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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis can be similar. Both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers as well as dust. Pleural mesothelioma is treatable with chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma show the extent of the cancer's spread. Doctors use staging to determine available treatment options and the life expectation. 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, chest cavity and abdomen (pleura) however, it can also affect the membranes that line the heart (pericardium) or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is malignant, which means it has the potential to expand and spread beyond the site of origin. The first sign is usually a cough that doesn't produce phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breathe and weight loss. Some patients may experience swelling or lumps on the abdomen. A patient's doctor can refer them to an expert if they're experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will conduct several tests to determine whether mesothelioma, or other cancers are the reason. The doctor will use imaging scans to see inside the abdomen, lungs or the heart, and then perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural mesothelioma there are two primary surgical options. An extrapleural pneumonectomy removes part of the lung affected, the diaphragm, as well as a part of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication removes only the pleura, but not the entire lung. Other types of treatment include chemotherapy and radiation. The first makes use of high-energy X rays to destroy cancerous cells, while the second uses drugs such as carboplatin or pemetrexed to kill cancerous cells or slow down their growth. Patients should inform their doctor whether they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This is vital because mesothelioma can develop up to 20 years after initial exposure. The doctor will also inquire about the frequency and duration of exposure, as these factors can impact the development of symptoms. If your GP suspects you have mesothelioma, they will request a CT scan to determine the extent to which the cancer has spread across the body. If the mesothelioma is located in the lung, they'll carry out a bronchoscopy to look at the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In certain instances, a doctor may also suggest a PET-CT or a chest MRI scan to determine if the cancer has been able to spread to your heart. Diagnosis The most reliable method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to obtain a tissue or fluid sample. The sample is utilized by doctors to check for cancerous cells that are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be performed through a needle or surgery. Doctors can also perform imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans to find mesothelioma. They may also do the positron emission tomography scan (PET) which can be used to detect cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms may be similar to other diseases. The chest pain that is associated with mesothelioma could be mistaken as a heart disease or lung carcinoma. Pleural effusion, which is a condition caused by asbestos, can be misinterpreted as bronchitis or pneumonia. If doctors suspect that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma, they will inquire about the patient's prior exposure to asbestos, and the symptoms. The doctor will also conduct an examination of the body and inquire about the medical history of the family members. The doctor will conduct blood and urine testing to look for elevated levels. These tests can be performed in a hospital setting or at home. These tests help doctors determine how much asbestos is in the body, as well as how the organs are performing. They will also want be aware of whether the patient has had any prior surgeries. A CT scan and chest x-ray are performed to check for signs of mesothelioma. If doctors suspect that pericardial Mesothelioma is present, they will often request an echocardiogram. This is a test which uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. A MRI scan could be helpful in the event of pleural mesothelioma since it can provide detailed pictures of soft tissues. Mediastinoscopy is a procedure that can be done by inserting a tube that contains an imager and a light into the chest in order to look at and sample the lymph nodes that are located near the middle. This is particularly beneficial if mesothelioma spreads to these regions. Treatment Mesothelioma is a chronic respiratory illness that is slow to progress. However, there are treatments that can ease the symptoms and improve your quality of living. To alleviate fatigue and lung pain doctors can prescribe treatments, fluid draining techniques or surgery. Doctors can also help patients deal with fatigue and how it affects their daily lives. The first step to treat mesothelioma asbestosis is to find out if cancer cells are present. A biopsy is the most effective way to find out. During the biopsy, doctors take a small amount of mesothelium. They then examine it under a microscope to see whether there are any cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually performed via surgery, but doctors can also perform the procedure known as thoracentesis. This involves inserting an needle through the chest to take out samples of fluid to test. A surgeon may decide, after the test results have been received, to remove any affected part of the body. This is usually performed to treat pleural mesothelioma but it can be performed to treat peritoneal mesothelioma as well. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are ingested and become lodged in the digestive tract. After surgery, patients are able to take steps to improve their level of comfort. This includes taking naps earlier in the day, planning shopping trips and other activities when they are feeling stronger, and participating in light exercise to decrease fatigue. Patients can also inquire with their doctor about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments. These trials study new mesothelioma treatments that are not yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, are available. The use of radiation and immunotherapy is to enhance the body's natural defense systems against cancer. Targeted therapy involves using specific drugs to attack vulnerabilities in mesothelioma cells. Since each patient and situation is unique, it is important to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma specialist. Prognosis A prognosis can be described as a rough estimation of the extent to which mesothelioma develops and what treatment options are available. It can also tell the length of time patients can expect to live with mesothelioma. The health of the patient is a different factor in their mesothelioma prognosis. People who are fitter and have better blood tests like a normal level of haemoglobin and higher white cell and platelet counts will have a better chance of being able to survive mesothelioma. They will also be better able to tolerate chemo and surgery than those with less general health. Mesothelioma can be described as a highly aggressive cancer that often has a worse prognosis than other types of cancer. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed much later, once the disease has already spread to other parts of the body. The symptoms of mesothelioma are the same as many other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose. In certain cases, it could take years for a patient to develop mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure. There are two types of mesothelioma, namely pleural and peritoneal. Both are triggered by exposure to asbestos. The mesothelial tissues that cover the majority of the internal organs of the body. The cancerous cells that cause pleural mesothelioma affect the membrane that surrounds the chest cavity. It may also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the testicles' lining (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis does not have the same symptoms as mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems like stiffness and scarring. new york asbestos lawsuit as asbestosis can occur simultaneously. Only asbestos-exposed people are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It is most often found in the lining of the chest stomach, abdomen and other organs. It is not triggered by smoking, and the majority of people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos when they were working. People who smoke and also those with other diseases such as heart disease or diabetes may be more likely to develop mesothelioma more than other people.