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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis may be similar. Both are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers as well as dust. People who have mesothelioma of the pleural may undergo treatment like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma reveal the extent of cancer's spread. Doctors use staging to determine available treatments and life expectancy. somerville asbestos attorney (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 lung linings, chest cavity and abdomen (pleura) however, it can also affect membranes that line the heart (pericardium) or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means that it can grow and spread outside of the original site. The first sign is usually a cough that doesn't produce the phlegm. Other signs include shortness of breath, weight loss and fatigue. Some patients may experience swelling or lumps on the abdomen. If a patient has these symptoms, their physician may refer them for specialized treatment. The specialist will run several tests to determine whether the symptoms are due to mesothelioma or a different cancer. They will use imaging scanners to examine the abdominal organs, lungs or hearts and then perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural msothelioma, there are two primary surgical options. Extrapleural pneumonectomy eliminates part of the lung affected, including the diaphragm, as well as a part lining the heart. A pleurectomy or pulmonary decortication removes only the pleura, but not the whole lung. Other forms of treatment include chemotherapy and radiation. The former sends high-energy X-rays towards cancerous cells to kill them, while the latter uses drugs like carboplatin and pemetrexed in order to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Patients should inform their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This is crucial since mesothelioma may grow up to 20 years after the initial exposure. The doctor will ask about the frequency of exposure and the duration of the exposure, as these variables can influence the development of symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma, they'll arrange for a CT scan to see how far the cancer has spread across the body. If mesothelioma has spread to the lung, they'll perform a bronchoscopy look at the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In some cases, the doctor may also recommend an chest MRI or PET-CT scans to determine whether the cancer has developed into the heart. Diagnosis The best way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is by collecting a sample of tissue or fluid. Doctors will use this sample to search for cancerous cells, which differ from normal cells. A biopsy can be carried out surgically or with a needle. Doctors can also use imaging tests, like x-rays and CT scans to detect mesothelioma. They may also perform a positron-emission tomography scan (PET), which is used to detect cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms may be so similar to other conditions. For example the chest pain that occurs mesothelioma could be mistaken for heart disease or lung cancer. In addition asbestos-related diseases such as pleural effusion could be mistaken for pneumonia or bronchitis. If a doctor suspects that a patient has mesothelioma, they'll inquire about their previous exposure to asbestos and the symptoms. The doctor will also perform a physical examination and ask about the medical history of relatives. The doctor will conduct blood and urine testing to look for elevated levels. These tests can be done in a hospital setting or at home. These tests can aid doctors in determining how much asbestos is present in the body, and how the organs are functioning. They also need to know if the patient has had any prior surgeries. A CT scan and chest x-ray are done to look for signs of mesothelioma. Doctors typically conduct an echocardiogram, a test which makes use of sound waves to create a picture of the heart, if they believe that a person has pericardial mesothelioma. A MRI scan might be useful in the case of pleural mesothelioma because it can provide detailed images of soft tissues. They may also do a mediastinoscopy, which involves placing a tube equipped with a light and camera inside the chest to look at and sample lymph nodes in the center of the chest. This is particularly beneficial if mesothelioma spreads to these regions. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-paced respiratory disease, but there are treatments to help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. To alleviate fatigue and lung pain doctors can prescribe drugs, techniques for draining fluids or surgery. Doctors can also assist patients cope with fatigue and how it affects their daily life. The first step in 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 amount of mesothelium and look at it under a microscope in order to determine whether there are any cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually done via surgery, but doctors can also carry out the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting a needle into the chest in order to take out samples of fluid for testing. After the test results are available, a surgeon may decide to remove any parts of the body that are affected by mesothelioma or asbestosis. This is done most often for pleural, but can also be done to treat peritoneal or peritoneal asbestosis. Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lining of the lungs (pleura). Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are consumed and trapped in the digestive tract. Patients can take actions following surgery to improve their level of ease. This includes taking napping earlier during the day, planning excursions to the mall and other activities when they are feeling more energetic and engaging in light exercises to lessen fatigue. Patients can also inquire about clinical trials for the treatment of mesothelioma with their medical professional. These trials study new mesothelioma therapies that are not yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments may also be available, including chemotherapy as well as radiation and immunotherapy. The use of radiation and immunotherapy is to enhance the body's natural defence mechanisms against cancer. Targeted therapy involves the use of specific medications to target the weaknesses within mesothelioma cancer cells. Each patient's case is individual. It is crucial to discuss with a mesothelioma specialist all options for treatment. Prognosis A prognosis is a measure of how far mesothelioma has spread, and what the best treatment options would be. It also indicates how long patients can expect to endure mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is an element in the prognosis of mesothelioma. People who are healthier and have higher blood tests such as normal haemoglobin levels and higher platelet and white cells counts will have a greater chance of being able to survive mesothelioma. They will also be more able to tolerate chemo and surgery than people with less general health. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is aggressive that often has a worse prognosis than other kinds of cancer. This is partly because it is often diagnosed much later after the disease has already taken hold. Mesothelioma can be a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases. In certain cases it can take a long time from the moment asbestos exposure is discovered until the patient develops mesothelioma. There are two types of mesothelioma: pleural and peritoneal. Both are triggered by exposure to asbestos. It is a type of cancer that affects mesothelial cells which cover most of the organs of the body's internal system. 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' membrane (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis is not a variant of mesothelioma but it has similar symptoms to those of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung issues such as stiffness and scarring. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can be present at the same time. Mesothelioma tumors are only seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos. It typically occurs on the chest lining and abdomen. It is not a result of smoking, and most people affected by mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in their work. People who have smoked and those who have other diseases such as diabetes or heart disease may be more likely to develop mesothelioma more than other people.