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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma as well as asbestosis may be similar. This is due to the fact that both conditions are caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. Pleural mesothelioma can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Mesothelioma has four stages that indicate how the cancer has spread. Doctors use staging to determine the best treatment options and life expectancies. 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, the abdomen and chest cavity (pleura) however, it may also affect the membranes that line the heart (pericardium) or the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is malignant, meaning it is likely to spread and grow beyond the location of origin. The first symptom is often a cough that does not produce the phlegm. Other signs include breathlessness, fatigue and weight loss. In some instances patients, there is lumps or swelling in their abdomen. A patient's doctor can recommend a specialist if they are experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will perform a series of tests to determine if the symptoms are due to mesothelioma, or another cancer. The doctor will use imaging scans to examine the lungs, abdomen or the heart, and then perform biopsy 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 cancer and a part of the affected lung, the diaphragm, and a small part of the lining of the heart and a pleurectomy accompanied by pulmonary decortication (P/D) that removes the pleura but not the entire affected lung. Other forms of treatment include radiation and chemotherapy. The first makes use of high-energy X radiation to destroy cancerous cells, while the second utilizes drugs like pemetrexed or carboplatin in order to kill cancerous cells or slow down their growth. Patients must inform their physician when they've been exposed to asbestos. This is crucial, since mesothelioma may develop 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 the exposure, as these factors can influence the development of symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma they will schedule an CT scan to determine how the cancer has spread throughout the body. If the mesothelioma is spreading to the lungs, a bronchoscopy will be performed to check the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In certain cases, a physician may recommend a PET-CT or chest MRI scan to determine if the cancer has spread to your heart. Diagnosis The most reliable way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is to collect a tissue or fluid sample. This sample is used by doctors to look for cancerous cells that differ from normal ones. A biopsy can be performed surgically or with a needle. Doctors can also perform imaging tests, such as x-rays and CT scans to find mesothelioma. They can also conduct an positron emission tomography (PET) scan that is used to detect cancerous cells that have expanded. Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms may be so similar to other conditions. The chest pain that is associated with mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as heart disease or lung carcinoma. Additionally asbestos-related diseases such as pleural effusion can be confused with pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect a person has mesothelioma, they'll ask them about their past exposure to asbestos and the symptoms. The doctor will also conduct physical examination and inquire about the medical history of the family members. The doctor will order blood and urine testing to determine if there are elevated levels. These tests can be performed in a hospital setting or at home. These tests can help doctors determine the level of asbestos in the body and also how the other organs are performing. They will also ask whether the patient has undergone any prior surgery. A chest x-ray as well as a CT scan are also performed to determine the presence of mesothelioma like a thickening or swelling of the lining around the lungs. Doctors usually conduct an echocardiogram, a test that uses sound waves to create an image of the heart if they suspect that a patient is suffering from pericardial mesothelioma. A MRI scan could be helpful in the case of pleural mesothelioma because it can provide detailed pictures of soft tissues. centennial asbestos law firm may be performed, which involves inserting a tube with an imager and a light into the chest in order to study and sample lymph nodes that are located near the center. This is particularly helpful when mesothelioma is spreading to these regions. Treatment Mesothelioma is a chronic respiratory illness that is slow to progress. However, there are treatments that can ease the symptoms and improve your quality of life. To ease the pain and fatigue in the lung, doctors can use treatments, fluid draining techniques or surgery. Doctors can also assist patients cope with the loss of their normal energy levels and how it impacts their daily activities. The first step to treat mesothelioma involves determining if cancerous cells are present. The best method for doing that is by taking the procedure of a biopsy. During a biopsy, doctors will take a small portion of mesothelium for examination under the microscope. They will search for cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually performed through surgery, although doctors may also perform the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting an needle into the chest in order to remove fluid samples for testing. After the test results are back, a surgeon may decide to remove any parts of the body that are affected by the mesothelioma asbestosis. This is done most often for pleural, but can be performed to treat asbestosis that is peritoneal or peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs (pleura). Peritoneal mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers are inhaled and become lodged in the digestive tract. After surgery, patients can make steps to increase their comfort level. You can do this by taking napping in the morning, planning trips to the store and other activities when you are feeling better and performing light exercises. Patients may also inquire about clinical trials for treatment of mesothelioma with a health care provider. These trials involve studies of mesothelioma treatments which are not yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments may also be available, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy. Radiation and immunotherapy are used to boost the body's natural defence mechanisms against cancer. Targeted therapy is the use of specific drugs to attack vulnerabilities in mesothelioma cells. Because every patient and case is unique, it's crucial to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma doctor. Prognosis A prognosis is an approximate estimate of the extent to which mesothelioma develops and what treatment options are available. It can also tell the length of time patients can expect to live with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient can be a factor in their prognosis for mesothelioma. People who are fitter and have higher blood test results such as 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 better in their ability to handle chemotherapy and surgery than people with less general health. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is aggressive that typically has a less favorable prognosis than other kinds of cancer. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed later, after the cancer has already spread. Mesothelioma is also a challenging cancer to detect because the symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases. In some cases it could take years from the point that asbestos exposure occurs to when mesothelioma develops in a patient. There are two main kinds of mesothelioma; pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. Both are the result of exposure to asbestos. It is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells which cover most of the organs of the body's internal system. If a person is diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, the cancer affects the membrane that lines the chest cavity (pleura). It can also affect membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or around the testicles. Asbestosis does not exhibit the same symptoms as mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems including scarring and stiffness. It is possible to get both asbestosis and mesothelioma at the same time. Only people who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It typically occurs on the lining of the chest and abdomen. It is not caused by smoking and most people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos while they were working. Smokers and also those with other conditions like diabetes or heart disease may be more likely to develop mesothelioma than others.