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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of asbestosis and mesothelioma are often similar. Both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos fibers as well as dust. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may receive treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma show the extent of cancer's spread. Doctors make use of staging to determine treatments and life expectation. Symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It most often affects the lung lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura) however it can also occur in the membrane that line the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is malignant, which means it is likely to spread and grow beyond the area of origin. The first sign is usually a cough that does not produce 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 might refer them to a specialist for treatment. The specialist will conduct a series of tests to determine if the symptoms are due to mesothelioma or a different cancer. They will use imaging scans to look inside the abdomen, lungs or the heart, and then perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural mesothelioma there are two major surgical options. A pneumonectomy that is extrapleural removes part of the lung affected, including the diaphragm, as well as a part lining the heart. A pleurectomy or pulmonary decortication eliminates only the pleura, but not the whole lung. Other types of treatment include chemotherapy and radiation. The first makes use of high-energy X radiation to kill cancerous cells, while the second utilizes drugs like pemetrexed or carboplatin in order to eliminate cancerous cells or stop their growth. Patients must inform their physician if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This is crucial, since mesothelioma may develop within a period of time of up to 20 years following the initial asbestos exposure. The doctor will also ask about the frequency and duration of exposure since these factors can affect the development of symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma, they'll arrange for a CT scan to determine how the cancer has spread across the body. If the mesothelioma has spread to the lung, a bronchoscopy may be performed to check the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In some cases the doctor may suggest a chest MRI or PET-CT scan to assess whether the cancer has developed into the heart. Diagnosis The most effective method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is by collecting an amount of fluid or tissue. Doctors use this sample to identify cancerous cells that differ from normal cells. A biopsy can be done through a needle or surgery. To identify mesothelioma, doctors may use imaging tests, such as CT scans and x-rays. They can also conduct an positron emission tomography (PET) scan, which is used to find cancerous cells that have spread. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to symptoms of other diseases which makes it difficult to determine. The chest pain that is associated with mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as a heart disease or lung cancer. Pleural effusion, which is a condition caused by asbestos can be mistaken for bronchitis or pneumonia. If doctors suspect that a patient has mesothelioma they will ask about the patient's prior exposure to asbestos and their symptoms. The doctor will also perform a physical examination and ask about the medical history of the family members. The doctor will then order urine and blood tests to check for elevated levels of certain proteins. These tests can be done in a hospital setting or at home. These tests aid doctors in determining how much asbestos is present in the body, as well as how the organs are performing. They also need to find out if the patient had any previous surgeries. A chest x-ray and a CT scan are also taken to check for signs of mesothelioma such as a thickening of the lining around the lung. Doctors will usually take an echocardiogram, a test that uses sound waves to create an image of the heart if they believe that a person has pericardial mesothelioma. In cases of pleural msothelioma an MRI scan can be helpful since it provides precise images of the soft tissues. Mediastinoscopy is a procedure that can be done by inserting a tube that contains a camera and light inside the chest to examine and sample the lymph nodes near the center. This is especially beneficial when mesothelioma is spreading to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-moving respiratory disease, however there are treatment options to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. To ease fatigue and lung pain, doctors can use medications, fluid draining techniques or surgery. Doctors can also help patients deal with their loss of energy and how it affects their daily routine. The first step to treating mesothelioma is to determine whether cancerous cells are present. hoover asbestos attorneys to do this is to take an examination. The biopsy will take a small portion of mesothelium, and examine it under a microscope to see whether there are any cancerous cells. A biopsy is typically performed by surgery, however, doctors can also perform the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting a needle in the chest to remove an amount of fluid to be tested. After the test results are available the surgeon can decide to remove any parts of the body that have been affected by the mesothelioma asbestosis. This is done most often for pleural, but can be performed to treat asbestosis that is peritoneal or peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos fibers that are ingested into the digestive tract. Patients can take steps following surgery to increase their comfort. This can be done by taking naps in the morning, planning trips to the store and other activities when you feel better and performing light exercises. Patients can also ask their healthcare provider about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments. These trials are studies of new mesothelioma therapies that have not yet been approved by the FDA. Other treatments may also be available, including chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancerous cells, while radiation and immunotherapy increase the body's natural defense systems against cancer. The targeted therapy uses specific drugs to target weaknesses in mesothelioma cancer cells. Every patient's situation is distinct. It is important 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 the length of time patients can expect to live with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient can be a factor in their prognosis for mesothelioma. People who are healthier and have better blood tests, such as normal haemoglobin, as well as higher white and platelet counts will have a better chance of beating the cancer. They will also be more tolerant of the effects of chemotherapy and surgery better than those who have less general health. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that is often a poor prognosis than other kinds of cancer. This is mainly because it is often diagnosed much later after the disease has already progressed. The symptoms of mesothelioma are the same as many other diseases making it difficult to identify. In some cases it can take years for a patient to develop mesothelioma after asbestos exposure. There are two main types of mesothelioma, pleural mesotheliom and mesothelioma peritoneal. Both are triggered by exposure to asbestos. This cancer affects the mesothelial tissues that cover the majority of the internal organs in the body. The cancerous cells that cause mesothelioma pleural affect the membrane that surrounds the chest cavity. It can also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the testicles' membrane (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis is not characterized by the same symptoms as mesothelioma. It is caused by exposure to asbestos and it can lead to lung issues, such as the development of scarring and stiffness in the lung. It is possible to contract mesothelioma and asbestosis simultaneously. Only asbestos-exposed people are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It is most often found in the chest's lining and abdomen, as well as other organs. It isn't caused by smoking, and most people affected by mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos while at work. People who have smoked and also those with other conditions like diabetes or heart disease could be more likely to develop mesothelioma than others.