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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of asbestosis and mesothelioma may be similar. Both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers and dust. Pleural mesothelioma is treatable by surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Mesothelioma has four stages that indicate how the cancer has spread. Doctors use staging to determine available treatment options and the life potential. 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 abdomen and chest cavity (pleura) however, it can also affect membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means it has the ability to expand and spread out beyond its original location. The first symptom is often a cough that doesn't produce phlegm. Other signs include breathlessness, weight loss and fatigue. In some instances patients, there is lumps or swelling in their abdomen. If a patient is experiencing these symptoms, their physician might refer them to a specialist for treatment. The specialist will run a series of tests to determine if the symptoms are caused by mesothelioma or another type of cancer. They will employ imaging scanners to see inside lungs, abdomens or hearts and will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural msothelioma, there are two major surgical options. A pneumonectomy that is extrapleural removes part of the lung affected, the diaphragm, as well as a part lining the heart. A pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication eliminates only the pleura, but not the whole lung. Radiation and chemotherapy are also options. The former uses X-rays that are high-energy 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 must inform their physician if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This is vital, as mesothelioma can develop within a period of time of up to 20 years following the initial exposure to asbestos. nampa asbestos attorney will ask about the frequency of exposure and the duration of the exposure, since these factors could influence the symptoms of development. If your GP suspects you have mesothelioma, they will request a CT scan in order to determine the extent to which the cancer spreads throughout the body. If the mesothelioma has spread to the lungs, a bronchoscopy will be conducted to look at the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In certain instances the doctor may suggest an chest MRI or PET-CT scan to assess whether the cancer has developed into the heart. Diagnosis The most reliable way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to collect a tissue or fluid sample. Doctors use this sample to look for cancerous cells, which differ from normal cells. A biopsy can be carried out surgically or by inserting needles. Doctors can also use imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans to detect mesothelioma. They can also perform a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, which is used to identify cancerous cells that have spread. Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. The chest pain associated with mesothelioma could be mistaken as heart disease or lung carcinoma. Additionally asbestos-related diseases such as pleural effusion could be confused with pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma, they will inquire about the patient's previous exposure to asbestos, and their symptoms. They will also perform an examination of the body and take a history of the patient's family's medical history. The doctor will then request blood and urine tests to look for elevated levels of certain proteins. These tests can be performed in a hospital setting or at home. These tests aid doctors in determining the amount of asbestos is present in the body, and how the organs are performing. They will also inquire whether the patient has had any previous surgery. A chest x-ray as well as a CT scan are also taken to check for signs of mesothelioma, like a thickening of the membrane that surrounds the lungs. If doctors suspect pericardial Mesothelioma they usually request an echocardiogram. This is a test which uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. In cases of pleural msothelioma an MRI scan may prove helpful since it provides precise images of the soft tissues. They can also perform mediastinoscopy, which entails placing a tube equipped with cameras and a light inside the chest to examine and sample lymph nodes near the middle of the chest. This is particularly beneficial when mesothelioma is spreading to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-moving respiratory disease, but there are treatments that can ease symptoms and improve quality of life. To relieve discomfort and fatigue, doctors can use treatments, fluid draining techniques or surgery. Doctors can also help patients deal with fatigue and how it affects their daily lives. The first step to treat mesothelioma asbestosis is finding out if cancer cells are present. The best way to do that is by taking the procedure of a biopsy. When they perform a biopsy, physicians will take a small piece of mesothelium to examine under the microscope. They will search for cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually done through surgery, but doctors can also perform a procedure known as thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle into the chest cavity to take an amount of fluid for testing. A surgeon could decide, following the results of the test have been obtained, to remove any affected parts of the body. This is usually done for pleural, however it can also be done to treat asbestosis peritoneal or peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs (pleura). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused asbestos fibers that are ingested into digestive tract. After surgery, patients are able to take steps to increase their comfort. This can be done by taking breaks in the morning, planning trips to the market and other outings when you are feeling better and performing light exercises. Patients may also inquire about clinical trials that are being conducted for the treatment of mesothelioma with a health care provider. These trials study new mesothelioma treatment options that haven't yet been approved by FDA. Other treatments are also available, such as chemotherapy as well as radiation and immunotherapy. Chemotherapy is a method of killing cancer cells, whereas radiation and immunotherapy enhance the body's natural defense system against cancer. Targeted therapy involves using specific drugs to target weaknesses in mesothelioma cancer cells. Since each patient and situation is different, it is important to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma doctor. Prognosis A prognosis is an estimate of how far a mesothelioma is spreading and what the best treatment options would be. It can also tell patients how long they should anticipate living after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is also an important factor in their prognosis for mesothelioma. People who are fitter and have better blood tests like normal haemoglobin levels and higher platelet and white cell counts will have a greater chance of surviving mesothelioma. They will also be better able to tolerate chemo and surgery than people with poorer general health. Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous, that is aggressive and has a poorer prognosis than other types of cancer. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed much later, when the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. Mesothelioma is also a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. In some instances it could take years from the time that asbestos exposure is discovered until the patient develops mesothelioma. There are two major types of mesothelioma, pleural mesotheliom and peritoneal mesothelioma. Both are caused by asbestos exposure. It is a kind of cancer that affects mesothelial cells that cover the majority of the organs of the body's internal system. 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 membrane around the testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis does not exhibit the same symptoms as mesothelioma. It is caused by exposure to asbestos and it can cause lung problems, including the development of scarring and stiffness of the lung. It is possible to get both asbestosis and mesothelioma at the same time. Mesothelioma cancer is only found in people who have been exposed to asbestos. It typically occurs on the chest wall and abdomen. It is not a result of smoking, and a majority of those with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos while at work. Smokers and people with other diseases, such as diabetes or heart disease, are more likely to develop the disease.