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Mesothelioma asbestos compensation Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissue lining the chest cavity and lungs, and in rare cases the abdominal lining and heart. The main cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. Cells turn into mesothelioma-like cancerous cells.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects tissues which line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause the cells to change and form mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in the lungs (pleura). However, it can also be found in the abdominal lining and the testicles, as well as the heart.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort and coughing are among the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Additionally certain patients experience abdominal pain as well as fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. These symptoms are similar to those of other ailments and are difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages of mesothelioma. It could take years or even decades following exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma-related symptoms to show up.

A physical exam and a patient's health history are the first steps in determining mesothelioma. To determine the severity of the symptoms doctors may recommend blood tests and imaging scans. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).

X-rays can reveal a strange lump or a fluid that is present in the lung. These scans aid the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two most common mesothelioma types are sarcomatoid and epithelioid. Around 70% of mesothelioma is epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis and is less prevalent than epithelioid.

Most people with pleural cancer have a nonproductive, painful cough and breathing difficulties. People with pleural mesothelioma can have an abnormal heart tone and a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum.

The most accurate way to determine if mesothelioma has been diagnosed is to take a tissue sample, or biopsy, to test. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will also dictate how a doctor manages the disease. For instance when a patient has pericardial mesothelioma the doctor could drain excess fluid with a procedure called pleurodesis or insert a pleural catheter in the body to reduce inflammation and improve breathing. Other treatments include chemotherapy and surgery.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the organ's linings called the mesothelium. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs. However, it can also manifest in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes.

It can take between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. Because of this latency period it is possible for patients to be mistakenly diagnosed. This disease is often misdiagnosed as other, less serious conditions, such as the flu or pneumonia. This could result in delays in treatment, which could lower a patient's chances of surviving.

Those who suspect that they might have mesothelioma should see their doctor immediately. In the initial visit, doctors review the patient's entire medical history to identify signs and other factors that could make them more likely to have mesothelioma. This includes past asbestos exposure, as well the nature and duration of the exposure.

The next step is for doctors to order imaging tests to check the abdomen and chest for signs of mesothelioma and other abnormalities. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all provide detailed images of the interior of the body. They also show lung changes like the thickening of the pleura or the buildup of fluid. They can also tell whether the mesothelioma tumor has spread to other areas of the body.

A doctor will also order a blood test to see whether the patient has elevated levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They may also carry out 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 small portions of the tumor to detect cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) 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) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). Although mesothelioma is not curable, it can be treated however, treatment can reduce symptoms.

Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos settlement exposure because it is the leading risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the tissues of the chest cavity and tummy, or the heart (mesothelium). This can cause inflammation over time and may transform normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma is diagnosed with blood tests and imaging tests.

Your healthcare provider uses an X-ray of the chest to determine if you have fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). The doctor will recommend MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain detailed images of the affected area. They will also conduct a needle biopsy in order to collect a sample of the affected tissue.

A pathologist, or mesothelioma expert, will analyze the tissue under an magnifying glass to find cancerous cell and determine the type. The pathologist will employ dyes to stain tissue samples in order to determine the type of cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types of cancer are present. The doctor will then use techniques to magnify the tissue.

Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because mesothelioma-related cells appear similar to other kinds of cells within the body. Your healthcare team will try to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma by performing other tests. These tests involve the collection of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3 or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble.

Your healthcare team will decide the best treatment plan for mesothelioma, based on your cancer type and its stage. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma has reached an an advanced stage you could also receive palliative care to ease pain and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The outlook for mesothelioma is based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as other factors such as the patient's age as well as general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are knowledgeable about the treatment options available to them.

Asbestos fibers can cause damage to tissues that line vital organs and protect them from harm. These asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and, over time, cause inflammation and genetic changes that convert normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma forms are mesothelioma pleural (which develops on the lung linings, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also suggest an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be examined. The doctors can compare biopsy samples to databases to determine the most likely type of mesothelioma cells. This information can be used to predict the life expectancy of a person with mesothelioma, as well as their treatment plan.

Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma type develops at different rates and responds to treatment differently. Epithelioid cancer is responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a better survival rate than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma can be diagnosed up to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Many patients don't receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they have significant symptoms. Exposure to asbestos should be disclosed to a physician, and victims must undergo regular checks.

In these visits, doctors will check for signs of exposure to asbestos for example, scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory problems. They can also do an easy blood test to assess the health of the patient. If the results show that the risk of a patient developing mesothelioma is very high, they can schedule additional tests to determine mesothelioma-related prognosis. This could include imaging tests like X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, along with a lung function test, a chest MRI or PET scan.