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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis may be similar. Both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers as well as dust. Patients suffering from mesothelioma of the pleural may undergo treatment like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma reveal the extent of cancer's 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 linings of the lungs, the chest cavity, and the abdomen (pleura) however, it can also affect membranes that line the heart (pericardium) or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means that it is able to expand and spread beyond its original location. The first symptom is often an unremitting cough that does not produce Phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breathe and weight loss. In certain cases patients, they experience swelling or lumps in the abdomen. A patient's doctor may recommend specialists if they're experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will run a series of tests to determine whether mesothelioma, or other cancers are the cause. Imaging scans are used to look inside the abdomen, lungs, or heart and perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. When it comes to pleural mesothelioma, doctors have two main surgical options which include an extrapleural phlemonectomy (EPP), which removes the tumor and a portion of the affected lung, the diaphragm as well as a portion of the lining the heart as well as a pleurectomy that includes pulmonary decortication (P/D) that removes the pleura but not the entire lung affected. Other forms of treatment include chemotherapy and radiation. The first uses high-energy X radiation to kill cancerous cells, while the second makes use of drugs like carboplatin or pemetrexed to kill cancerous cells or slow down their growth. Patients should tell their doctor about any history of asbestos exposure. This is vital, as mesothelioma may develop up to twenty years after the initial exposure to asbestos. The doctor will ask about the frequency of exposure as well as the duration of exposure, as these factors may impact the development symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma they will schedule an CT scan to determine how far the cancer has spread across the body. If the mesothelioma is located in the lung, they'll perform a bronchoscopy examine the lungs' airways as well as lymph nodes. In certain instances the doctor might recommend an chest MRI or PET-CT scan to determine whether the cancer has developed into the heart. Diagnosis The best way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to collect a sample of fluid or tissue. This sample is utilized by doctors to determine cancerous cells that differ from normal cells. A biopsy can be performed surgically or through the use of needles. Doctors can also use imaging tests, such as x-rays and CT scans to detect mesothelioma. They may also do the positron emission tomography scan (PET) which is used to detect cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms may be similar to other diseases. For instance the chest pain that is associated with mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as heart disease or lung cancer. Pleural effusion, which is a condition caused by asbestos can be misinterpreted as pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma they will ask about the person's past exposure to asbestos, as well as the symptoms. They will also perform a physical exam and collect a medical history of the patient's family's medical history. The doctor will then request urine and blood tests to determine the levels of certain proteins. These tests can be performed in the hospital or at home. These tests can help doctors determine the level of asbestos in the body and how the other organs are performing. They will also inquire whether the patient has undergone any prior surgery. A CT scan and chest xray will be taken to determine the presence of mesothelioma. If doctors suspect pericardial mesothelioma they usually conduct an echocardiogram. This is a test that uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. In cases of pleural msothelioma an MRI scan could be beneficial since it provides precise images of the soft tissues. Mediastinoscopy is a procedure that can be done, which involves inserting a tube with cameras and a light inside the chest to examine and sample the lymph nodes that are located close to the center. This is especially helpful in cases where mesothelioma has spread to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-moving respiratory disease, but there are treatments to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. To ease fatigue and lung pain doctors can prescribe drugs, techniques for draining fluids or surgery. Doctors can also help patients cope with fatigue and how it affects their daily routine. The first step to treat mesothelioma asbestosis is finding out if cancerous cells are present. The best method for doing this is to take an examination. When they perform a biopsy, physicians will take a small amount of mesothelium and examine it under the microscope. They are looking for cancerous cells. A biopsy is typically done through surgery, but doctors can also undergo the procedure known as thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle into the chest to extract the fluid sample to test. Once the test results are in, a surgeon may decide to remove any part of the body affected by mesothelioma or asbestosis. This is done most often for pleural, but can be performed to treat peritoneal or peritoneal asbestosis. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos fibers that are ingested into digestive tract. Patients can take steps following surgery to increase their level of comfort. You can do this by taking naps in the morning, planning trips to the grocery store and other outings when you feel better and exercising. Patients can also inquire about clinical trials for the treatment of mesothelioma by speaking with their health care provider. These trials involve studies of new mesothelioma treatments that are not yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments, like radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, could be available. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancerous cells, while radiation and immunotherapy boost the body's natural defense systems against cancer. Targeted therapy is the use of specific medications to combat the weaknesses of mesothelioma cancer cells. Every patient's experience is unique. It is crucial to discuss with a mesothelioma expert all treatment options. Prognosis A prognosis is an estimate of how far a mesothelioma has spread, and what the best treatment options would be. It can also tell patients how long they can anticipate living after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is also a factor in the likelihood of them surviving mesothelioma. Healthier patients with better blood tests, including normal haemoglobin, as well as higher platelet and white cell counts are likely to have a higher chance of being able to beat the disease. They will also be more tolerant of the effects of chemotherapy and surgery better than those who have poorer general health. Mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor that is aggressive and has a poorer prognosis than other types of cancer. This is mainly because it is often diagnosed much later, after the cancer has already spread. turlock asbestos lawsuit of mesothelioma are similar to many other diseases, making it difficult to recognize. In some cases it can take years for someone to develop mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos. There are two major types of mesothelioma; pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. Both are caused by asbestos exposure. This cancer affects the mesothelial tissues which cover the majority of the internal organs of the body. The cancerous cells that cause pleural mesothelioma affect the membrane that surrounds the chest cavity. It may also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the testicles' lining (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis does not have the same symptoms as mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems including scarring and stiffness. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can occur at the same time. Mesothelioma cancer is only found in people who have been exposed to asbestos. It typically develops on the chest wall and abdomen. It is not a result of smoking, and most people with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos while at work. People who smoke and those who have other conditions like diabetes or heart disease may be more likely to develop mesothelioma over others.