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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 with mesothelioma of the pleural may undergo treatment such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Mesothelioma has four stages that show how the cancer has spread. Doctors utilize staging to determine the treatment options and expectations for life. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It usually affects the lung lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura) however it can also affect the membrane that line the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is malignant, which means it has the potential to grow and spread beyond the area of origin. The first symptom of a non-phlegmatic snore is common. Other signs include breathlessness, weight loss and fatigue. In certain cases patients, there is swelling or lumps in the abdomen. If a patient experiences these symptoms, their doctor may refer them to a specialist treatment. The specialist will run a series of tests to determine whether the symptoms are caused by mesothelioma or another type of cancer. Imaging scans are used to examine the lungs, abdomen or the heart, and then perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. When it comes to pleural mesothelioma doctors have two main surgical options that include an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) that removes the tumour and part of the lung affected, the diaphragm and a portion of the lining the heart; and a pleurectomy with pulmonary decortication (P/D) which eliminates the pleura but not the entire affected lung. Radiation and chemotherapy are also options. The first makes use of high-energy X rays to destroy cancerous cells. The second utilizes drugs like pemetrexed or carboplatin in order to destroy cancerous cells or slow down their growth. Patients should tell their doctor about any previous asbestos exposure. This is important, as mesothelioma can develop in the years that follow the initial exposure to asbestos. The doctor will also ask about the frequency and duration of exposure, as these factors can affect the development of symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma, they will arrange for a CT scan to see how far the cancer has spread in the body. If the mesothelioma is in the lung, they will carry out a bronchoscopy to look at the lungs' airways as well as lymph nodes. In certain cases, a physician may suggest a PET-CT or a chest MRI scan to determine if the cancer has developed to 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 that are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be done surgically or by inserting a needle. To identify mesothelioma, doctors can use imaging tests like CT scans and x-rays. They can also conduct an positron emission tomography (PET) scan, which is used to detect cancerous cells that have expanded. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. The chest pain that is associated with mesothelioma may be mistaken as heart disease or lung carcinoma. Additionally asbestos-related conditions such as pleural effusion can be mistaken for pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient has mesothelioma, they will inquire about the patient's prior exposure to asbestos, and the symptoms. The doctor will also perform a physical examination and ask about the medical history of family members. waukegan asbestos attorneys will request urine and blood tests to check for elevated levels. These tests can be performed at the hospital or at home. These tests can aid doctors in determining the amount of asbestos is in the body, as well as how the organs are functioning. They will also ask whether the patient has undergone any prior surgery. A CT scan and chest x-ray are taken to determine the presence of mesothelioma. Doctors usually conduct an echocardiogram, a test which uses sound waves to create an image of the heart if they suspect that a patient has pericardial cancer. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, an MRI scan may prove helpful because it gives detailed images of the soft tissues. They may also do a mediastinoscopy, which involves inserting a tube with an imager and a light inside the chest to look at and sample lymph nodes in the middle of the chest. This is especially helpful when mesothelioma is spreading 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 living. Doctors may use methods for fluid drainage, medications surgery, or a combination of these methods to relieve fatigue and pain in the lung. Doctors also can help patients cope with the loss of normal energy levels and how it impacts their daily activities. The first step to treating mesothelioma is to determine if cancerous cells are present. The best method for doing this is to take the procedure of a biopsy. In a biopsy, doctors will take a small portion of mesothelium and examine it under a 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 to remove fluid samples for testing. A surgeon might decide, once test results have been confirmed, to remove any affected areas of the body. This is usually done for pleural, but can also be done to treat asbestosis that is peritoneal or peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's lining (pleura). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers that are ingested into digestive tract. After surgery, patients are able to take steps to improve their comfort. These include taking naps earlier during the day, planning shopping trips and other activities when they feel stronger, and participating in light exercise to decrease fatigue. Patients can also inquire about clinical trials that are being conducted for the treatment of mesothelioma with a medical professional. These trials focus on new mesothelioma treatment options that haven't yet been approved by FDA. Other treatments may also be available, including chemotherapy as well as radiation and immunotherapy. The use of radiation and immunotherapy is to strengthen the body's natural defence mechanisms against cancer. Targeted therapy involves the use of specific drugs to combat the weaknesses of mesothelioma cancer cells. Since each patient and situation is unique, it is important to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma specialist. Prognosis A prognosis can be described as a rough estimation of the extent to which mesothelioma spreads and the treatments available. It can also tell how long patients will have to live with mesothelioma. A patient's general health is another factor in their mesothelioma prognosis. Fitter people with higher blood tests, like normal haemoglobin, as well as higher white cell and platelet counts, will have a greater chance of beating the cancer. They are also better able to handle the effects of chemotherapy and surgery better than those with less general health. Mesothelioma, a tumor that is cancerous, which is agressive tumor and has a less favorable prognosis often than other cancers. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed later after the disease has already spread. Mesothelioma is also a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases. In some cases it can take a long time from the time that asbestos exposure occurs to when the patient develops mesothelioma. There are two main types of mesothelioma; pleural mesothelioma and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. Both are caused by asbestos exposure. It is a type of cancer that affects mesothelial cells that cover the majority 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 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. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems including scarring and stiffness. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can occur 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 lining and abdomen, as well as other organs. It is not caused by smoking cigarettes and the majority of those who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos when they were working. Smokers and those with other illnesses, like heart disease or diabetes are more likely to develop the disease.