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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis may be similar. This is because both conditions are caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. People who have mesothelioma pleural can undergo treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Mesothelioma has four stages that reveal how the cancer has spread. Doctors employ staging to determine treatments and life potential. Signs and 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), but can also affect the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is malignant, meaning it is likely to grow and spread beyond the site of origin. The first sign of a non-phlegmatic cough is quite common. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breathe and weight loss. Some patients may notice lumps or swelling on their abdomen. If a patient has these symptoms, their doctor may refer them to a specialist treatment. The specialist will run several tests to check whether mesothelioma, or other cancers are the cause. They will use imaging scanners to examine the abdominal organs, lungs or hearts and then perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural msothelioma, there are two major surgical options. An extrapleural pneumonectomy removes part of the lung affected, including the diaphragm, and a portion of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy or pulmonary decortication removes only the pleura, not the whole lung. Radiation and chemotherapy are also options. The former uses X-rays that are high-energy at cancerous cells in order to destroy them, and the latter uses drugs like pemetrexed and carboplatin to kill cancerous cells or slow their growth. Patients should tell their doctor about any prior asbestos exposure. This is vital, as mesothelioma can develop in the years that follow the initial exposure to asbestos. The doctor will also inquire about the frequency and duration of exposure, as these factors can affect the development of symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma they will schedule an CT scan to determine how the cancer has spread throughout the body. If the mesothelioma has spread to the lung, a bronchoscopy may be performed to examine the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In some cases, a physician may recommend a PET-CT or chest MRI scan to determine if cancer has spread to your heart. Diagnosis The most reliable method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to obtain a tissue or fluid sample. This sample is used by doctors to look for cancerous cells that differ from normal ones. A biopsy can be done through a needle or surgery. To detect mesothelioma in patients, doctors can utilize imaging tests such as CT scans and x-rays. They can also conduct a positron-emission tomography scan (PET) which can be used to detect cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be so similar to other conditions. The chest pain caused by mesothelioma can be mistaken as heart disease or lung cancer. Pleural effusion, which is a condition caused by asbestos can be mistaken for bronchitis or pneumonia. If doctors suspect that a patient has mesothelioma, they will inquire about the patient's previous exposure to asbestos and the 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 in a hospital or at home. These tests can help doctors determine the amount of asbestos in the body and how the other organs are performing. They will also want know if the patient has had any previous surgeries. A CT scan and chest x-ray are done to look for signs of mesothelioma. If doctors suspect pericardial mesothelioma they usually conduct an echocardiogram. This is a test which uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, an MRI scan could be beneficial since it provides precise images of the soft tissues. A mediastinoscopy may be performed by inserting a tube that contains an imager and a light into the chest to study and sample lymph nodes near the middle. This is particularly helpful in cases where mesothelioma has spread to these regions. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-paced respiratory disease, however there are treatment options that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Doctors can employ medications, fluid drainage techniques, surgeries or a combination of techniques to ease fatigue and lung pain. Doctors can also assist patients deal with the loss of normal energy levels and how it impacts their daily activities. The first step to treating mesothelioma is to determine whether cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the best method to determine. In a biopsy, doctors will take a small piece of mesothelium for examination under a microscope. They will look for cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually performed via surgery, but doctors may also perform the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting a needle in the chest to remove a sample of fluid for testing. When the test results are in the surgeon could decide to take out any parts of the body affected by mesothelioma or asbestosis. This is typically performed to treat pleural mesothelioma but it is sometimes done to treat peritoneal mesothelioma as well. Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers are inhaled and lodged in the digestive tract. Patients can take actions following surgery to improve their level of comfort. This can be done by taking napping in the morning, planning trips to the market and other activities for when you feel better and doing light exercise. Patients may also inquire with their doctor 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 may also be available, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy. Chemotherapy is a method of killing cancerous cells, while radiation and immunotherapy boost the body's natural defense system against the cancer. Targeted therapy involves the use of specific medications to target the weaknesses within mesothelioma cancer cells. Because each patient and case is unique, it is essential to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma specialist. Prognosis A prognosis is an estimate of how far mesothelioma has spread and what the best treatment options would be. It also indicates the length of time patients can expect to endure mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is also a factor in their prognosis for mesothelioma. albany asbestos lawsuit with more accurate blood tests, including normal haemoglobin and higher white and platelet counts are likely to have a higher chance of beating the cancer. They will also be better in their ability to handle chemotherapy and surgeries than those who have poorer general health. Mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor that is extremely aggressive and has a less favorable prognosis than other types of cancer. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed later, after the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. Mesothelioma is also a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases. In some cases it can take years for a person to develop mesothelioma after asbestos exposure. There are two kinds of mesothelioma: peritoneal and pleural. Both are the result of exposure to asbestos. This cancer affects the mesothelial tissues which cover the majority of the internal organs in the body. The cancerous cells that cause pleural mesothelioma affect the membrane that line the chest cavity. It can also affect membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) as well as those around the testicles. Asbestosis is not characterized by the same symptoms as mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems such as stiffness and scarring. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can occur at the same time. Only people who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It typically develops in the lining of the chest and abdomen, as well as other organs. It is not triggered by smoking cigarettes and the majority of those who have developed mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos when they worked. Smokers and people with other illnesses, like diabetes or heart disease, are more likely to develop the disease.