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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer Malignant mesothelioma can develop in the thin layer of tissue that lines certain organs. The majority of cases of mesothelioma begin in the lungs and are called mesothelioma of the pleural region. Other types start in the abdomen and are called mesothelioma peritoneal. People who are exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma after asbestos fibers are absorbed into the lungs or stomach and cause irritation. It can take up to 50 years or more to show symptoms to show up. Symptoms The cancerous cells of mesothelioma are located in the tissues that line the stomach, lungs and other organs. Patients with mesothelioma may suffer from symptoms like shortness-of-breath, pain, fever, fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms vary based on the stage and type of the disease. They also depend on where the tumor is located and how it develops. Mesothelioma is so rare, it can be difficult for doctors to identify. The disease has a long latency period and the symptoms can appear or appear like less severe ailments, such as pneumonia. It is crucial that asbestos exposure victims make an appointment with their doctor when they notice symptoms that are unusual or persistent. They should also let their doctor know about any previous exposure to asbestos. Chest pain, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath are among the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma of the pleura. These symptoms can get worse as the mesothelioma spreads and the lungs get inflamed. In the most severe cases, the fluid can build up in the lungs or chest wall and cause severe pain. Alongside mesothelioma and other cancers, some people may have abdominal pains or struggle to swallow. Some individuals may experience low appetite and weight loss as a result of these symptoms as well. The toxins produced by mesothelioma can also affect kidneys, causing them to lose their ability to function properly. Based on the type of mesothelioma the doctor can order blood tests or imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These include CT (computer-tomography) scanners as well as magnetic resonance imaging (magnetic imaging) and PETs (positron emission scans). The results of these tests will help doctors rule out other diseases and determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma patients. Chest Xrays can be useful in identifying mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can cause the chest cavity and lungs to appear discolored or cloudy. A doctor can use a procedure called VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to lessen the inflammation caused by fluid buildup, improve breathlessness and remove any tissue samples to test. Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a type of asbestos-related cancer, is that develops in the lining of organs such as the abdomen and lungs. It is a rare type of 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 mesothelioma is diagnosed by a combination of physical examinations, blood tests, and imaging tests. These tests are typically done in a hospital or clinic and may include an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. X-rays can create a picture of your internal structures, including your chest and abdomen. They can reveal a buildup between the lungs, chest wall and a fluid called pleural effusion. They can also reveal a mass or lump in the abdomen, chest or in another part of the body. MRI and CT scans provide more detailed images than X-rays taken of your organs, and can be utilized by doctors to determine the location and size mesothelioma. These scans will also reveal if mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of the body. A biopsy is a different diagnostic tool. In this procedure the small amount of tissue or fluid is removed and analyzed for cancerous cell growth. The most frequent mesothelioma biopsies are fine needle aspiration and a surgical biopsy. If other tests aren't conclusive, or if your symptoms suggest that the cancer is located in the chest cavity or lungs, a more invasive biopsy may be recommended. More invasive procedures to detect pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma include the use of a tube equipped with a video camera in the chest or abdomen. clarksville asbestos attorney may utilize this technique to take samples of tissue or fluid to be tested, and can also perform VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) which is a form of keyhole surgery. In addition to mesothelioma testing, your doctor may request blood tests and other medical tests to see how well your organs are working. Your doctor will conduct a complete physical exam, checking your lymph nodes, your heart and other areas that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will also ask about your experience with asbestos exposure, as well as any prior diseases or treatments you've had. Treatment Mesothelioma treatment varies based on the type of mesothelioma person is suffering from and the stage. The stage of the cancer is determined by a mix of factors, such as the speed at which the tumor expands and spreads, how long it takes for symptoms to show and whether or not the disease has metastasized. People are more likely to develop mesothelioma when they have certain risk factors. The most significant are asbestos exposure and gender. Asbestos can be ingested in a direct or indirect way by an individual working or enjoying a hobby. Exposure can last for years, or even for decades before mesothelioma-related symptoms appear. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral is extremely durable and resistant to heat. The mineral can be broken into dust particles during the mining process, or when workers remove asbestos-containing insulation. These dust particles could be inhaled or consumed. Inhaled fibers can cause irritation and scarring and cellular changes leading to mesothelioma. A variety of procedures can help detect mesothelioma. Doctors can take the pleural liquid by performing a procedure referred to as thoracentesis, or insert an needle into the chest to collect a tissue sample. Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scans, which show areas of the abdomen and chest where tumors or masses are located. After a diagnosis is established, doctors can treat the disease to reduce the pain and other symptoms. Some patients receive a combination treatment like chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Certain doctors also include immunotherapy and tumor-treating fields in a mesothelioma plan. The excess fluid can be eliminated from the lungs by placing a tube inside the chest. In certain cases a patient could have a genetic mutation that increases his or her risk of developing mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can help determine if the test is suitable for the patient. After treatment for mesothelioma a doctor will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These appointments let the doctor monitor the patient's health and look for signs of the possibility of recurrence. Prognosis Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a group composed of microscopic fibres that were often used in the construction industry. These fibres can lodge in the linings of organs, such as the stomach cavity and lungs when people inhale them or swallow them. Over time, they can cause irritation and result in cancers forming. The symptoms usually do not show up until decades after exposure, and most patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma later in life. The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the type the cancer is located, stage and type of the cancer. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung lining (pleura) and accounts for the majority of cases mesothelioma that develops in the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types can occur within the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs. Once a diagnosis is made, doctors can use a variety of tests to determine the extent of the cancer and the best treatment for the patient. Doctors can look for mesothelioma using chest X-rays, CT scan or ultrasound and also urine and blood samples, or biopsy. X-rays and other tests may determine if the tumor is in one location or has spread to other areas of the body. Doctors can also identify whether the mesothelioma belongs to epithelioid or pleural types. Both types can grow and spread faster at later stages, especially in cases where cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other body parts. In certain instances doctors can remove mesothelioma completely. This can dramatically improve the patient's chances of survival. However, in most cases mesothelioma has advanced enough to be completely removed surgically and patients will need to undergo other treatments to prolong their lives as long as possible. Research has proven that certain characteristics of patients can influence mesothelioma survival rates. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma or who are older and healthier are generally more likely to survive. Other factors include whether smoking, as well as the number of other health problems they have.