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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of asbestosis and mesothelioma can be similar. This is because both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may receive treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma reveal the extent of cancer's spread. Doctors employ staging to determine treatment options and life potential. Symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It is most commonly found in the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura) however it can also affect the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means that it is able to expand and spread out beyond its original location. The first symptom is typically a cough that doesn't produce phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breathe and weight loss. In some cases patients, they experience lumps or swelling in the abdomen. A patient's doctor may recommend a specialist if they are experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will run a series of tests to check if mesothelioma or other cancers are the cause. They will use imaging scanners to see inside lungs, abdomens or hearts and then perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. When it is pleural mesothelioma that needs to be treated, doctors have two primary surgical options which include an extrapleural phlemonectomy (EPP) that removes the tumour and part of the affected lung, the diaphragm and a part of the lining of the heart as well as a pleurectomy that includes pulmonary decortication (P/D) which eliminates the pleura, but not the entire affected lung. Other forms of treatment include radiation and chemotherapy. The first utilizes high-energy X radiation to destroy cancerous cells, while the second makes use of drugs like pemetrexed or carboplatin in order to destroy cancerous cells or slow their growth. Patients should inform their doctor about any history of asbestos exposure. This is important because mesothelioma can develop up to 20 years after initial exposure. The doctor will inquire about the frequency of exposure as well as 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 see how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. If the mesothelioma is in the lungs, they will also carry out a bronchoscopy to examine the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In certain cases, the doctor may also recommend an chest MRI or PET-CT scans to determine whether the cancer has spread to the heart. Diagnosis The best way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma involves taking samples of tissue or fluid. This sample is used by doctors to determine cancerous cells that differ from normal ones. A biopsy can be done surgically or through the use of a needle. Doctors may also utilize imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans to identify mesothelioma. They may also perform an positron-emission tomography (PET) scan (PET) which is used to detect cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be so similar to other conditions. The chest pain that is associated with mesothelioma may be mistaken as heart disease or lung cancer. In addition asbestos-related conditions such as pleural effusion can be confused with pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma, they will inquire about the person's past exposure to asbestos, and their symptoms. They will also conduct an examination and record the patient's family's medical history. The doctor will order blood and urine testing to look for elevated levels. These tests can be conducted in the hospital or at home. These tests will allow doctors to determine the amount of asbestos in the body and how the other organs are performing. They will also want find out if the patient had any previous surgeries. A chest x-ray as well as a CT scan are performed to determine the presence of mesothelioma, like a thickening or swelling of the membrane that surrounds the lungs. If doctors suspect pericardial mesothelioma they usually order an echocardiogram. eau claire asbestos lawyer is a test that uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. In cases of pleural msothelioma an MRI scan can be helpful because it gives detailed images of the soft tissues. They may also do a mediastinoscopy, which involves inserting a tube with cameras and a light inside the chest to examine and sample lymph nodes near the center of the chest. This is especially helpful in cases where mesothelioma has spread to these regions. Treatment Mesothelioma is a respiratory disease that is slow-moving. However there are treatments that can help you manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Doctors can use methods for fluid drainage, medications, surgeries or a combination of methods to ease fatigue and pain in the lung. Doctors can also help patients deal with their lack of energy and how it affects their daily routine. The first step to treating mesothelioma is to determine if cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the best way to find out. When they perform a biopsy, physicians will take a small piece of mesothelium and examine it under the microscope. They are looking for cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually done via surgery, but doctors can also undergo a procedure known as thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle into the chest in order to take out samples of fluid to test. A surgeon could decide, following the results of the test have been obtained, to remove any affected parts of the body. This is done most often for pleural but may be performed to treat peritoneal or peritoneal asbestosis. Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lining of the lungs (pleura). Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled and become trapped in the digestive tract. After surgery, patients can make steps to increase their comfort level. This includes taking napping earlier during the day, planning trips to the shops and other activities when they feel stronger and taking part in light exercises to lessen fatigue. Patients can also inquire about clinical trials for the treatment of mesothelioma with their health care provider. These trials study mesothelioma treatments which have not yet been approved by the FDA. Other treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, are available. Chemotherapy is a method of killing cancer cells, whereas radiation and immunotherapy boost the body's natural defense systems against the cancer. Targeted therapy is the use of specific drugs to combat weaknesses in mesothelioma cancer cells. Every patient's experience is individual. It is important to discuss with a mesothelioma expert all options for treatment. Prognosis A prognosis is a rough estimation of the extent to which a mesothelioma grows and the treatment options available. It also informs patients how long they should expect to live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is also an important factor in the likelihood of them surviving mesothelioma. People who are healthier and have more accurate blood tests, like normal haemoglobin levels and higher white cell and platelet counts are likely to have a higher chance of beating the cancer. They also will be better able to handle chemotherapy and surgery better than those who have poorer general health. Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that is extremely aggressive and has a poorer prognosis than other cancers. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed much later, once the disease has already spread to other parts of the body. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to many other illnesses, making it difficult to identify. In certain cases, it can take decades from the moment asbestos exposure begins until the patient develops mesothelioma. There are two kinds of mesothelioma, namely pleural and peritoneal. Both are triggered by asbestos exposure. The mesothelial tissues which cover the majority of the internal organs of the body. If a person is diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, the cancer affects the membrane that lines the chest cavity (pleura). It can also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the membrane around the testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis is not characterized by the same symptoms as mesothelioma. It is caused by exposure to asbestos and it can cause lung issues, such as the formation of scarring and stiffness of the lungs. It is possible to contract mesothelioma and asbestosis at the same time. Mesothelioma tumors are only seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos. It is most often found in the chest's lining and abdomen, as well as other organs. It isn't caused by smoking, and a majority of those who suffer from mesothelioma are exposed to asbestos while at work. Smokers and those with other diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes, are more likely to develop the disease.