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Mesothelioma Asbestosis Symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis can be similar. This is because both diseases 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 the cancer's spread. Doctors employ staging to determine treatments and life expectation. 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 lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura), but can also occur in the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is malignant, which means it has the potential to spread and grow beyond the area of origin. The first symptom of a non-phlegmatic cough is common. Other signs include breathlessness, fatigue and weight loss. In some instances patients, there is swelling or lumps in the abdomen. A patient's doctor can recommend specialists if they're experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will run a series of tests to determine whether the symptoms are caused by mesothelioma or another type of cancer. They will employ imaging scanners to examine the stomachs, lungs, or heart and perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural msothelioma there are two main surgical options. Extrapleural pneumonectomy eliminates part of the lung affected, the diaphragm, and a portion of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication removes only the pleura, but not the whole lung. Other forms of treatment include chemotherapy and radiation. The first utilizes high-energy X radiation to destroy cancerous cells, while the second utilizes drugs like carboplatin or pemetrexed to destroy cancerous cells or slow their growth. Patients should tell their doctor about any prior asbestos exposure. This is important because mesothelioma can grow up to 20 years after initial exposure. The doctor will inquire about the frequency of exposure and the duration of exposure, since these factors may impact the development symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma they will schedule a CT scan to determine how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. If the mesothelioma is located in the lung, they will perform a bronchoscopy look at the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In certain instances, a doctor may also recommend a PET-CT or chest MRI scan to determine if the cancer has developed to the heart. Diagnosis The best method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to collect an amount of fluid or tissue. Doctors make use of this sample to search for cancerous cells that are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be done by needle or surgical procedure. Doctors can also perform imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans to identify mesothelioma. They can also conduct an positron-emission tomography (PET) scan (PET) which is used to identify cancerous cells. The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to symptoms of other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose. For example, the chest pain associated mesothelioma may be mistaken for heart disease or lung cancer. Pleural effusion, a condition caused by asbestos can be mistaken for bronchitis or pneumonia. If doctors suspect that a patient has mesothelioma they will ask about the patient's prior exposure to asbestos, as well as the symptoms. They will also perform an examination of the body and take a history of the medical history of the patient's family. The doctor will then request blood and urine tests to check for elevated levels of certain proteins. These tests can be conducted in a hospital or at home. These tests can help doctors determine the level of asbestos in the body as well as how well other organs are functioning. They will also ask if the patient had undergone any previous surgery. A chest x-ray and a CT scan are also done to look for signs of mesothelioma, like a thickening of the membrane that surrounds the lungs. If doctors suspect pericardial Mesothelioma it is common for them to request an echocardiogram. This is a test which uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. In cases of pleural msothelioma an MRI scan may prove helpful since it provides precise images of the soft tissues. They can also perform mediastinoscopy, which entails placing a tube with cameras and a light inside the chest to examine 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 ease the symptoms and improve your quality of living. To relieve fatigue and lung pain doctors can prescribe medications, fluid draining techniques or surgery. Doctors can also help patients cope with the loss of normal levels of energy and how this affects their daily life. The first step to treat mesothelioma is to determine whether cancerous 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 will search for cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually performed through surgery, although doctors can also perform the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting an needle through the chest to take out fluid samples for testing. A surgeon might decide, following the test results have been confirmed to remove any affected part of the body. This is typically done for pleural mesothelioma, however, it can be performed to treat peritoneal mesothelioma as well. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's lining (pleura). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers that are ingested into the digestive tract. After surgery, patients are able to take steps to improve their comfort. This can be done by taking breaks in the morning, planning trips to the grocery store and other activities when you feel better and performing light exercises. Patients can also inquire with their healthcare provider about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatment. These trials focus on new mesothelioma treatment options that aren't yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments could also be available, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy. Immunotherapy and radiation are used to strengthen the body's natural defence mechanisms against cancer. The term “targeted therapy” refers to the use of specific medications to attack vulnerabilities within mesothelioma cancer cells. Since each patient and situation is unique, it is important to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma doctor. Prognosis A prognosis can be described as a rough estimate of the extent to which a mesothelioma spreads and the treatment options available. el monte asbestos attorney can also tell patients how long they should anticipate living after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The health of the patient is a different factor in their mesothelioma prognosis. Fitter people with better blood tests, such as normal haemoglobin, as well as higher white cell and platelet counts will have a better chance of surviving the disease. They will also be better in their ability to handle chemotherapy and surgery than people with less general health. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is aggressive that typically has a less favorable prognosis than other kinds of cancer. This is partly because it is typically diagnosed later, when the disease has already spread to other areas of the body. The symptoms of mesothelioma are the same as many other illnesses, making it difficult to identify. In some cases it can take years for someone to develop mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos. There are two kinds of mesothelioma: peritoneal and pleural. Both are caused from asbestos exposure. It is a form of cancer that affects mesothelial cells that cover the majority of the organs of the body's internal system. The cancerous cells that cause pleural mesothelioma affect the membrane that lines the chest cavity. It may also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the membrane around the testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis is not a form of mesothelioma, but it does exhibit similar symptoms to those of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems including scarring and stiffness. It is possible to get both asbestosis and mesothelioma at the same time. Mesothelioma tumors are only seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos. It typically develops on the chest lining and abdomen. It is not caused from smoking, and most people with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their work. People who have smoked and also those with other illnesses like diabetes or heart disease may be more likely to develop mesothelioma over others.