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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer The thin layer of tissue that lines certain organs can develop malignant mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma form is found in the lungs and is referred to as pleural msothelioma. The less frequent cases begin in the abdomen and are known as peritoneal msothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lungs or stomachs of those who have been exposed to asbestos. It can take up to 50 years or more for the symptoms to be evident. Symptoms The mesothelioma cancerous cells are found in the tissues of the stomach and lungs as well as in other organs. Mesothelioma patients can experience symptoms such as discomfort, shortness of breath and fever, fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms can differ based on the type of cancer and its stage. They depend on the location where the tumor is located and how it develops. Mesothelioma is so rare, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. The disease has a long latency time and symptoms typically look or appear like less severe ailments such as pneumonia. As a result, it is important for asbestos exposure sufferers to see their doctor when they experience any symptoms that are not normal or persistent. They should also inform their doctor know about any history of asbestos exposure. Trouble breathing, chest pain and shortness of breath are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma pleural. As mesothelioma increases and the lungs get inflamed, these symptoms could get worse. In severe cases, they may lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest wall that causes the patient to experience pain and discomfort when breathing. In addition to mesothelioma, patients may have abdominal pains or suffer from difficulty swallowing. These symptoms can cause some people to lose weight and suffer from a reduced appetite. The mesothelioma-related toxins can also affect the kidneys, causing them to reduce their ability to function properly. A doctor may order imaging scans or blood tests to look for any abnormalities, based on the type of mesothelioma. These include CT (computer-tomography) scanners as well as magnetic resonance imaging (magnetic imaging) and PETs (positron emission scans). The results of these tests can help doctors rule out other diseases and determine the most effective treatment option for mesothelioma patients. Chest X-rays can be helpful in diagnosing Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can cause the chest cavity and lungs to appear cloudy or discolored. A doctor can perform a procedure called VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) to reduce inflammation caused by fluid accumulation, improve breathlessness, and take tissue samples to test. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, an asbestos cancer that forms on the lining of organs such as the abdomen and lungs is a cancer caused by asbestos. It is a rare cancer however, those who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. It is important to consult your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. A diagnosis of mesothelioma is made on the results of physical examinations and blood tests, as well as imaging tests. These tests are typically done in a clinic or hospital and may include an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. The X-rays may create a photo of your internal structures including your chest and abdomen. They may reveal a clog between the lungs, chest wall and a fluid called pleural effusion. They may also reveal an abnormal lump or mass in the chest, abdomen or other area. MRI and CT scans can give more detailed images of your organs than Xrays and help doctors find out the extent and location of mesothelioma. These scans can also show if mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of your body. Another important diagnostic tool is a biopsy, where a small amount of tissue or fluid is removed and tested for cancerous cells. A fine needle aspiration or surgical biopsy are among the most common types of mesothelioma biopsy. A more invasive surgical biopsy could be recommended if the results from other tests aren't conclusive, or if the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma indicate it is in your chest cavity or lungs. More invasive procedures used to diagnose peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma involve the use of a tube equipped with an electronic camera into the abdomen or chest. This procedure is used by a surgeon to take samples of tissue or fluids for testing. They can also perform VATS, a type keyhole surgery. Your doctor might also recommend blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma test in order to determine how well your organs function. Your doctor will perform an extensive physical examination, checking your lymph nodes, heart and other areas that might be affected by mesothelioma. They will ask you about your asbestos exposure history as well as past diseases or treatments. Treatment Mesothelioma treatment varies based on the type of mesothelioma a person has and its stage. The stage of the cancer is determined by a variety of factors, including how fast the tumor expands and spreads, the time it takes for symptoms to appear and whether the disease has metastasized. Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. The most significant are asbestos exposure and gender. People can be exposed to asbestos by working directly with the substance or indirectly through other occupations or pastimes. Exposure can last for years, or even for decades before mesothelioma symptoms begin to manifest. Asbestos is a natural mineral that is extremely durable and heat resistant. In the process of mining or when workers are removing asbestos insulation, the material can become broken up into tiny dust particles that can be inhaled or swallowed. Inhaled fibers can cause irritation and scarring, as well as mesothelioma-like changes in the cells. A variety of procedures are available to help diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors can take the pleural fluid sample via the process known as thoracentesis. It is also possible to inserting a needle in the chest to get an organ sample to be used for a biopsy. Other tools for diagnosing include MRI and CT scans, which can reveal areas of the chest and abdomen where tumors or masses can be found. Once the diagnosis is made doctors can treat it in order to reduce the pain and other symptoms. Some patients receive a combination treatment that includes chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Some doctors include the treatment of tumors and immunotherapy in a mesothelioma plan. The excess fluid can be removed from the lungs by placing a tube within the chest. In certain cases patients could have a mutation that increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can help determine if testing is right for the patient. After treatment for mesothelioma the doctor will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These visits will allow the doctor to keep track of the patient's health and look for signs of recurrence. Prognosis Asbestos, a grouping of minerals that has microscopic fibres and was once extensively used in the construction industry and is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. When berkeley asbestos attorneys or swallow the fibres, they may become lodged in the tissues of organs, such as the stomach cavity or lungs. In time, these fibers can cause irritation that can cause tumors. The symptoms typically don't show until years after the initial exposure. The majority of patients are diagnosed with Mesothelioma later on in the course of their lives. The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the type and stage of the cancer and which part of the body it's in. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura), and accounts for most cases mesothelioma arising from peritoneal mesotheli within the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma forms may develop in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs. After a diagnosis has been made, doctors can use a variety of tests to determine the extent of the cancer and determine the best treatment for the patient. Doctors can look for mesothelioma with a chest X-ray, CT scan or ultrasound as well as blood and urine samples, or biopsy. CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds can be used to determine if the tumor has spread or not. Doctors can also tell whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid or pleural types. Both types can develop and spread more quickly at later stages, particularly if cancer has expanded to lymph nodes and other body parts. In some instances doctors can remove the mesothelioma completely. This can significantly improve the patient's chances of survival. In the majority of cases, the mesothelioma has progressed too far to be surgically removed. Patients will need to undergo other treatments to prolong their lives. Research has shown that certain traits of patients can affect mesothelioma's survival rates. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history, or are healthy and younger generally have a better prognosis. Other factors include whether smoking, as well as the amount of health problems they have.