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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis may 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. The four stages of mesothelioma show the extent of the cancer's spread. Doctors use staging to determine available treatment options and the life expectation. 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 lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura), but can also affect the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is malignant, meaning it has the potential to grow and spread beyond the area of origin. The first symptom is typically a cough that doesn't produce phlegm. Other signs include breathlessness, weight loss and fatigue. In some instances, patients experience lumps or swelling in the abdomen. If a patient has these symptoms, their doctor may refer them to a specialist treatment. The specialist will perform an array of tests to determine if mesothelioma or other cancers are the cause. The imaging scanners are used to look inside stomachs, lungs, or heart and will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural mesothelioma there are two primary surgical options. A pneumonectomy that is extrapleural removes part of the lung affected, including the diaphragm, and a portion of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication only removes the pleura, not the entire lung. The chemotherapy and radiation are also options. The first makes use of high-energy X radiation to destroy cancerous cells, while the second uses drugs such as carboplatin or pemetrexed to kill cancerous cells or slow down their growth. Patients should inform their doctor about any previous asbestos exposure. This is vital, as mesothelioma could develop for within a period of time of up to 20 years following the initial exposure to asbestos. The doctor will also ask about the frequency and duration of exposure, as these factors can impact the development of symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma, they'll arrange for a CT scan to determine how far the cancer has spread in the body. If mesothelioma has spread to the lungs, they will also conduct a bronchoscopy procedure to examine the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In certain cases the doctor might suggest an chest MRI or PET-CT scan to assess whether the cancer has been able to spread to the heart. Diagnosis The best method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to collect a sample of tissue or fluid. The sample is utilized by doctors to determine cancerous cells that are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be performed surgically or by inserting a needle. Doctors can also perform imaging tests, such as x-rays and CT scans to find mesothelioma. They may also perform an positron-emission tomography (PET) scan (PET) which is used to identify cancerous cells. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be similar to symptoms of other conditions which makes it difficult to identify. The chest pain that is caused by mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as heart disease or lung carcinoma. In addition asbestos-related diseases such as pleural effusion may be confused with pneumonia or bronchitis. If a doctor suspects that a patient has mesothelioma, they'll ask them about their past exposure to asbestos as well as their symptoms. The doctor will also perform physical examination and inquire about the medical history of relatives. The doctor will then request urine and blood tests to check for elevated levels of certain proteins. These tests can be performed in the hospital or at home. These tests can help doctors determine the level of asbestos in the body as well as how well other organs are functioning. They will also ask whether the patient has undergone any prior surgery. A chest xray and CT scan will also be performed to determine the presence of mesothelioma, like a thickening of the membrane that surrounds the lungs. If doctors suspect pericardial Mesothelioma, they will often request an echocardiogram. This is a test which uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, an MRI scan may prove helpful, as it provides detailed images of the soft tissues. They can also perform a mediastinoscopy, which involves inserting a tube with cameras and a light inside the chest to look at and sample lymph nodes in the center of the chest. This is especially helpful when mesothelioma is spreading 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. To alleviate the pain and fatigue in the lung doctors can employ treatments, fluid draining techniques, or surgery. Doctors also can help patients cope with the loss of normal levels of energy and how this impacts their daily activities. The first step to treat mesothelioma involves determining if cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the most effective method to determine. In a biopsy, doctors take a small amount of mesothelium. They then examine it under a microscope to determine whether there are cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually done through surgery, but doctors can also perform the procedure known as thoracentesis. Mesquite asbestos attorneys involves inserting a needle in the chest to remove the fluid sample to be tested. After the test results are available the surgeon can decide to remove any parts of the body affected by mesothelioma or asbestosis. This is typically done for pleural mesothelioma, however, it can be used to treat peritoneal cancer as well. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers which are ingested into the digestive tract. Patients can take actions following surgery to improve their level of ease. This includes taking breaks earlier during the day, planning excursions to the mall and other activities when they are feeling stronger and taking part in light exercise to decrease fatigue. Patients may also inquire about clinical trials that are being conducted for the treatment of mesothelioma by speaking with their health care provider. These trials study mesothelioma treatments which are not yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments, like radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, are available. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, whereas radiation and immunotherapy enhance the body's natural defense system against cancer. Targeted therapy involves the use of specific medications to target the weaknesses within mesothelioma cancer cells. Every patient's experience is distinct. It is important to discuss with a mesothelioma expert all treatment options. Prognosis A prognosis is a rough estimate of the extent to which a mesothelioma spreads and the treatment options available. It can also indicate how long patients can expect to be afflicted by mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is an element in the prognosis of mesothelioma. Fitter people with better blood tests, including normal haemoglobin and higher white and platelet counts will have a better chance of beating the cancer. They are also more tolerant of chemotherapy and surgery better than those who have poorer general health. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that often has a worse prognosis than other types of cancer. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed later, once the cancer has already spread to other areas of the body. The symptoms of mesothelioma are the same as many other illnesses, making it difficult to identify. In some instances, it may take years for someone to develop mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos. There are two main kinds of mesothelioma; pleural mesothelioma and mesothelioma peritoneal. Both are caused from asbestos exposure. This cancer affects the mesothelial tissue that covers the majority of the internal organs of the body. The cancerous cells that cause mesothelioma pleural affect the membrane that line the chest cavity. It can also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or around the testicles. Asbestosis is not a form of mesothelioma, but it has similar symptoms to those of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems like stiffness and scarring. It is possible to develop both asbestosis and mesothelioma at the same time. Mesothelioma cancer can only be found in those who have been exposed to asbestos. It usually develops in the lining of the chest and abdomen, as well as other organs. It is not caused from smoking, and most people with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at work. Smokers and also those with other illnesses like diabetes or heart disease may be more likely to develop mesothelioma over others.