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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis may be similar. Both conditions are caused from exposure to asbestos fibers and dust. Pleural mesothelioma is treatable with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Mesothelioma has four stages that indicate how far the cancer has spread. Doctors use staging in order to determine treatment options and life expectations. Symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It most often affects the lung lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura) however, it can also be found in the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Chandler asbestos attorneys is malignant, meaning it is likely to spread and grow beyond the area of origin. The first symptom of a non-phlegmatic snore is common. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and weight loss. In some instances, patients experience lumps or swelling in their abdomen. A patient's doctor may refer them to an expert if they're experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will conduct several tests to determine if the symptoms are due to mesothelioma or a different cancer. They will employ imaging scanners to look inside stomachs, lungs, or heart and perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural msothelioma there are two major surgical options. A pneumonectomy that is extrapleural removes part of the lung affected, the diaphragm, as well as a part of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication eliminates only the pleura, not the whole lung. Chemotherapy and radiation are both options. The first uses high-energy X radiation to kill cancerous cells, while the second uses drugs such as carboplatin or pemetrexed to kill cancerous cells or slow their growth. Patients should tell their doctor about any history of asbestos exposure. This is important because mesothelioma can develop up to 20 years after the initial exposure. The doctor will also inquire about the frequency and duration of exposure as these factors can affect the development of symptoms. If your GP suspects that you are suffering from mesothelioma they will order an CT scan in order to determine how far the cancer spreads throughout the body. If mesothelioma has spread to the lung, a bronchoscopy should be performed to examine the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In some cases, a doctor may also suggest a PET-CT or chest MRI scan to determine if the cancer has developed to the heart. Diagnosis The most reliable method to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is to obtain a tissue or fluid sample. This sample is used by doctors to check for cancerous cells that are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be performed surgically or by inserting a needle. Doctors can also use imaging tests, like x-rays and CT scans to detect mesothelioma. They may also do the positron emission (PET) scan that is used to detect cancerous cells that have spread. Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms may be similar to other diseases. For instance the chest pain that is associated mesothelioma could be mistaken for lung cancer or heart disease. Additionally asbestos-related diseases such as pleural effusion could be confused with pneumonia or bronchitis. If a doctor suspects that a patient has mesothelioma, they'll inquire about their previous exposure to asbestos as well as their symptoms. The doctor will also perform a physical examination and ask about the medical history of family members. The doctor will request blood and urine testing to determine if there are elevated levels. These tests can be done at the hospital or at home. These tests can help doctors determine the amount of asbestos in the body and also how well other organs function. They will also ask if the patient had undergone any previous surgery. A CT scan and chest xray will be taken to determine the presence of mesothelioma. Doctors usually conduct an echocardiogram, a test that uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart, if they believe that a person has pericardial mesothelioma. A MRI scan might be useful in the case of pleural mesothelioma because it can provide detailed pictures of soft tissues. They may also do a mediastinoscopy, which involves inserting a tube with a light and camera inside the chest to look at and sample lymph nodes close to the center of the chest. This is especially helpful when mesothelioma is spreading to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma is a slow-moving respiratory disease. However there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Doctors may use treatments, fluid drainage techniques, surgeries or a combination of methods to alleviate lung pain and fatigue. Doctors can also help patients cope with fatigue and how it affects their daily life. 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. During a biopsy, doctors will take a small amount of mesothelium to examine under the microscope. They are looking for cancerous cells. A biopsy is typically done via surgery, but doctors may also perform a procedure called thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle into the chest to remove fluid samples for testing. When the test results are back, a surgeon may decide to take out any parts of the body that have been affected by mesothelioma asbestosis. This is typically done for pleural but may be performed to treat peritoneal or peritoneal asbestosis. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's lining (pleura). Peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled and stuck in the digestive tract. After surgery, patients are able to take steps to improve their comfort. This can be done by taking naps in the morning, making trips to the store and other activities when you are feeling better and performing light exercises. Patients can also ask their healthcare provider about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments. These trials are studies on new mesothelioma treatment options which aren't yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments may also be available, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiation and immunotherapy enhance the body's natural defense systems against cancer. Targeted therapy involves using specific drugs to combat weaknesses in mesothelioma tumor cells. Because every patient and case is different, it is essential to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma expert. Prognosis A prognosis is an approximate estimate of the extent to which mesothelioma develops and the treatment options available. It can also tell the length of time patients can expect to be afflicted by mesothelioma. The general health of a patient can be a factor in the likelihood of them surviving mesothelioma. Patients who are healthier and have higher blood test results such as normal haemoglobin levels and higher platelet and white cell counts will have a better chance of beating mesothelioma. They also will be more tolerant of the effects of chemotherapy and surgery better than those with poorer general health. Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous, that is extremely aggressive and has a poorer prognosis than other types of cancer. This is because it is often diagnosed later, after the cancer has already taken hold. Mesothelioma can be a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases. In some cases it could take years from the time that asbestos exposure begins until a person develops mesothelioma. There are two kinds of mesothelioma: peritoneal and pleural. Both are caused by asbestos exposure. It is a form of cancer that affects mesothelial cells which cover most of the body's internal organs. If a person is diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, the cancer affects the membrane that lines the chest cavity (pleura). It can also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium), or those around the testicles. Asbestosis is not a form of mesothelioma but it has similar symptoms to mesothelioma. It is caused by exposure to asbestos and it can cause lung issues, such as the formation of scarring and stiffness of the lungs. It is possible to contract mesothelioma and asbestosis at the same time. Mesothelioma cancer is only found in those who have been exposed to asbestos. It typically develops in the chest lining and abdomen, as well as other organs. It isn't caused by smoking, and a majority of those who suffer from mesothelioma are exposed to asbestos at work. Smokers and those with other ailments, such as heart disease or diabetes are more likely to develop the disease.