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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma as well as asbestosis can be similar. This is due to the fact that both conditions are caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma may receive treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma reveal the extent of 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 is usually found in the lung linings, the chest cavity, and the abdomen (pleura), although it may also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means that it can expand and spread beyond the original site. The first sign of a non-phlegmatic cough is common. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue and weight loss. In some cases patients, there is swelling or lumps in the abdomen. A patient's doctor can recommend a specialist if they are experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will conduct a series tests to determine whether the symptoms are caused by mesothelioma or another type of cancer. The doctor will use imaging scans to see inside the abdomen, lungs, or heart and perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. When it is pleural mesothelioma that needs to be treated, doctors have two primary surgical options: an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) which eliminates the cancer and a part of the affected lung, the diaphragm and a portion of the lining of the heart; and a pleurectomy with pulmonary decortication (P/D) that removes the pleura but not the entire affected lung. The chemotherapy and radiation are also options. The former sends high-energy X-rays toward cancer cells to destroy them, while the latter utilizes drugs such as carboplatin and pemetrexed to kill cancerous cells or slow their growth. Patients must inform their physician when they've been exposed to asbestos. This is vital, as mesothelioma may develop in the years that follow the initial exposure to asbestos. The doctor will also inquire about the frequency and duration of exposure, as these factors can impact the development of symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma, they will arrange an CT scan to see how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. If mesothelioma has spread to the lung, a bronchoscopy should be performed to examine the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In certain instances, a physician may suggest a PET-CT or a chest MRI scan to determine if cancer has spread to your heart. Diagnosis The most reliable way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to obtain a tissue or fluid sample. The sample is used by doctors to check for cancerous cells that differ from normal ones. A biopsy can be done by needle or surgical procedure. Doctors may also utilize imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans to identify mesothelioma. They may also do an positron-emission tomography (PET) scan (PET), which can be used to detect cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms may be similar to other conditions. The chest pain associated with mesothelioma could be mistaken as heart disease or lung carcinoma. In addition asbestos-related diseases such as pleural effusion may be mistaken for pneumonia or bronchitis. If a doctor suspects that a patient has mesothelioma, they'll ask them about their past exposure to asbestos and their symptoms. They will also perform an examination of the body and take a history of the medical history of the family member. The doctor will order urine and blood tests to determine if there are elevated levels. These tests can be done in the hospital or at home. These tests will help doctors determine the amount of asbestos in the body and also how well other organs are functioning. They will also ask whether the patient has undergone any prior surgery. 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 conduct an echocardiogram. This is a test that uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. In glendale asbestos law firm of pleural mesothelioma, an MRI scan could be beneficial since it provides precise images of the soft tissues. A mediastinoscopy may be performed by inserting a tube that contains cameras and a light inside the chest in order to study and sample lymph nodes located near the middle. This is especially helpful when mesothelioma is spreading to these regions. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-moving respiratory disease, however there are treatments that can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Doctors can employ medications, fluid drainage techniques surgery, or a combination of these methods to ease fatigue and pain in the lung. Doctors can also assist patients cope with their loss of energy and how it affects their daily routine. The first step to treating mesothelioma is to determine whether cancerous cells are present. The most effective method to determine that is by taking the procedure of a biopsy. In a biopsy, doctors take a small amount of mesothelium. They then examine it under a microscope in order to determine if there are any cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually performed through surgery, although doctors can also carry out the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting a needle into the chest to extract a sample of fluid for testing. A surgeon may decide, after the results of the test have been obtained to remove any affected part of the body. This is most often performed for pleural mesothelioma but it can be used to treat peritoneal cancer as well. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the lining (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused asbestos fibers which are ingested into the digestive tract. After surgery, patients are able to make steps to increase their level of comfort. These include taking napping earlier in the day, planning shopping trips and other activities when they feel stronger and taking part in moderate exercise to reduce fatigue. Patients can also ask their doctor about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatment. These trials study new mesothelioma treatment options that haven't yet been approved by FDA. Other treatments could also be available, such as chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Chemotherapy makes use of drugs to kill cancer cells, whereas radiation and immunotherapy boost the body's natural defense systems against cancer. Targeted therapy is the use of specific medications to target the weaknesses within mesothelioma cancer cells. Because every patient and case is unique, it is essential to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma expert. Prognosis A prognosis can be described as a rough estimate of the extent to which a mesothelioma grows and the treatment options available. It can also tell how long patients will have to be afflicted by mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is an important factor in the likelihood of them surviving mesothelioma. Healthier patients with better blood tests, including normal haemoglobin levels and higher white and platelet counts are likely to have a higher chance of surviving the disease. They are also more in their ability to handle chemotherapy and surgeries than those who have poorer general health. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is aggressive that is often a poor prognosis than other kinds of cancer. This is due to the fact that it is often diagnosed later after the cancer has already spread. Mesothelioma is also a challenging cancer to identify because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. In some cases it can take years for someone to develop mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos. There are two kinds of mesothelioma: pleural and peritoneal. Both are caused from asbestos exposure. It is a form of cancer that affects mesothelial cells which cover most of the body's internal organs. The cancerous cells that cause mesothelioma pleural affect the membrane that lines the chest cavity. It can also affect membranes that surround the heart (pericardium), or those around the testicles. Asbestosis is not a type of mesothelioma. However, it does have similar symptoms to mesothelioma. It is caused by exposure to asbestos and it can cause lung issues, such as the formation of scarring and stiffness of the lung. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can be present at the same time. Mesothelioma cancer is only found in people who have been exposed to asbestos. It is most often found in the chest's lining, abdomen and other organs. It isn't caused by smoking, and a majority of those who suffer from mesothelioma are exposed to asbestos in their work. People who smoke or suffer from other diseases such as heart disease or diabetes may be more likely to develop mesothelioma than others.