Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer
Malignant mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in thin layer of tissue that lines certain organs. Most cases of mesothelioma start in the lungs and are called mesothelioma of the pleural region. Other types begin in the abdomen and are referred to as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation in the lungs or stomach of people who have been exposed to asbestos. It can take up to 50 years or longer for symptoms to show.
clifton asbestos lawsuit and symptoms
The mesothelioma-related cancerous cells are located in the tissues that line the stomach, lungs and other organs. Mesothelioma patients can experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, pain, fever, fluid buildup and weight loss. The symptoms may vary based on the type of cancer and its stage. They also depend on the location of the tumor and its progress.
Since mesothelioma is so uncommon, doctors may be unable to diagnose it. The disease can have a long duration of latency, and the symptoms may look or feel similar to less serious diseases like pneumonia. Therefore, it is essential for asbestos exposure victims to see their physician if they experience symptoms that are persistent or unusual. It is also important to let their doctor know of any prior exposure to asbestos.
The most frequent pleural mesothelioma symptoms are chest pain, difficulty breathing and breath shortness. These symptoms can get worse as the mesothelioma spreads and the lungs get inflamed. In severe cases, they may result in the accumulation of fluid in the chest wall and lungs which causes patients to experience pain and discomfort when breathing.
Alongside mesothelioma and other cancers, some sufferers may also experience abdominal pain or have difficulty swallowing. Some people may have a lower appetite and weight loss as a result of these symptoms too. The toxins released by mesothelioma can also affect the kidneys, causing them to lose the ability to perform their duties.
Based on the type of mesothelioma doctors may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. The results of these tests will aid doctors in determining if there are other conditions and determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma sufferers.
Chest X rays are also helpful in diagnosing Mesothelioma. The chest cavity and lungs can appear discolored or cloudy due the presence of mesothelioma. A doctor can use a procedure called VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) to decrease the inflammation caused by fluid accumulation, improve breathlessness and remove any tissue samples for testing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a cancer of asbestos that develops on the lining of organs such as the abdomen and lungs is a cancer caused by asbestos. It is a rare form of cancer, but exposure to asbestos puts people at risk. The symptoms may be similar to other diseases and conditions, so it is important to obtain a diagnosis from your doctor.
A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on the combination of physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are typically done in a clinic or hospital and may include an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. The X-rays provide a visual representation of the body's structures including your chest and abdomen. They may reveal a clog between the chest wall, the lungs and a fluid called the pleural effusion. They may also show a lump or mass in the abdomen, chest or other area.
MRI and CT scans offer more precise images than X-rays of your organs, and can be used by doctors to determine the location and size mesothelioma. These scans can also reveal whether mesothelioma has spread other areas of your body.
Another important diagnostic instrument is a biopsy where a small amount of tissue or fluid is removed and tested for cancerous cells. The most commonly used mesothelioma biopsies include an aspiration using a fine needle and surgical biopsy. If other tests are not conclusive, or if your symptoms suggest that the cancer is located in the chest cavity or lungs A more aggressive biopsy might be suggested.
The most invasive procedures for diagnosing Mesothelioma of the pericardial and peritoneal regions include the placement of a tube that contains video cameras in the chest or abdomen. This procedure can be performed by surgeons to collect tissue samples or fluids to test. They can also perform VATS, a type keyhole surgery.
Your doctor can also order blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma tests to determine how well your organs work. Your doctor will conduct an extensive physical examination as well as examine your lymph nodes, your heart and other organs that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will ask you about your asbestos exposure history, as well as previous ailments or treatments.
Treatment
The type of mesothelioma and the stage determine the treatment. The stage of cancer is determined by a variety of aspects, including how fast the tumor grows and spreads. It also depends on how long it takes for symptoms to appear and whether the disease has been able to spread.
People are more likely to develop mesothelioma when they have certain risk factors. The most significant risk factors are asbestos exposure and gender. Asbestos may be ingested in a direct or indirect way by someone who is exposed through their job or hobby. Exposure can occur over many years, and sometimes for decades prior to when mesothelioma symptoms begin to manifest.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally is extremely durable and resistant to heat. The mineral can be broken into dust particles during mining, or when workers remove asbestos-containing insulation. These dust particles could be inhaled, or ingested. Inhaling the fibers may cause irritation, scarring and cell changes that can cause mesothelioma.
A variety of procedures can help diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors can take samples of pleural fluid by performing a procedure referred to as thoracentesis, or insert an needle into the chest to collect the collection of a tissue sample. Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scanners that show tumors and masses in the chest and abdomen.
Once a diagnosis is established doctors can treat the disease to reduce pain and other symptoms. Some patients receive a combination treatment that includes chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Certain doctors also offer the fields of immunotherapy or tumor-treatment as part of the mesothelioma treatment program.
If a patient has an accumulation of fluid around the lungs doctors can treat this by draining the excess fluid through an incision placed in the chest (pleurodesis). In certain cases patients may have a genetic mutation that increases the risk for mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can tell whether testing for a patient is appropriate.
A doctor will schedule follow-up visits following mesothelioma treatment. These appointments let the doctor to monitor the health of the patient and look for signs of recurrence.
Prognosis
Asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that has microscopic fibres and was once widely employed in the construction industry, is the most common mesothelioma causing agent. When people inhale or swallow these fibres, they can become lodged in the tissues of organs, such as the lungs or stomach cavity. In time, these fibers can cause irritation that can cause tumors. Symptoms typically don't show up until decades after exposure, and the majority of patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma in later life.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are based on the stage and type of the cancer and which part of the body it is in. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are the pleural type, which occurs in the wall (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be found inside the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types can occur within the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs.
If doctors discover an indication of cancer, they can use a range of tests to determine how far the cancer has spread and decide what treatment is best for the patient. Doctors can check for mesothelioma with chest X-rays, CT scan or ultrasound and also urine and blood samples or biopsy. X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds can be used to determine if the tumour has spread or not.
Doctors can also tell whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid or pleural types. Both types can grow and spread more quickly in later stages of the disease, particularly when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
In some cases doctors are able to eliminate the mesothelioma completely. This may improve the chances of survival of the patient. In most cases, the mesothelioma has advanced too far to be surgically removed. Patients may have to undergo other treatments to prolong their lives.
Research has revealed that certain traits of patients can influence mesothelioma survival rates. Patients with a history of mesothelioma or who are younger and in better health have a generally better prognosis. Other factors include smoking and the amount of health issues the person suffers from.