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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis may be similar. Both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers as well as dust. Pleural mesothelioma can be treated with chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. Mesothelioma has four stages that show how the cancer has spread. Doctors employ staging to determine treatments and life potential. Symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It is typically found in the linings of the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen (pleura), although it may also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means it is able to expand and spread out beyond its original location. The first sign is usually a cough that does not produce phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breathe and weight loss. In some cases, patients experience lumps or swelling in their abdomen. If a patient is experiencing these symptoms, their physician may refer them to a specialist treatment. The specialist will perform a series of tests to check whether mesothelioma, or other cancers are responsible for the. The doctor will use imaging scans to examine the lungs, abdomen or heart and perform biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural msothelioma there are two major surgical options. An extrapleural pneumonectomy removes part of the lung affected, including the diaphragm and a section of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy or pulmonary decortication eliminates only the pleura, not the whole lung. The chemotherapy and radiation are also options. The former sends high-energy X-rays toward cancer cells to destroy them, while the latter utilizes drugs such as carboplatin and pemetrexed in order to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Patients must inform their physician whether they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This is crucial because mesothelioma is a cancer that can be diagnosed as early as 20 years after the initial exposure. The doctor will inquire about the frequency of exposure and the duration of the exposure, since these factors can influence the development of symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma they will schedule a CT scan to determine how far the cancer has spread across the body. If the mesothelioma is in the lungs, they will also carry out a bronchoscopy to examine the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In certain cases, a doctor may also suggest a PET-CT or chest MRI scan to determine if cancer has developed to the heart. Diagnosis The most reliable way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is to collect a tissue or fluid sample. Doctors will use this sample to identify cancerous cells that differ from normal cells. A biopsy can be carried out surgically or through the use of a needle. Doctors may also utilize imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans to identify mesothelioma. They can also conduct the positron emission tomography scan (PET) which is used to identify cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other conditions. For instance the chest pain that is associated with mesothelioma can be mistaken for heart disease or lung cancer. Pleural effusion, which is a condition caused by asbestos, can be misinterpreted as bronchitis or pneumonia. If doctors suspect that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma they will ask about the patient's 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 request urine and blood tests to check for elevated levels. These tests can be conducted in a hospital setting or at home. These tests will help doctors determine the level of asbestos in the body and how the other organs are performing. They will also want find out if the patient had any prior surgeries. A chest x-ray as well as a CT scan are taken to check for signs of mesothelioma, like a thickening or swelling of the lining around the lungs. Doctors usually conduct an echocardiogram, a test that makes use of sound waves to create a picture of the heart, if they believe a person has pericardial cancer. A MRI scan might be useful in the case of pleural mesothelioma, since it can provide detailed images of soft tissues. Mediastinoscopy can be performed by inserting a tube with a camera and light inside the chest in order to study and sample lymph nodes located close to the center. This is especially helpful in cases where mesothelioma has spread to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-moving respiratory disease, however there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Doctors may use medications, fluid drainage techniques, surgeries or a combination of methods to ease fatigue and pain in the lung. Doctors can also assist patients deal with the loss of normal energy levels and how it affects their daily routine. The first step to treat mesothelioma asbestosis is finding out if cancerous cells are present. The best way to do that is by taking a biopsy. The biopsy will take a small sample of mesothelium. They then examine it under a microscope to see whether there are cancerous cells. A biopsy is typically done by surgery, however, doctors can also perform a procedure called thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle in the chest cavity to take a sample of fluid to test. A surgeon could decide, following the test results have been confirmed, to remove any affected part of the body. This is usually done for pleural but may be performed to treat peritoneal or peritoneal asbestosis. Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's lining (pleura). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers that are ingested into digestive tract. After surgery, patients can make steps to increase their level of comfort. You can do this by taking naps in the morning, planning trips to the grocery store and other activities when you are feeling better and performing light exercises. Patients may also inquire about clinical trials for treatment of mesothelioma with a healthcare provider. These trials are studies of mesothelioma treatments which have not yet been approved by the FDA. Other treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, could be available. Chemotherapy makes use of drugs to kill cancer cells, whereas radiation and immunotherapy enhance the body's natural defense mechanisms against the cancer. Targeted therapy is the use of specific drugs to combat weaknesses in mesothelioma cells. Every patient's situation is individual. It is crucial to talk to a mesothelioma professional about all possible treatment options. Prognosis A prognosis is a rough estimation of the extent to which mesothelioma spreads and what treatment options are available. It also indicates how long patients will have to be afflicted by mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is a factor in the likelihood of them surviving mesothelioma. People who are healthier and have better blood tests, including normal haemoglobin, as well as higher white and platelet counts are likely to have a higher chance of surviving the disease. They also will be more tolerant of chemotherapy and surgeries better than those who have less general health. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that is often a poor prognosis than other forms of cancer. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed much later, after the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. missouri asbestos attorneys of mesothelioma are the same as many other diseases, making it difficult to identify. In certain cases, it could take years for a person to develop mesothelioma following asbestos exposure. There are two kinds of mesothelioma: pleural and peritoneal. Both are caused by asbestos exposure. This cancer affects the mesothelial tissues that cover the majority of the internal organs of the body. The cancerous cells that cause mesothelioma pleural affect the membrane that surrounds the chest cavity. It can also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or around the testicles. Asbestosis is not a form of mesothelioma, but it has similar symptoms to those of mesothelioma. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, and it can cause lung problems, including the development of scarring and stiffness in the lungs. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis can be present at the same time. Mesothelioma tumors are only seen in those who have been exposed to asbestos. It usually develops in the lining of the chest, abdomen and other organs. It is not caused from smoking cigarettes, and the majority of people with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at work. People who smoke and suffer from other diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes, are more likely to be affected by the disease.