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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis are often similar. Both conditions are caused from exposure to asbestos fibers and dust. Pleural mesothelioma can be treated with chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. Mesothelioma has four stages that show how the cancer has spread. Doctors make use of staging to determine treatment options and the life expectancy. Symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It is usually found in the linings of the lungs, the chest cavity, and the abdomen (pleura) but it can also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means it is able to grow and spread outside of the original site. The first sign is usually a cough that does not produce Phlegm. Other signs include shortness of breath, weight loss and fatigue. Some patients may notice lumps or swelling on their abdomen. If a patient experiences these symptoms, their doctor may refer them to a specialist treatment. The specialist will run a series tests to determine whether the symptoms are due to mesothelioma or another type of cancer. The doctor will use imaging scans to see inside the abdomen, lungs or heart and perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural mesothelioma there are two major surgical options. An extrapleural pneumonectomy removes part of the lung affected, the diaphragm, as well as a part that surrounds the heart. A pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication removes only the pleura, not the entire lung. Radiation and chemotherapy are also options. The former uses X-rays that are high-energy toward cancer cells to destroy them, while the latter utilizes drugs such as carboplatin and pemetrexed to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Patients should tell their doctor about any previous asbestos exposure. This is important, as mesothelioma could develop for in the years that follow the initial exposure to asbestos. The doctor will inquire about the frequency of exposure and the duration of the exposure, since these factors can influence the development of symptoms. If your GP suspects you have mesothelioma, they will request an CT scan in order to determine the extent to which the cancer has spread throughout the body. If mesothelioma has spread to the lung, a bronchoscopy may be performed to examine the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In certain instances, a physician may suggest a PET-CT or a chest MRI scan to determine if cancer has developed to the heart. Diagnosis The most reliable way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is to collect a tissue or fluid sample. Doctors use this sample to look for cancerous cells, which differ from normal cells. A biopsy can be carried out surgically or with a needle. To detect mesothelioma, doctors can use imaging tests such as CT scans and x-rays. They may also perform a positron-emission tomography scan (PET), which is used to identify cancerous cells. The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to those of other conditions, making it difficult to determine. For instance the chest pain that is associated mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as heart disease or lung cancer. Pleural effusion, which is a condition caused by asbestos can be misinterpreted as pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient has mesothelioma they will ask about the patient's previous exposure to asbestos, and the symptoms. The doctor will also perform a physical examination and ask about the medical history of family members. The doctor will conduct blood and urine testing to look for elevated levels. These tests can be conducted in a hospital setting or at home. These tests will help doctors determine the level of asbestos in the body and how well other organs are functioning. They also need to be aware of whether the patient has had any previous surgeries. A chest xray and CT scan will also be taken to check for signs of mesothelioma, such as a thickening of the lining around the lung. If doctors suspect pericardial Mesothelioma they usually conduct an echocardiogram. This is a test that makes use of sound waves to create an image of the heart. In cases of pleural msothelioma an MRI scan may prove helpful, as it provides detailed images of the soft tissues. They can also perform mediastinoscopy, which entails placing a tube equipped with an imager and a light inside the chest to study and sample lymph nodes close to 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 the quality of life. Doctors may use methods for fluid drainage, medications, surgeries or a combination of techniques to relieve fatigue and pain in the lung. Doctors can also help patients cope with the loss of their normal levels of energy and how this affects their daily routine. The first step to treat mesothelioma is to determine if cancerous cells are present. The best way to do this is to take a biopsy. During a biopsy, doctors will take a small portion of mesothelium and examine it under a microscope. They are looking for cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually done via surgery, but doctors can also undergo the procedure known as thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle in the chest to extract the fluid sample to test. A surgeon could decide, once results of the test have been obtained, to remove any affected areas of the body. This is usually done for pleural, but can be performed to treat asbestosis peritoneal or peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's lining (pleura). Peritoneal mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers are ingested and trapped in the digestive tract. Patients can take steps after surgery to increase their level of comfort. This can be done by taking napping in the morning, making trips to the market and other outings when you are feeling better and doing light exercise. Patients can also inquire about clinical trials that are being conducted for the treatment of mesothelioma with their medical professional. These trials study mesothelioma treatments which are not yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, could be available. Chemotherapy is a method of killing cancer cells, whereas radiation and immunotherapy increase the body's natural defense mechanisms against cancer. Targeted therapy involves using specific drugs to target weaknesses in mesothelioma cells. Every patient's experience is unique. It is crucial to talk to a mesothelioma professional about all options for treatment. Prognosis A prognosis is a measure of how far mesothelioma has spread and what the best treatment options will be. It can also tell the length of time patients can expect to live with mesothelioma. A patient's general health is another factor in their mesothelioma prognosis. Healthier patients with higher blood tests, including normal haemoglobin, as well as higher white and platelet counts will have a better chance of surviving the disease. They will also be better able to handle the effects of chemotherapy and surgery better than those with poorer general health. Mesothelioma can be described as a highly aggressive cancer that typically has a less favorable prognosis than other types of cancer. This is partly because it is typically diagnosed later, once the disease has already spread to other parts of the body. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be compared to many other illnesses, making it difficult to identify. In some instances, it may take years for someone to develop mesothelioma after asbestos exposure. There are two main types of mesothelioma; pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. Both are caused by asbestos exposure. This cancer affects the mesothelial tissues which cover the majority of internal organs of the body. davie asbestos law firm that cause pleural mesothelioma affect the membrane that lines the chest cavity. It may also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium), or those around the testicles. Asbestosis is not a form of mesothelioma. However, it does exhibit similar symptoms to those of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems like stiffness and scarring. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can occur simultaneously. Mesothelioma cancer is only found in people who have been exposed to asbestos. It usually develops in the lining of the chest stomach, abdomen and other organs. It is not a result of smoking, and a majority of those with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos while at work. People who smoke or suffer from other diseases such as diabetes or heart disease could be more likely to develop mesothelioma more than other people.