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The thin layer of tissue that lines certain organs could develop mesothelioma maligna. The most common type of mesothelioma is found in the lungs and is known as pleural mesothelioma. The less common cases start in the abdomen, and are known as peritoneal msothelioma.
People who are exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma when asbestos fibers enter the stomach or lungs, and cause irritation. It could take 50 years or longer for symptoms to manifest.
Signs and symptoms
The mesothelioma-related cancerous cells are found in the tissue that lines the lungs, stomach and other organs. Mesothelioma patients may suffer symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath and fever, as well as fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms can differ based on the type of cancer and its stage. They also depend on where the tumor is located and how it progresses.
Mesothelioma is so rare, it can be difficult for doctors to recognize. The disease can have a long duration of latency, and symptoms can look or feel like less serious illnesses like pneumonia. Therefore, it is important for asbestos exposure victims to make an appointment with their physician if they notice any symptoms that are persistent or unusual. They should also let their doctor know about any history of asbestos case exposure.
Chest pain, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma of the pleura. These symptoms can get worse as mesothelioma grows and the lungs inflame. In severe cases, they can even cause fluid accumulation in the chest wall and lungs which causes the patient to experience pain and discomfort when breathing.
Alongside mesothelioma and other cancers, some patients may also experience abdominal pain or struggle to swallow. These symptoms can cause some people to lose weight and experience less appetite. The toxins produced by mesothelioma can also affect the kidneys, causing them to lose their ability to function properly.
Depending on the mesothelioma type, a doctor may order blood tests or imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These include CT (computer-tomography) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (magnetic imaging) and PETs (positron emission 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 can also be helpful in diagnosing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can cause the lungs and chest cavity to appear discolored or cloudy. A doctor can perform an operation called VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic stosectomy) to decrease inflammation caused by the accumulation of fluid as well as improve breathlessness. remove tissue samples for testing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is an asbestos cancer that is found in the tissues of organs like the abdomen and lungs. It is a rare type of cancer however, those who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. The symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases and conditions which is why it is crucial to obtain a diagnosis from your doctor.
A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests. These tests are usually done in a clinic or hospital and could include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. X-rays create a picture of the structures inside your body like your abdomen and chest. They may reveal a buildup between the chest wall, lungs and fluid called pleural effusion. They may also show a lump or mass in the chest, abdomen or in any other region.
MRI and CT scans can provide more precise images of organs than X-rays and can aid doctors determine the extent and location of any mesothelioma. The scans can also tell if mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of the body.
Another vital diagnostic tool is a biopsy where a small amount of tissue or fluid is removed and analyzed for cancerous cells. The most common mesothelioma biopsies include fine needle aspiration and surgical biopsy. If other tests aren't conclusive, or if your symptoms suggest that the cancer is in the chest cavity or lungs A more invasive biopsy may be recommended.
The more invasive procedures used to detect pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma involves inserting a tube using a video camera into the chest or abdomen. A surgeon can make use of this procedure to take the tissue sample or the fluid to be tested, and can also perform VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) which is a form of keyhole surgery.
In addition to mesothelioma tests the doctor may order blood work and other tests to determine how well your organs are working. Your doctor will do an entire physical exam, checking your lymph nodes, heart and other areas that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will also inquire about your experience with asbestos exposure, as well as any prior illnesses or treatments you have experienced.
Treatment
The type of mesothelioma and the stage determine the treatment. The stage of cancer is determined by a variety of factors, including the speed at which the tumor grows and spreads. It is also influenced by the time it takes for symptoms to show up and whether the disease has progressed.
Certain risk factors can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. One of the most significant is asbestos exposure and gender. People can be exposed to asbestos working directly with the material or indirectly through other work or hobbies. Exposure can occur for many years, sometimes even for years before the mesothelioma-related symptoms appear.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is extremely durable and heat resistant. During the mining process or when workers are removing asbestos insulation, the material can become broken up into tiny dust particles that can be inhaled or swallowed. Inhaling fibers can cause irritation and scarring, and also cellular changes leading to mesothelioma.
A range of procedures can be used to detect mesothelioma. Doctors can collect a sample of pleural liquid by performing a procedure referred to as thoracentesis, or insert an needle into the chest for an in-tissue sample. Other diagnostic tools are MRI and CT scanners that detect masses and tumors in the abdomen and chest.
Once a diagnosis has been confirmed doctors can treat the disease to reduce pain and other symptoms. Certain patients receive various treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Certain doctors incorporate immunotherapy and tumor-treating fields in a mesothelioma plan.
If a patient experiences an accumulation of fluid around their lungs doctors can treat this by draining the excess fluid through an incision placed in the chest (pleurodesis). In some instances patients could have an abnormality that increases their risk of mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can tell if testing for a patient is appropriate.
Following treatment for mesothelioma, a doctor will schedule regular follow-up appointments. These appointments will enable the doctor to observe the patient's condition and check for any indications of an increase in the incidence.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma can be triggered by exposure to asbestos case, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres that were often used in construction. The fibres can become lodged in the linings of organs like the lungs and stomach cavity when people breathe them in or swallow them. In time, they may cause irritation and result in cancers forming. The symptoms usually do not show up until decades after initial exposure, and most patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma at the end of their life.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary on the type the cancer is located, stage and type of the cancer. Most cases of mesothelioma are the pleural type, which occurs in the tissue (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be found inside the stomach cavity. Other types of mesothelioma may develop within the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs.
After a diagnosis has been established, doctors can perform different tests to determine the severity of cancer and the most effective treatment for the patient. Doctors can look for mesothelioma using a chest X-ray, CT scan or ultrasound, as well as urine and blood samples or a biopsy. CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds are a way to determine whether the cancer has grown or not.
Doctors can also determine if the mesothelioma is of epithelioid or pleural types. Both types can develop and spread more quickly in later stages of the disease, especially if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other areas of the body.
In some cases doctors can remove mesothelioma entirely. This can improve the prognosis of patients. In most cases, the mesothelioma has progressed too far to be removed surgically. Patients will need to undergo additional treatments to prolong their lives.
Research has revealed that certain characteristics of patients can affect mesothelioma's survival rates. Patients with a history of mesothelioma or who are older and healthier are generally more likely to survive. Other factors include smoking and the amount of health issues an individual has.