosis is made, doctors can treat the disease to reduce pain and other symptoms. Some patients have several treatments, like chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Certain doctors incorporate immunotherapy and tumor-treating fields in a mesothelioma strategy. The excess fluid can be drained from the lungs by placing tubes within the chest. In certain cases a patient could have a genetic mutation that increases their risk for mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can tell the appropriateness of testing the patient is appropriate. A doctor will schedule follow-up appointments following mesothelioma treatments. These appointments will let the doctor to observe the health of the patient and look for signs of the possibility of recurrence. Prognosis Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres that were previously extensively used in construction. When people inhale or swallow these fibres, they can get stuck in the lining of organs such as the stomach cavity or lungs. In time, they may cause irritation and result in tumors developing. The symptoms usually don't show up until decades after the initial exposure. Most patients are diagnosed with Mesothelioma later on in the course of their lives. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary on the type the cancer is located, stage and type of the cancer. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung lining (pleura) and accounts for the majority of cases mesothelioma that develops inside the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma forms can be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs. Once doctors have an indication of cancer they can perform various tests to determine the extent the cancer has spread and decide the best treatment for the patient. Doctors can look for mesothelioma by using chest X-rays, CT scan or ultrasound and also urine and blood samples or biopsy. X-rays and other tests can show if the tumour is located in one area or has spread to other regions of the body. Doctors can tell whether the cancer is epithelioid, or mesothelioma pleural. Both types are prone to growing and spread faster in later stages of the disease particularly when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other areas of the body. In certain cases doctors can remove mesothelioma completely. This can significantly improve a patient's prognosis. However, in the majority, mesothelioma is too advanced to be surgically removed completely and patients will need to seek out other treatments to extend their lives to the maximum extent possible. Research has shown that certain characteristics of patients can help determine mesothelioma survival rates. People who have a family history of mesothelioma, or are healthy and younger generally have a better prognosis. Other factors include whether smoking and the amount of health issues they suffer from.