This Week's Most Popular Stories About Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer
Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer
Malignant mesothelioma develops in the thin layer of tissues that line certain organs. The most common mesothelioma type begins in the lungs, and is called pleural msothelioma. The less common cases begin in the abdomen, and are referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation in the lungs or stomach of people who have been exposed to asbestos. It can take up to 50 years or more to show symptoms to manifest.
Symptoms
The mesothelioma-like cancerous cells are found in the tissue that surrounds the stomach and lungs and other organs. Patients with mesothelioma might be afflicted by symptoms such as shortness-of-breath, pain, fever, fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms can differ based on the type of cancer and its stage. They also depend on the location of the tumor and its progress.
Because mesothelioma can be so rare, doctors might be unable to identify it. The disease has a long latency period and symptoms often look or appear like less severe ailments like pneumonia. It is therefore important that asbestos exposure sufferers schedule an appointment with their doctors when they notice symptoms that are unusual or persistent. They should also inform their doctor about any past history of exposure to asbestos.
The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath. These symptoms can get worse as the mesothelioma spreads and the lungs get inflamed. In severe cases, the fluid can accumulate in the lungs or chest wall, and cause severe pain.
Alongside mesothelioma and other cancers, some people may also experience abdominal pain or have difficulty swallowing. These symptoms can cause some people to lose weight and have an appetite reduction. The toxins released by mesothelioma can also affect the kidneys and cause them to lose the ability to perform their duties.
Based on the type of mesothelioma, a doctor may order blood tests or imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. These tests can assist doctors determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma sufferers, by ruling out other conditions.
Chest X-rays are helpful in diagnosing Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may cause the chest cavity and lungs to appear discolored or cloudy. A doctor can perform the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to lessen the inflammation caused by fluid accumulation and improve breathlessness. It can also remove any tissue samples to test.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma, an asbestos cancer that forms on the lining of organs, such as the lungs and abdomen, is a type of cancer caused by asbestos. It is a rare type of cancer however, people who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. The symptoms can be similar to other diseases and conditions and it is therefore important to get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor.
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is made on the results of physical examinations as well as blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are typically performed in a hospital or clinic and could include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. X-rays are a way to see the body's structures like your abdomen and chest. They can show the presence of fluid between the chest wall and the lungs, which is called pleural effusion. They may also reveal the presence of a mass or lump in the abdomen, chest or in any other region.
anaheim asbestos attorneys and CT scans provide more detailed images than X-rays of your organs, and can be used by doctors to determine the location and size mesothelioma. The scans can also indicate whether mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of your body.
A biopsy is an additional diagnostic instrument. In this procedure the small amount of tissue or fluid is collected and tested for cancerous cell growth. The most frequent mesothelioma biopsies are fine needle aspiration and surgical biopsy. A more invasive biopsy can be recommended if the results from other tests aren't conclusive, or when the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma suggest that it is in your chest cavity or lungs.
More invasive procedures used to determine pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma involve the use of a tube equipped with a video camera in the chest or abdomen. This procedure can be performed by surgeons to take samples of tissue or fluids for testing. They can also perform VATS, which is a type of keyhole surgery.
In addition to mesothelioma testing the doctor may order blood work and other tests to determine how well your organs are functioning. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to check your heart and lymph nodes and other areas that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will also ask about your history with asbestos exposure and any past diseases or treatments you've experienced.
Treatment
Mesothelioma treatment is contingent on the type of mesothelioma a person has and its stage. The stage of the cancer is determined by a combination of factors, such as how quickly the tumor expands and spreads, the time it takes for symptoms to manifest and whether the cancer has metastasized.
Certain risk factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most important factors are asbestos exposure and gender. Asbestos can be consumed either directly or indirectly by a person through their job or hobby. Exposure can happen over a number of years and even decades before mesothelioma symptoms begin to manifest.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that is extremely durable and heat resistant. The mineral can be broken into dust particles during the mining process or when workers take away asbestos-containing insulation. These dust particles can then be inhaled or ingested. When inhaled, the fibers can cause irritation, scarring and cell changes that can cause mesothelioma.
A variety of procedures are available to help diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors can use the pleural fluid sample via a procedure called thoracentesis or inserting a needle into the chest to collect an organ sample to be used for a biopsy. Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scanners, which can detect masses and tumors that are located in the chest and abdomen.
Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, doctors can treat it to reduce the symptoms and pain. Some patients receive a combination of treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Some doctors include the treatment of tumors and immunotherapy in a mesothelioma strategy.
The excess fluid can be drained from the lungs by placing an instrument in the chest. In certain cases a patient could be genetically predisposed and increases his or her risk for mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can tell whether testing for the patient is appropriate.
A doctor will schedule follow-up appointments after mesothelioma treatments. These appointments will allow the doctor to observe the health of the patient and look for signs of recurrence.
Prognosis
Asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that contains microscopic fibres, and was once widely used in construction, is the most common cause of mesothelioma. The fibres can become lodged in the linings of organs like the stomach cavity and the lungs when people inhale them or swallow them. In time, these fibers can cause irritation and result in tumours. Symptoms typically don't show up until decades after initial exposure, and the majority of patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma at the end of their life.
The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the type the cancer is located, stage and type of the cancer. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are Pleural, which is a form of cancer that develops in the wall (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs inside the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types may occur in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs.
If a diagnosis is established, doctors can perform different tests to determine the extent of cancer and the most effective treatment for the patient. Doctors can test for mesothelioma using an X-ray of the chest, CT scan, ultrasound or urine and blood samples, or by taking a biopsy. X-rays, along with other tests, can reveal if the cancer is in one place or has spread to other areas of the body.
Doctors can also determine whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid or pleural type. Both types can spread and grow faster in later stages, particularly when cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other body organs.
In some instances doctors can eliminate the mesothelioma completely. This can greatly improve a patient's prognosis. In the majority of cases, the mesothelioma has progressed too far to be surgically removed. Patients will need to undergo additional treatments to prolong their lives.
Certain characteristics of patients can impact the rate of survival for mesothelioma according to research. People who have mesothelioma in their family or are younger and in good health generally have a better likelihood of survival. Other factors include smoking and the amount of health issues an individual has.