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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma as well as asbestosis may be similar. This is due to the fact that both conditions are caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. Pleural mesothelioma can be treated with chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma show the extent of cancer's spread. Doctors use staging to determine treatment options and life expectations. 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 linings, the chest cavity, and the abdomen (pleura) but it may also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means it can grow and spread outside of its original site. The first sign of a non-phlegmatic cough is common. Other symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness and weight loss. In springfield asbestos attorneys , they experience lumps or swelling in the abdomen. If a patient has these symptoms, their physician may refer them to a specialist treatment. The specialist will run a series tests to determine if the symptoms are caused by mesothelioma or a different cancer. Imaging scans are used to see inside the abdomen, lungs, or heart and take biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural msothelioma, there are two main surgical options. Extrapleural pneumonectomy eliminates part of the lung affected, the diaphragm and a section of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy or pulmonary decortication only removes the pleura, but not the whole lung. The chemotherapy and radiation are also options. The first uses high-energy X rays to destroy cancerous cells. The second makes use of drugs like pemetrexed or carboplatin in order to kill cancerous cells or slow their growth. Patients must inform their physician when they've been exposed to asbestos. This is crucial because mesothelioma can develop up to 20 years after the initial exposure. The doctor will inquire about the frequency of exposure as well as the duration of the exposure, since these factors could influence the symptoms of development. If your GP suspects you have mesothelioma they will order an CT scan to determine how far the cancer spreads throughout the body. If mesothelioma has spread to the lung, they'll conduct a bronchoscopy procedure to examine the lungs' airways as well as lymph nodes. In some cases the doctor might recommend an chest MRI or PET-CT scan to assess if the cancer has spread to the heart. Diagnosis The best way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma involves taking samples of fluid or tissue. Doctors make use of this sample to look for cancerous cells that are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be done surgically or with a needle. Doctors can also use imaging tests, such as x-rays and CT scans to identify mesothelioma. They may also perform a positron-emission tomography scan (PET) which is used to identify cancerous cells. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be similar to those of other diseases making it difficult to determine. For example, the chest pain associated with mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as lung cancer or heart disease. Additionally, the asbestos-related condition known as pleural effusion may be mistaken for pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma, they will inquire about the patient's previous exposure to asbestos, as well as their symptoms. The doctor will also perform an examination of the body and inquire about the medical history of relatives. The doctor will order blood and urine testing to look for elevated levels. These tests can be performed at the hospital or at home. These tests help doctors determine how much asbestos is present in the body, as well as how the organs are performing. They also need to find out if the patient been through any surgeries previously. A chest x-ray and a CT scan will also be done to look for signs of the mesothelioma, such as a thickening of the membrane that surrounds the lungs. If doctors suspect that pericardial Mesothelioma is present it is common for them to order 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 can be helpful because it gives detailed images of the soft tissues. They may also do mediastinoscopy. This involves placing a tube with cameras and a light inside the chest to study and sample lymph nodes near the middle of the chest. This is especially beneficial in cases where mesothelioma has spread to these regions. Treatment Mesothelioma is a respiratory disease that is slow-moving. However, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of living. Doctors may use medications, fluid drainage techniques or surgeries, or a combination of these methods to relieve lung pain and fatigue. Doctors can also help patients cope with fatigue and how it affects their daily lives. The first step to treating mesothelioma involves determining if cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the most effective method to determine. In a biopsy, doctors take a small amount of mesothelium and look at it under a microscope to determine whether there are cancerous cells. A biopsy is typically performed via surgery, but doctors can also perform the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting an needle into the chest to remove fluid samples for testing. A surgeon might decide, once test results have been received to remove any affected areas of the body. This is usually done for pleural, however it can be performed to treat peritoneal or peritoneal asbestosis. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs (pleura). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers which are ingested into the digestive tract. Patients can take steps following surgery to improve their ease. This includes taking breaks earlier in the day, arranging excursions to the mall and other activities when they feel stronger and taking part in light exercise to decrease fatigue. Patients can also ask their healthcare provider about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments. These trials study new mesothelioma therapies that are not yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, are available. Immunotherapy and radiation are used to strengthen the body's natural defence systems against cancer. Targeted therapy is the use of specific medications to target the weaknesses within mesothelioma cancer cells. Because each patient and case is unique, it is essential to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma expert. Prognosis A prognosis is an approximate estimate of the extent to which a mesothelioma grows and what treatment options are available. It can also tell patients how long they should expect to live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. A patient's general health is a different factor in their mesothelioma prognosis. People who are healthier and have better blood tests such as normal haemoglobin levels and higher white cell and platelet counts will have a better chance of beating mesothelioma. They will also be more tolerant of chemotherapy and surgeries better than those who have poorer general health. Mesothelioma can be described as a highly aggressive cancer that typically has a less favorable prognosis than other forms of cancer. This is mainly because it is often diagnosed much later, after the disease has already spread. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to many other illnesses, making it difficult to identify. In some instances, it may take years for a patient to develop mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure. There are two main kinds of mesothelioma; pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. Both are triggered by exposure to asbestos. It is a kind of cancer that affects mesothelial cell that covers the majority of the body's internal organs. The cancerous cells that cause pleural mesothelioma affect the membrane that lines the chest cavity. It can also affect membranes that surround the heart (pericardium), or those around the testicles. Asbestosis is not a type of mesothelioma. However, it does have similar symptoms to mesothelioma. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, and it can cause lung issues, such as the formation of scarring and stiffness of the lung. It is possible to contract mesothelioma and asbestosis at the same time. Mesothelioma tumors are only seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos. It typically develops in the chest's lining, abdomen and other organs. It is not triggered by smoking cigarettes and the majority of those who have developed mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos while they worked. People who smoke and suffer from other diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes are more likely to develop the disease.