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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis are often similar. Both are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers as well as dust. Pleural mesothelioma can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma reveal the extent of the 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 most often affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura) however it can also be found in the membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is malignant, which means it is able to grow and spread beyond the area of origin. The first symptom is typically an unremitting cough that does not produce Phlegm. Redwood City asbestos lawyers include breathlessness, weight loss and fatigue. In certain cases, patients experience lumps or swelling in their abdomen. If a patient experiences these symptoms, their doctor may refer them to a specialist treatment. The specialist will run several tests to determine if the symptoms are due to mesothelioma, or another cancer. They will use imaging scans to see inside the abdomen, lungs, or heart and perform biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural msothelioma, there are two main surgical options. An extrapleural pneumonectomy removes part of the lung affected, the diaphragm and a section that surrounds the heart. A pleurectomy or pulmonary decortication removes only the pleura, but not the whole lung. Other types of treatment include chemotherapy and radiation. The first utilizes high-energy X radiation to destroy cancer cells, while the second utilizes drugs like pemetrexed or carboplatin in order to kill cancerous cells or slow down their growth. Patients must inform their physician when they've been exposed to asbestos. This is important since mesothelioma may develop up to 20 years after the initial exposure. The doctor will inquire about the frequency of exposure and the duration of the exposure, since these factors can influence the development of symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma they will schedule for a CT scan to see how the cancer has spread in the body. If the mesothelioma is spreading to the lungs, a bronchoscopy will be performed to examine the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In certain instances the doctor might recommend an abdominal MRI or PET-CT scan to assess whether the cancer has been able to spread to the heart. Diagnosis The most reliable method to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is to collect a tissue or fluid sample. The sample is utilized by doctors to check for cancerous cells that are different from normal ones. A biopsy can be performed surgically or through the use of a needle. Doctors can also use imaging tests, like x-rays and CT scans to find mesothelioma. They can also conduct an positron-emission tomography (PET) scan (PET), which is used to identify cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms can be so similar to other conditions. The chest pain that is associated with mesothelioma could be mistaken as heart disease or lung carcinoma. Pleural effusion, which is a condition caused by asbestos can be mistaken for pneumonia or bronchitis. If a doctor suspects that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma they will ask them about their past exposure to asbestos and the symptoms. They will also perform an examination and take a history of the patient's family's medical history. The doctor will order blood and urine testing to determine if there are elevated levels. These tests can be performed in a hospital setting or at home. These tests can aid doctors in determining the amount of asbestos is present in the body and how the organs are functioning. They will also want to find out if the patient had any previous surgeries. A CT scan and chest xray will be performed to check for signs of mesothelioma. Doctors usually conduct an echocardiogram, a test that uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart, in case they believe a person has pericardial cancer. In cases of pleural msothelioma an MRI scan may prove helpful since it provides precise images of the soft tissues. Mediastinoscopy is a procedure that can be done by inserting a tube containing cameras and a light inside the chest in order to examine and sample the lymph nodes close to the middle. This is particularly helpful if mesothelioma spreads to these regions. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-moving respiratory disease, however there are treatment options that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. To alleviate discomfort and fatigue doctors can employ treatments, fluid draining techniques, or surgery. Doctors can also help patients cope with the loss of normal energy levels and how it affects their daily routine. The first step to treat mesothelioma is to determine whether cancerous cells are present. The best way to do that is by taking an examination. During a biopsy, doctors will take a small amount of mesothelium for examination under a microscope. They are looking for cancerous cells. A biopsy is typically done via surgery, but doctors can also perform a procedure called thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle into the chest cavity to take the fluid sample for testing. Once the test results are in, a surgeon may decide to take out any parts of the body affected by mesothelioma or asbestosis. This is most often performed for pleural mesothelioma but it is sometimes done to treat peritoneal mesothelioma as well. Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lining of the lungs (pleura). Peritoneal mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers are inhaled and become stuck in the digestive tract. After surgery, patients can make steps to increase their comfort level. These include taking breaks earlier in the day, planning shopping trips and other activities when they are feeling stronger and taking part in light exercise to decrease fatigue. Patients may also inquire about clinical trials for treatment of mesothelioma with a healthcare provider. These trials study mesothelioma treatments which are not yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments are also available, such as chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Radiation and immunotherapy are used to boost the body's natural defence mechanisms against cancer. Targeted therapy involves using specific drugs to attack vulnerabilities in mesothelioma cancer cells. Every patient's situation is distinct. It is crucial to discuss with a mesothelioma specialist all options for treatment. Prognosis A prognosis can be described as a rough estimate of the extent to which a mesothelioma grows and the treatment options available. It also informs patients how long they should anticipate living after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. A patient's overall health is another factor that affects their mesothelioma prognosis. Patients who are healthier and have better blood tests like a normal level of haemoglobin and higher platelet and white cells counts will have a higher chance of beating mesothelioma. They will also be more tolerant of the effects of chemotherapy and surgery better than those with lower general health. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is aggressive that is often a poor prognosis than other kinds of cancer. This is because it is usually diagnosed later when the disease has already progressed. Mesothelioma is also a challenging cancer to identify because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. In some instances it could take years from the time that asbestos exposure occurs to when a person develops mesothelioma. There are two main kinds of mesothelioma, pleural mesotheliom and peritoneal mesothelioma. Both are caused from asbestos exposure. The mesothelial tissues which cover the majority of internal organs of the body. When someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma pleural, it affects the membrane that surrounds the chest cavity (pleura). It may also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or around the testicles. Asbestosis is not a variant of mesothelioma. However, it does exhibit similar symptoms to mesothelioma. It is caused by exposure to asbestos and it can cause lung problems, including the development of scarring and stiffness of the lung. It is possible to contract both asbestosis and mesothelioma simultaneously. 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 a result of smoking cigarettes, and the majority of people who suffer from mesothelioma are exposed to asbestos in their work. Smokers and also those with other conditions like heart disease or diabetes may be more likely to develop mesothelioma over others.