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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma as well as asbestosis can be similar. This is because both conditions are caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. Pleural mesothelioma is treatable with chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. Mesothelioma has four stages that show how far the cancer has spread. Doctors employ staging to determine 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, the abdomen and chest cavity (pleura) however, it can also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means that it can expand and spread out beyond its original site. The first symptom is typically a cough that doesn't produce phlegm. Other signs include breathlessness, weight loss and fatigue. Some patients may notice lumps or swelling on the abdomen. If a patient has these symptoms, their physician may refer them for specialized treatment. The specialist will conduct an array of tests to check whether mesothelioma, or other cancers are the cause. The imaging scanners are used to examine the abdominal organs, lungs or hearts and will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural msothelioma there are two main 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 or pulmonary decortication removes only the pleura, not the entire lung. Other types of treatment include chemotherapy and radiation. The first makes use of high-energy X radiation to destroy cancerous cells, while the second uses drugs such as pemetrexed or carboplatin in order to kill cancerous cells or slow their growth. Patients should tell their doctor about any prior asbestos exposure. This is important, as mesothelioma could develop for within a period of time of up to 20 years following the initial exposure to asbestos. The doctor will inquire about the frequency of exposure as well as the duration of exposure, as these factors can influence the development of symptoms. If yorba linda asbestos law firm suspects that you are suffering from mesothelioma, they'll order an CT scan to determine how far the cancer has spread across the body. If the mesothelioma has spread to the lung, a bronchoscopy should be performed to examine the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In certain instances the doctor may suggest an chest MRI or PET-CT scan to determine whether the cancer has spread to the heart. Diagnosis The most reliable way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is to obtain a tissue or fluid sample. Doctors will use this sample to look for cancerous cells that are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be performed surgically or by inserting a needle. To detect mesothelioma, doctors can use imaging tests like CT scans and x-rays. They can also conduct a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, which is used to identify cancerous cells that have spread. Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms are similar to other conditions. For instance the chest pain that occurs mesothelioma could be mistaken for lung cancer or heart disease. Pleural effusion, a condition caused by asbestos can be mistaken for bronchitis or pneumonia. If doctors suspect that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma they will ask about the patient's prior exposure to asbestos, as well as their symptoms. The doctor will also perform physical examination and inquire about the medical history of family members. The doctor will request blood and urine testing to determine if there are elevated levels. These tests can be done in a hospital or at home. These tests can help doctors determine the amount of asbestos in the body and also how well other organs function. They will also want know if the patient has had any prior surgeries. A chest xray and CT scan will also be done to look for signs of the mesothelioma, such as a thickening of the membrane that surrounds the lung. If doctors suspect that pericardial Mesothelioma is present they usually conduct 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 case of pleural mesothelioma because it can provide detailed pictures of soft tissues. They can also perform mediastinoscopy. This involves placing a tube with a light and camera inside the chest to look at and sample lymph nodes near the middle of the chest. This is particularly helpful if mesothelioma spreads to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-moving respiratory illness, but there are treatment options that can ease symptoms and improve quality of life. To relieve discomfort and fatigue doctors can employ medications, fluid draining techniques, or surgery. Doctors can also help patients deal with the loss of normal levels of energy and how this affects their daily routine. The first step to treating mesothelioma is to determine whether cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the most effective way to find out. During the biopsy, doctors take a small portion of mesothelium and look at it under a microscope to determine whether there are any cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually done by surgery, however, doctors can also carry out the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting an needle into the chest to take out samples of fluid to test. When the test results are back the surgeon can decide to remove any part of the body that have been affected by the mesothelioma asbestosis. This is typically performed for pleural mesothelioma but it is sometimes done to treat peritoneal mesothelioma as well. Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers that are ingested into the digestive tract. After surgery, patients are able to take steps to improve their level of comfort. This can be done by taking naps in the morning, making trips to the store and other activities when you are feeling better and performing light exercises. Patients can also inquire with their doctor about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatment. These trials are studies on new mesothelioma treatment options which aren't yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, are available. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiation and immunotherapy boost the body's natural defense mechanisms against cancer. Targeted therapy is the use of specific drugs to target weaknesses in mesothelioma tumor cells. Every patient's situation is distinct. It is essential to discuss with a mesothelioma specialist all treatment options. Prognosis A prognosis is an estimate of how far mesothelioma has spread and what the most effective treatment options will be. It also informs patients how long they can expect to live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient can be an important factor in the likelihood of them surviving mesothelioma. Fitter people with higher blood tests, including normal haemoglobin and higher white and platelet counts will have a better chance of being able to beat the disease. They will also be more at enduring chemotherapy and surgery than people with less general health. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that often has a worse prognosis than other kinds of cancer. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed later when the disease has already spread. Mesothelioma is also a difficult cancer to detect because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. In certain cases it can take a long time from the time that asbestos exposure is discovered until mesothelioma develops in a patient. There are two types of mesothelioma: pleural and peritoneal. Both are triggered by asbestos exposure. It is a form of cancer that affects mesothelial cells that cover the majority of the organs of the body's internal system. When a person has pleural mesothelioma, the cancer affects the membrane that surrounds the chest cavity (pleura). It can also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the testicles' membrane (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis does not exhibit the same symptoms as mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems including scarring and stiffness. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can occur at the same time. Mesothelioma cancer is only found in those who have been exposed to asbestos. It usually develops on the chest wall and abdomen. It isn't caused by smoking, and most people with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos while at work. People who have smoked and those who have other conditions like diabetes or heart disease could be more likely to develop mesothelioma over others.