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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma as well as asbestosis may be similar. Both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers and dust. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may receive treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Mesothelioma has four stages that reveal how the cancer has spread. Doctors use staging in order 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 most commonly found in the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura), but can also affect the membrane that line the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is malignant, meaning it is able to grow and spread beyond the area of origin. The first sign of a non-phlegmatic cough is quite common. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, weight loss and fatigue. In some cases, patients experience lumps or swelling in their abdomen. A patient's physician may recommend specialists if they're experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will run a series of tests to determine if the symptoms are due to mesothelioma or another type of cancer. The imaging scanners are used to look inside lungs, abdomens or hearts and perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural mesothelioma there are two primary surgical options. An extrapleural pneumonectomy removes part of the lung affected, including the diaphragm, and a portion of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy or pulmonary decortication only removes the pleura, but not the entire lung. Chemotherapy and radiation are both options. The first uses high-energy X rays to destroy cancer cells, while the second makes use of drugs like pemetrexed or carboplatin in order to destroy cancerous cells or slow down their growth. Patients should inform their doctor about any previous asbestos exposure. This is crucial, since mesothelioma could develop for in the years that follow the initial asbestos exposure. The doctor will inquire about the frequency of exposure as well as the duration of the exposure, since these factors can influence the development of symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma they will schedule for a CT scan to see how the cancer has spread across the body. If the mesothelioma is spreading to the lung, a bronchoscopy should be performed to check the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In certain instances, a doctor may also suggest a PET-CT or a chest MRI scan to determine if cancer has spread to your heart. Diagnosis The most reliable method to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is to obtain a tissue or fluid sample. The sample is utilized by doctors to look for cancerous cells that are different from normal cells. baton rouge asbestos attorneys can be performed by needle or surgical procedure. Doctors can also use imaging tests, such as x-rays and CT scans to identify mesothelioma. They may also do a positron-emission tomography scan (PET) which is used to identify cancerous cells. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be similar to symptoms of other conditions, making it difficult to identify. The chest pain that is associated with mesothelioma could be misinterpreted as a heart disease or lung cancer. In addition, the asbestos-related condition known as pleural effusion could be mistaken for pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect a person has mesothelioma, they'll ask them about their past exposure to asbestos and their symptoms. They will also perform an examination and take a history of the medical history of the patient's family. The doctor will then request blood and urine tests to check for elevated levels of certain proteins. These tests can be done in the hospital or at home. These tests aid doctors in determining the amount of asbestos is in the body, and how well the organs are working. They will also want to be aware of whether the patient has had any prior surgeries. A CT scan and chest x-ray are done to look for signs of mesothelioma. If doctors suspect pericardial Mesothelioma, they will often order 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 can be helpful because it gives detailed images of the soft tissues. A mediastinoscopy may be performed by inserting a tube with an imager and a light into the chest in order to study and sample lymph nodes close to the middle. This is especially helpful if the mesothelioma has spread to these regions. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-paced respiratory disease, but there are treatment options that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Doctors may use medications, fluid drainage techniques, surgeries or a combination of methods to alleviate lung pain and fatigue. Doctors also can help patients deal with the loss of their normal levels of energy and how this affects their daily life. The first step in treating mesothelioma asbestosis is to find out if cancer cells are present. A biopsy is the most effective method to determine. During the biopsy, doctors take a small portion of mesothelium, and examine it under a microscope to determine if there are any cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually performed by surgery, however, doctors can also carry out the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting an needle through the chest to take out fluid samples for testing. A surgeon may decide, after the test results have been received, to remove any affected areas of the body. This is usually done for pleural mesothelioma, but it can be performed to treat peritoneal mesothelioma as well. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs (pleura). Peritoneal Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos fibers that are ingested into digestive tract. Patients can take steps after surgery to increase their level of ease. This includes taking breaks earlier in the day, arranging trips to the shops and other activities when they feel stronger, and participating in moderate exercise to reduce fatigue. Patients may also inquire with their doctor about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatment. These trials study new mesothelioma treatment options that aren't yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, are available. The use of radiation and immunotherapy is to strengthen the body's natural defence mechanisms against cancer. Targeted therapy involves the use of specific medications to attack vulnerabilities within mesothelioma cancer cells. Because every patient and case is different, it is crucial to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma specialist. Prognosis A prognosis is an estimate of how far mesothelioma is spreading and what the best treatment options will be. It can also tell patients how long they should expect to live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient can be a factor in the likelihood of them surviving mesothelioma. Patients who are healthier and have better blood tests such as normal haemoglobin levels and higher white cell and platelet counts will have a better chance of surviving mesothelioma. They also will be able to tolerate the effects of chemotherapy and surgery better than those with poorer general health. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that typically has a less favorable prognosis than other forms of cancer. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed later, once the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be compared to many other diseases which makes it difficult to recognize. In some instances it could take years from the moment asbestos exposure is discovered until mesothelioma develops in a patient. There are two major types of mesothelioma, pleural mesotheliom and peritoneal mesothelioma. Both are caused by asbestos exposure. It is a form of cancer that affects mesothelial cells which cover most of the body's internal organs. When someone is diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, the cancer affects the membrane that lines the chest cavity (pleura). It can also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or around the testicles. Asbestosis is not a type of mesothelioma, but it does exhibit similar symptoms to mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems such as stiffness and scarring. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can be present at the same time. Only those who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It usually develops in the chest's lining stomach, abdomen and other organs. It is not caused from smoking cigarettes, and the majority of people 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.