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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of asbestosis and mesothelioma are often similar. This is because both conditions are caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. Patients with mesothelioma of the pleural may undergo treatment such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma show the extent of cancer's spread. Doctors use staging to determine treatment options and life expectations. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It usually affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura) however it can also affect the membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is malignant, meaning it is likely to grow and spread beyond the location of origin. The first sign of a non-phlegmatic cough is quite common. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and weight loss. Some patients may experience swelling or lumps on the abdomen. A patient's doctor can refer them to specialists if they're experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will conduct a series of tests to check if mesothelioma or other cancers are the reason. They will employ imaging scanners to look inside stomachs, lungs, or heart and then perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural msothelioma, there are two primary surgical options. Extrapleural pneumonectomy eliminates part of the lung affected, the diaphragm, as well as a part that surrounds the heart. A pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication removes only the pleura, not the entire lung. Chemotherapy and radiation are both options. The former directs high-energy X-rays at cancerous cells in order to destroy them, while the latter utilizes drugs such as carboplatin and pemetrexed in order to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Patients should tell their doctor about any prior asbestos exposure. This is vital, as mesothelioma could develop for up to twenty years after the initial asbestos exposure. The doctor will ask about the frequency of exposure and the duration of the exposure, as these variables can influence the development of symptoms. If your GP suspects that you have mesothelioma, they will request a CT scan to determine how far the cancer spreads throughout the body. If the mesothelioma has spread to the lung, a bronchoscopy should be performed to check the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In certain cases the doctor may recommend an abdominal MRI or PET-CT scan to determine whether the cancer has spread to the heart. Diagnosis The most reliable method to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is to obtain a tissue or fluid sample. Doctors make use of this sample to look for cancerous cells that are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be performed by needle or surgical procedure. Doctors can also use imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans to identify mesothelioma. They can also conduct a positron emission tomography (PET) scan that is used to detect cancerous cells that have spread. The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to symptoms of other diseases, making it difficult to identify. The chest pain associated with mesothelioma may be mistaken as heart disease or lung carcinoma. Pleural effusion, which is a condition caused by asbestos can be misinterpreted as pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma, they will inquire about the person's past exposure to asbestos, as well as their symptoms. They will also perform an examination of the body and take a history of the medical history of the family member. The doctor will conduct blood and urine testing to look for elevated levels. These tests can be done in the hospital or at home. These tests can help doctors determine the amount of asbestos in the body and how well other organs function. They will also ask whether the patient has had any prior surgery. A CT scan and chest x-ray are taken to determine the presence of mesothelioma. Doctors will usually take an echocardiogram, which 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 cases of pleural mesothelioma since it can provide detailed images of soft tissues. A mediastinoscopy may be performed, which involves inserting a tube containing a camera and light inside the chest to examine and sample the lymph nodes that are located close to the center. This is particularly helpful when mesothelioma is spreading to these regions. Treatment Mesothelioma is a chronic respiratory illness that is slow to progress. However there are treatments that can ease the symptoms and improve your quality of life. To ease fatigue and lung pain doctors can prescribe treatments, fluid draining techniques, or surgery. Doctors can also help patients deal with the loss of their normal levels of energy and how this impacts their daily activities. The first step to treat mesothelioma is to determine if cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the most effective way to find out. In a biopsy, doctors will take a small portion of mesothelium and examine it under the microscope. They are looking for cancerous cells. A biopsy is typically performed via surgery, but doctors can also perform the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting a needle into the chest in order to collect fluid samples for testing. When the test results are in, a surgeon may decide to remove any parts of the body that have been affected by mesothelioma or asbestosis. This is most often done for pleural mesothelioma, but it can be performed to treat peritoneal mesothelioma as well. Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused asbestos fibers that are ingested into the digestive tract. Patients can take steps following surgery to improve their comfort. You can do this by taking naps in the morning, planning trips to the grocery store and other activities when you are feeling better and exercising. Patients may also inquire about clinical trials for treatment of mesothelioma with their medical professional. These trials are studies on new mesothelioma treatment options which haven't yet been approved by FDA. Other treatments may also be available, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy. Radiation and immunotherapy are used to strengthen the body's natural defense systems against cancer. Targeted therapy involves using specific drugs to target weaknesses in mesothelioma cells. Every patient's situation is unique. north carolina asbestos attorneys is important to discuss with a mesothelioma specialist all treatment options. Prognosis A prognosis is a measure of how far mesothelioma has spread, and what the most effective treatment options will be. It can also tell patients how long they should expect to live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is an important factor in the prognosis of mesothelioma. Healthier patients with higher blood tests, such as normal haemoglobin, as well as higher platelet and white cell counts will have a better chance of being able to beat the cancer. They will also be more in their ability to handle chemotherapy and surgery than people with lower general health. Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous, which is agressive tumor and has a less favorable prognosis than other types of cancer. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed later, once the cancer has already spread to other areas of the body. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be compared to many other illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose. In certain cases, it can take decades from the moment asbestos exposure is discovered until the patient develops mesothelioma. There are two types of mesothelioma: peritoneal and pleural. Both are triggered by exposure to asbestos. It is a kind of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells that cover the majority of the organs of the body's internal system. If a person is diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, the cancer affects the membrane that lines the chest cavity (pleura). It may also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the testicles' membrane (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis is not a form of mesothelioma but it does have similar symptoms to those of mesothelioma. It is caused by exposure to asbestos and it can cause lung problems, including the formation of scarring and stiffness in the lung. It is possible to develop mesothelioma and asbestosis at the same time. Only asbestos-exposed people are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It typically develops in the chest lining stomach, abdomen and other organs. It is not triggered by smoking and most people who have developed mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos while they were working. Smokers and people with other illnesses, like heart disease or diabetes are more likely to be affected by the disease.