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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of asbestosis and mesothelioma can be similar. Both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers as well as dust. Pleural mesothelioma is treatable with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Mesothelioma has four stages that reveal how the cancer has spread. Doctors use staging in order to determine treatment options and life expectations. Symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It is typically found in the lung linings, chest cavity and abdomen (pleura), although it can also affect membranes that line the heart (pericardium) or the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is malignant, which means it is likely to grow and spread beyond the location of origin. The first symptom of a non-phlegmatic cough is common. Other signs include breathlessness, fatigue and weight loss. Some patients may experience lumps or swelling on their abdomen. A patient's physician may refer them to a specialist if they are experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will conduct a series of tests to check whether mesothelioma or any other cancers are the cause. They will employ 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. Extrapleural pneumonectomy eliminates part of the lung affected, including the diaphragm, as well as a part lining the heart. A pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication only removes the pleura, not the entire lung. Other forms of treatment include chemotherapy and radiation. The former directs high-energy X-rays at cancerous cells in order to destroy them, while the latter makes use of drugs such as carboplatin and pemetrexed in order to kill cancerous cells or slow their growth. Patients should inform their doctor about any history of asbestos exposure. This is vital since mesothelioma may grow up to 20 years after the initial exposure. The doctor will also ask about the frequency and duration of exposure since these can impact the development of symptoms. If your GP suspects you have mesothelioma they will order an CT scan in order to determine the extent to which the cancer has spread across the body. If the mesothelioma is in the lung, they'll conduct a bronchoscopy procedure to look at the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In some cases, the doctor may also recommend an abdominal MRI or PET-CT scans to determine whether the cancer has spread to the heart. Diagnosis The best way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to collect an amount of fluid or tissue. Doctors use this sample to look for cancerous cells, which are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be performed surgically or by inserting a needle. To identify mesothelioma, doctors may use imaging tests like CT scans and x-rays. They can also conduct a positron-emission tomography scan (PET) which can be used to detect cancerous cells. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to those of other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose. The chest pain associated with mesothelioma could be mistaken as heart disease or lung cancer. Pleural effusion, a condition caused by asbestos can be misinterpreted as 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. They will also conduct an examination and take a history of the patient's family's medical history. The doctor will order blood and urine testing to check for elevated levels. These tests can be performed in the hospital or at home. These tests will help doctors determine the amount of asbestos in the body and how the other organs are performing. They will also inquire whether the patient has had any previous surgery. A chest xray and CT scan will also be done to look for signs of 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 that makes use of sound waves to create an image of the heart. In cases of pleural msothelioma an MRI scan may prove helpful because it gives detailed images of the soft tissues. boynton beach asbestos lawyer can be performed by inserting a tube that contains an imager and a light into the chest to study and sample lymph nodes located close to the middle. This is especially beneficial in cases where mesothelioma has spread to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-paced respiratory illness, but there are treatment options to help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. To ease discomfort and fatigue doctors can prescribe treatments, fluid draining techniques, or surgery. Doctors also can help patients deal with the loss of normal energy levels and how it affects their daily life. The first step to treating mesothelioma is to determine whether cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the most effective way to find out. When they perform a biopsy, physicians will take a small piece of mesothelium for examination under a microscope. They will search for cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually done through surgery, but doctors can also perform a procedure called thoracentesis. This involves inserting an needle into the chest in order to collect samples of fluid to test. A surgeon may decide, after the test results have been received, to remove any affected parts of the body. This is typically done for pleural mesothelioma, but it is sometimes performed to treat peritoneal mesothelioma as well. Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the lining (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos fibers that are ingested into the digestive tract. Patients can take actions following surgery to increase their ease. This can be done by taking breaks in the morning, planning trips to the grocery store and other outings when you are feeling better and doing light exercise. Patients can also inquire about clinical trials for the treatment of mesothelioma with their medical professional. These trials are studies of new mesothelioma treatments that have not yet been approved by the FDA. Other treatments, like radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, could be available. Chemotherapy is a method of killing cancerous cells, while radiation and immunotherapy boost the body's natural defense mechanisms against cancer. The term “targeted therapy” refers to the use of specific medications to combat the weaknesses of mesothelioma cancer cells. Because each patient and case is different, it is crucial to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma expert. Prognosis A prognosis is a measure of how far a mesothelioma has spread, and what the best treatment options will be. It can also tell how long patients can expect to endure mesothelioma. A patient's overall health is another factor in their mesothelioma prognosis. Patients who are healthier and have higher blood test results such as normal haemoglobin levels and higher platelet and white cells counts will have a better chance of being able to survive mesothelioma. They are also more in their ability to handle chemotherapy and surgeries than those who have lower general health. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that often has a worse prognosis than other types of cancer. This is due to the fact that it is typically diagnosed later, after the disease has already spread to other areas of the body. Mesothelioma is also a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases. In some cases it can take years for a patient to develop mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos. There are two main types of mesothelioma: pleural mesotheliom and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. Both are caused from asbestos exposure. This cancer affects the mesothelial tissues that cover the majority of the internal organs in the body. The cancerous cells that cause pleural mesothelioma affect the membrane that surrounds the chest cavity. It can also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or around the testicles. Asbestosis is not a variant of mesothelioma but it does have similar symptoms to those of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung issues such as stiffness and scarring. It is possible to contract mesothelioma and asbestosis at the same time. Only those who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It typically develops in the lining of the chest, abdomen and other organs. It is not a result of smoking, and a majority of those who suffer from mesothelioma are exposed to asbestos in their work. People who have smoked or suffer from other conditions like heart disease or diabetes may be more likely to develop mesothelioma than others.