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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis may be similar. Both are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers as well as dust. People who have mesothelioma of the pleural may undergo treatment such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma show the extent of cancer's spread. Doctors make use of staging to determine treatment options and life potential. 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 as well as the chest cavity (pleura), but can also occur in the membrane that line the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means that it has the ability to expand and spread out beyond its original location. The first sign is usually a cough that does not produce Phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness and weight loss. Some patients may notice lumps or swelling on the abdomen. If a patient experiences these symptoms, their physician may refer them to a specialist treatment. The specialist will conduct a series of tests to check whether mesothelioma or any other cancers are responsible for the. The imaging scanners are used to examine the stomachs, lungs, or heart and perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. When it comes to pleural mesothelioma, doctors have two primary surgical options that include an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), which removes the cancer and a part of the lung affected, the diaphragm and a portion of the lining of the heart and a pleurectomy accompanied by pulmonary decortication (P/D), which removes the pleura but not the entire lung affected. Chemotherapy and radiation are both options. The former sends high-energy X-rays at cancerous cells in order to destroy them, and the latter utilizes drugs such as pemetrexed and carboplatin to kill cancerous cells or slow their growth. Patients should tell their doctor about any history of asbestos exposure. This is important, as mesothelioma can develop up to twenty years after the initial exposure to asbestos. The doctor will also inquire about the frequency and duration of exposure, as these factors can impact the development of symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma they will schedule a CT scan to determine how far the cancer has spread in the body. If mesothelioma has spread to the lung, a bronchoscopy should be conducted to look at the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In certain instances doctors may suggest a PET-CT or chest MRI scan to determine if cancer has developed to the heart. Diagnosis The most reliable method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to obtain a biopsy or fluid sample. This sample is used by doctors to check for cancerous cells that differ from normal ones. A biopsy can be performed surgically or through the use of a needle. Doctors can also perform imaging tests, like x-rays and CT scans to detect mesothelioma. They may also do an positron emission tomography (PET) scan that is used to detect cancerous cells that have spread. The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to symptoms of other conditions, making it difficult to determine. For example the chest pain that occurs mesothelioma may be mistaken for lung cancer or heart disease. Additionally asbestos-related diseases such as pleural effusion could be mistaken for pneumonia or bronchitis. If santa clarita asbestos law firm suspect that a patient has mesothelioma, they will inquire about the patient's prior exposure to asbestos, and the symptoms. The doctor will also perform an examination of the body and inquire about the medical history of family members. The doctor will then conduct blood and urine tests to determine the levels of certain proteins. These tests can be done in the hospital or even at home. These tests will allow doctors to determine the amount of asbestos in the body as well as how well other organs function. They will also ask whether the patient has had any previous surgery. A chest x-ray and a CT scan are taken to check for signs of mesothelioma, like a thickening or swelling of the membrane surrounding the lungs. If doctors suspect that pericardial Mesothelioma is present it is common for them to order an echocardiogram. This is a test which uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. A MRI scan might be useful in the case of pleural mesothelioma because it can provide detailed pictures of soft tissues. They can also perform mediastinoscopy, which entails inserting a tube with a light and camera inside the chest to look at and sample lymph nodes in the middle of the chest. This is especially helpful if the mesothelioma has spread to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-moving respiratory disease, but there are treatment options to help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. Doctors may use medications, fluid drainage techniques or surgeries, or a combination of these methods to alleviate fatigue and pain in the lung. Doctors can also assist patients cope with their lack of energy and how it affects their daily lives. The first step in treating mesothelioma is to determine whether cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the best method to determine. In a biopsy, doctors will take a small portion of mesothelium and examine it under a microscope. They will look for cancerous cells. A biopsy is typically done by surgery, however, doctors can also undergo the procedure known as thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle into the chest to remove the fluid sample to be tested. After the test results are available the surgeon could decide to remove any parts of the body that have been affected by mesothelioma asbestosis. This is usually done for pleural but may also be done to treat asbestosis peritoneal or peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lining of the lungs (pleura). Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are consumed and become lodged in the digestive tract. Patients can take steps after surgery to increase their ease. These include taking napping earlier during the day, planning trips to the shops and other activities when they feel more energetic and engaging in moderate exercise to reduce fatigue. Patients can also inquire about clinical trials that are being conducted for the treatment of mesothelioma with their healthcare provider. These trials involve studies of new mesothelioma treatments that have not yet been approved by the FDA. Other treatments, like radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, could be available. Chemotherapy is a method of killing cancer cells, while radiation and immunotherapy increase the body's natural defense mechanisms against cancer. Targeted therapy involves using specific drugs to target weaknesses in mesothelioma tumor cells. Since each patient and situation is unique, it is important to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma doctor. Prognosis A prognosis is a measure of how far mesothelioma has spread, and what the most effective treatment options will be. It can also tell how long patients can expect to be afflicted by mesothelioma. The health of the patient is another factor that affects their mesothelioma prognosis. Patients who are healthier and have higher blood tests such as normal haemoglobin levels and higher platelet and white cell counts will have a better chance of surviving mesothelioma. They will also be more in their ability to handle chemotherapy and surgery than those with poorer general health. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is aggressive that typically has a less favorable prognosis than other types of cancer. This is mainly because it is often diagnosed much later after the cancer has already progressed. Mesothelioma is also a challenging cancer to identify because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. In some instances, it can take decades from the time that asbestos exposure occurs to when mesothelioma develops in a patient. There are two kinds of mesothelioma, namely pleural and peritoneal. Both are triggered by asbestos exposure. This cancer affects the mesothelial tissues which cover the majority of internal organs of the body. When a person has mesothelioma pleural, it affects the membrane that surrounds the chest cavity (pleura). It may also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) as well as those around the testicles. Asbestosis is not a variant of mesothelioma, but it does exhibit similar symptoms to those of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung issues including scarring and stiffness. It is possible to develop both asbestosis and mesothelioma at the same time. Only those who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It is most often found in the lining of the chest, abdomen and other organs. It isn't caused by smoking, and a majority of those affected by mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in their work. Smokers and those with other illnesses, like diabetes or heart disease, are more likely to be affected by the disease.