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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line the chest cavity, lungs, and, in rare cases the tissues of the abdomen and heart. The most common cause of mesothelioma lies in asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. This changes cells into mesothelioma cancer cells. Symptoms Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause cancerous cells to develop into mesothelioma-related tumors. Most cases of mesothelioma are located in the lungs. It can also develop in the tissues of the abdomen, heart and testicles. Bakersfield asbestos lawsuits and coughing are among the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. In addition, some patients suffer from abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to diagnose in the beginning stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new disease. It may take several years or even decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma symptoms to appear. A physical examination and a patient's health history are the first steps in determining mesothelioma. A doctor may request blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans could include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography). X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lung. These scans can assist the doctor determine where the mesothelioma is and the kind of mesothelioma. The two main types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for about 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less common than epithelioid. Most people with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, non-productive cough and breathing difficulties. In rare instances, a patient suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur, an issue called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis). The most accurate method to identify mesothelioma is through a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma determine how a doctor manages the disease. If a patient has pericardial cancer the doctor will remove excess fluid with the procedure called pleurodesis, or insert a pleural catheter in order to decrease inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery. Diagnosis The mesothelioma-related cancer forms on the organ's linings. The majority of cases occur in the lungs (pleura) but it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis). It takes between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest. Because of this latency time, many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. The condition is often mistakenly referred to as other conditions that are less serious such as pneumonia or the flu. This can cause delays in treatment, which can decrease the chance of a patient's survival. Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as possible. In the initial appointment, doctors will review the medical history of the patient to determine if there are any symptoms or factors that increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes past asbestos exposure, as well the nature and duration of the exposure. The doctor will then recommend imaging tests for the chest and abdomen to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the interior of the body and can show lung issues, such as the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also tell if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other regions of the body. A doctor may also order a test of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels of certain substances related to mesothelioma. They can also perform an operation known as a thoracentesis which involves removal of lungs of fluid and examining for cancerous cells. If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed then a biopsy is taken to check an insignificant portion of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle-guided CT scan is a method to perform this procedure. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are the most effective for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients will also opt to undergo immunotherapy. This newer type of treatment can enhance a patient's prognosis and boost their quality of life. Treatment Mesothelioma affects tissues that line and protect organs, such as the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). It is not possible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment can help reduce symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will ask you about asbestos exposure since it is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the lining of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). This causes inflammation over time and may transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests are used to identify mesothelioma. Your healthcare provider uses a chest X ray to determine if there is fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your provider will order MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected area. They will also perform the procedure of a needle biopsy to collect a sample from the affected tissue. A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will examine the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine what type of mesothelioma that you have. The doctor will use a dye to color the tissue samples in order to determine the type of cancer. This dye is visible when certain types of cancer are present. They will then employ an advanced method to get a closer look at the tissue under a microscope. It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since the cells that cause it appear similar to those of other types of cells within the body. Your healthcare team will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. These include a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble. Your healthcare team will choose a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you suffer from and how advanced it is. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most commonly used treatment options for mesothelioma. A palliative treatment option is available when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This will alleviate your discomfort and other symptoms. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the type and the stage of cancer, as well as other factors, such as the patient's age and general health. Patients should work with knowledgeable doctors to find out more about their treatment options. Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that connect vital organs and shield them from harm. The asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and, in time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most prevalent forms of mesothelioma are pleural (which is a tumor that develops on the lung linings or chest cavity) and abdomen) mesothelioma. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. The doctors can compare biopsy samples with an online database to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can be used to determine the life expectancy of a person with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan. Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid, epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma type develops at an individual rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases and has a higher survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they experience serious symptoms. Asbestos exposure must be reported to a doctor and the victims should be checked regularly. In these visits, doctors will look for signs of asbestos-related exposure for example, scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory problems. They can also do an easy blood test to determine the health of the patient. If the results show that a patient's risk for mesothelioma is high they can schedule further tests to determine mesothelioma-related prognosis. This will include imaging exams such as X rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with the lung function test and a chest MRI or PET scan.