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Mesothelioma Asbestosis Symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis may be similar. This is due to the fact that both conditions are caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. Pleural mesothelioma can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma show the extent of cancer's spread. Doctors use staging to determine the best treatment options and life expectancies. Symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It is most commonly found in the lung linings, the abdomen and chest cavity (pleura) however, it can also affect the membranes that connect the heart (pericardium) or the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is malignant, meaning it is likely to expand and spread beyond the location of origin. The first sign is usually a cough that doesn't produce phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breathe and weight loss. In certain cases patients, there is swelling or lumps in the abdomen. If a patient experiences these symptoms, their doctor may refer them for specialized treatment. The specialist will conduct several tests to determine whether mesothelioma or any other cancers are the reason. They will employ imaging scanners to look inside lungs, abdomens or hearts and then perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. When it is pleural mesothelioma that needs to be treated, doctors have two surgical options that include an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) that removes the tumour and part of the affected lung, the diaphragm, and a small portion of the lining of the heart as well as a pleurectomy that includes pulmonary decortication (P/D) which eliminates the pleura but not the entire lung affected. Radiation and chemotherapy are also options. The first utilizes high-energy X radiation to kill cancer cells, while the second uses drugs such as carboplatin or pemetrexed to destroy cancerous cells or slow their growth. Patients should inform their doctor about any previous asbestos exposure. This is crucial because mesothelioma is a cancer that can be diagnosed as early as 20 years after initial exposure. The doctor will inquire about the frequency of exposure and the duration of exposure, as these factors can influence the development of symptoms. If your GP suspects you have mesothelioma they will order an CT scan in order to determine how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. If the mesothelioma is spreading to the lung, a bronchoscopy may be performed to check the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In certain cases the doctor may suggest a chest MRI or PET-CT scan to determine if the cancer has been able to spread to the heart. Diagnosis The most reliable way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to collect a tissue or fluid sample. Doctors will use this sample to search for cancerous cells that differ from normal cells. A biopsy can be carried out surgically or by inserting a needle. To detect mesothelioma, doctors can use imaging tests such as CT scans and x-rays. They may also do a positron-emission tomography scan (PET) which is used to detect cancerous cells. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be similar to those of other conditions which makes it difficult to identify. For instance the chest pain that occurs mesothelioma could be mistaken for heart disease or lung cancer. Pleural effusion, which is a condition caused by asbestos can be mistaken for bronchitis or pneumonia. If a doctor suspects that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma they will inquire about their previous exposure to asbestos and their symptoms. They will also perform a physical exam and record the medical history of the family member. The doctor will then conduct urine and blood tests to look for elevated levels of certain proteins. These tests can be done at the hospital or at home. These tests will help doctors determine the amount of asbestos in the body as well as how the other organs are performing. They also need to find out if the patient been through any surgeries previously. A chest x-ray as well as a CT scan will also be done to look for signs of the mesothelioma, such as a thickening of the lining around the lung. 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. A MRI scan could be helpful in the case of pleural mesothelioma, since it can provide detailed images of soft tissues. It is also possible to perform a mediastinoscopy, which involves inserting a tube with an imager and a light inside the chest to look at and sample lymph nodes in the middle of the chest. This is particularly helpful if the mesothelioma has spread to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma is a respiratory disease that is slow-moving. However there are treatments available that can ease the symptoms and improve your quality of living. To alleviate discomfort and fatigue, doctors can use treatments, fluid draining techniques, or surgery. Doctors can also assist patients deal with the loss of their normal levels of energy and how this affects their daily life. The first step to treat mesothelioma is to find out if cancer cells are present. The best method for doing that is by taking an examination. During the biopsy, doctors take a small sample of mesothelium. They then examine it under a microscope in order to determine if there are any cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually done via surgery, but doctors can also perform the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting a needle into 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 usually done for pleural, but can also be done to treat asbestosis that is peritoneal or peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the lining (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers are inhaled and become trapped in the digestive tract. After surgery, patients can make steps to increase their comfort. This includes taking napping earlier in the day, planning trips to the shops and other activities when they are feeling stronger and taking part in light exercise to decrease fatigue. Patients can also inquire about clinical trials that are being conducted for the treatment of mesothelioma by speaking with their medical professional. These trials are studies of new mesothelioma therapies that are not yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments are also available, including chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. springfield asbestos attorneys and immunotherapy are used to strengthen the body's natural defence systems against cancer. The targeted therapy uses specific drugs to attack vulnerabilities in mesothelioma cells. Because each patient and case is different, it is crucial to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma doctor. Prognosis A prognosis is an approximate estimate of the extent to which a mesothelioma develops and what treatment options are available. It also informs patients how long they should expect to live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient can be an element in their prognosis for mesothelioma. Healthier patients with higher blood tests, such as normal haemoglobin levels and higher white cell and platelet counts will have a better chance of surviving the disease. They are also more able to tolerate chemo and surgery than people with poorer general health. Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor which is agressive tumor and has a lower prognosis than other cancers. This is due to the fact that it is often diagnosed much later when the cancer has already taken hold. Mesothelioma is also a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms are similar to those of many other illnesses. In certain cases, it could take years for someone to develop mesothelioma after asbestos exposure. There are two kinds of mesothelioma, namely pleural and peritoneal. Both are triggered by asbestos exposure. The mesothelial tissue that covers 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 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 has similar symptoms to mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung issues such as stiffness and scarring. It is possible to get both asbestosis and mesothelioma simultaneously. Mesothelioma cancer can only be found in people who have been exposed to asbestos. It is most often found in the lining of the chest and abdomen, as well as other organs. It is not triggered by smoking and most people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos while they were working. Smokers and those with other diseases, such as diabetes or heart disease, are more likely to be affected by the disease.