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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of asbestosis and mesothelioma are often similar. Both conditions are caused from exposure to asbestos fibers as well as dust. Pleural mesothelioma can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma indicate the extent of cancer's spread. Doctors employ staging to determine treatment options and the life expectation. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It is usually found in the linings of the lungs, the chest cavity, and the abdomen (pleura) but it may also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means that it has the ability to expand and spread beyond the original site. The first sign of a non-phlegmatic cough is common. Other symptoms include breathlessness, weight loss and fatigue. In certain cases patients, there is swelling or lumps in the abdomen. A patient's doctor may recommend a specialist if they are experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will conduct a series tests to determine if the symptoms are due to mesothelioma or another type of cancer. The doctor will use imaging scans to see inside the abdomen, lungs, or heart and perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural msothelioma, there are two primary surgical options. An extrapleural pneumonectomy removes part of the lung affected, including the diaphragm, as well as a part of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication removes only the pleura, not the entire lung. Radiation and chemotherapy are also options. The former sends high-energy X-rays toward cancer cells to destroy them, and the latter uses drugs like carboplatin and pemetrexed in order to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Patients should inform their doctor when they've been exposed to asbestos. This is important, as mesothelioma could develop for within a period of time of up to 20 years following the initial exposure to asbestos. The doctor will ask about the frequency of exposure and the duration of exposure, as these variables may impact the development symptoms. If your GP suspects you have mesothelioma, they'll order a CT scan to determine how much the cancer has spread across the body. If mesothelioma has spread to the lungs, a bronchoscopy will be performed to check the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In some cases doctors may suggest a PET-CT or a chest MRI scan to determine if the cancer has developed to the heart. Diagnosis The best way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is by collecting samples of fluid or tissue. This sample is utilized by doctors to look for cancerous cells that differ from normal cells. A biopsy can be performed by needle or surgical procedure. To detect mesothelioma, doctors may use imaging tests such as CT scans and x-rays. They can also conduct an positron-emission tomography (PET) scan (PET), which is used to detect cancerous cells. downey asbestos attorneys is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. For example, the chest pain associated mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as heart disease or lung cancer. Additionally asbestos-related diseases such as pleural effusion can be mistaken for pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient has mesothelioma, they will inquire about their previous exposure to asbestos and the symptoms. They will also conduct a physical exam and take a history of the medical history of the patient's family. The doctor will then order 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 aid doctors in determining the amount of asbestos is in the body, as well as how the organs are performing. They will also want to be aware of whether the patient has been through any surgeries previously. A CT scan and chest x-ray will be taken to determine the presence of mesothelioma. Doctors will usually take an echocardiogram, a test which utilizes sound waves to produce a picture of the heart, in case they suspect that a patient has pericardial cancer. A MRI scan might be useful in the case of pleural mesothelioma since it can provide detailed pictures of soft tissues. It is also possible to perform mediastinoscopy. This involves inserting a tube with cameras and a light inside the chest to examine and sample lymph nodes close to the middle of the chest. This is especially helpful when mesothelioma is spreading to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-moving respiratory illness, but there are treatment options that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. To alleviate the pain and fatigue in the lung, doctors can use medications, fluid draining techniques or surgery. Doctors can also help patients deal with the loss of normal energy levels and how that affects their daily routine. The first step in treating mesothelioma asbestosis is to find out if cancer cells are present. The best way to do that is through a biopsy. During the biopsy, doctors take a small sample of mesothelium. They then examine it under a microscope in order to determine whether there are any cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually done by surgery, however, doctors may also perform the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting a needle into the chest to remove an amount of fluid to be tested. Once the test results are in the surgeon could decide to remove any parts of the body affected by the mesothelioma asbestosis. This is typically done for pleural, however it can be performed to treat peritoneal or peritoneal asbestosis. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's lining (pleura). Peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers are consumed and lodged in the digestive tract. After surgery, patients can make steps to increase their level of comfort. These include taking napping earlier during the day, planning trips to the shops and other activities when they are feeling stronger and taking part in moderate exercise to reduce fatigue. Patients can also inquire with their healthcare provider about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments. These trials study new mesothelioma treatment options which aren't yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments could also be available, including chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Chemotherapy makes use of drugs to kill cancer cells, whereas radiation and immunotherapy increase the body's natural defense systems against the cancer. Targeted therapy involves using specific drugs to combat weaknesses in mesothelioma tumor cells. Because every patient and case is different, it is important to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma expert. Prognosis A prognosis is a measure of how far mesothelioma is spreading and what the most effective treatment options will be. It can also tell patients how long they should anticipate living after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is an element in the likelihood of them surviving mesothelioma. Patients who are healthier and have better blood tests like normal haemoglobin levels and higher platelet and white cell counts will have a better chance of being able to survive mesothelioma. They will also be more at enduring chemotherapy and surgery than people with less general health. Mesothelioma can be described as a highly aggressive cancer that often has a worse prognosis than other forms of cancer. This is partly because it is typically diagnosed later, once the disease has already spread to other areas of the body. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be compared to many other diseases, making it difficult to identify. In certain cases it can take a long time from the moment asbestos exposure occurs to when the patient develops mesothelioma. There are two main types of mesothelioma: pleural mesotheliom and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. Both are caused from asbestos exposure. It is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells which cover most of the body's internal organs. If a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma of the pleural region, it affects the membrane that lines the chest cavity (pleura). It can also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the testicles' membrane (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis does not have the same symptoms as mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems such as stiffness and scarring. It is possible to get mesothelioma and asbestosis at the same time. Mesothelioma tumors are only seen 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 a majority of those who suffer from mesothelioma are exposed to asbestos while at work. Smokers and people with other ailments, such as diabetes or heart disease, are more likely to be affected by the disease.