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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of asbestosis and mesothelioma can be similar. This is because both diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. Patients with mesothelioma pleural can undergo treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma reveal the extent of the cancer's spread. Doctors use staging to determine available treatment options and the life expectancy. Symptoms Mesothelioma (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, the chest cavity, and the abdomen (pleura) however, it can also affect the membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is malignant, meaning it has the potential to grow and spread beyond the location of origin. The first sign is usually a cough that does not produce phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness and weight loss. In some cases patients, there is lumps or swelling in the abdomen. A patient's doctor can refer them to specialists if they're experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will conduct a series of tests to determine if the symptoms are caused by mesothelioma, or another cancer. They will employ imaging scanners to see inside abdominal organs, lungs or hearts and perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. When it is pleural mesothelioma that needs to be treated, doctors have two main surgical options which include an extrapleural phlemonectomy (EPP) that removes the cancer and a part of the lung affected, the diaphragm as well as a portion of the lining of the heart and a pleurectomy accompanied by pulmonary decortication (P/D) which eliminates the pleura, but not the entire affected lung. Other forms of treatment include radiation and chemotherapy. The first utilizes high-energy X radiation to destroy cancerous cells, while the second utilizes drugs like carboplatin or pemetrexed to eliminate cancerous cells or slow down their growth. Patients should tell their doctor about any prior asbestos exposure. This is vital because mesothelioma is a cancer that can be diagnosed as early as 20 years after the initial 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 an CT scan to determine how the cancer has spread in the body. If the mesothelioma is in the lungs, they will also conduct a bronchoscopy procedure to examine the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In certain instances the doctor might recommend a chest MRI or PET-CT scan to assess whether the cancer has been able to spread to the heart. Diagnosis The most reliable way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is to obtain a biopsy or fluid sample. This sample is utilized by doctors to check for cancerous cells that are different from normal ones. A biopsy can be done through a needle or surgery. Doctors can also perform imaging tests, like x-rays and CT scans to detect mesothelioma. They can also conduct the positron emission tomography scan (PET), which is used to identify cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms may be similar to other diseases. For example, the chest pain associated with mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as lung cancer or heart disease. Pleural effusion, which is a condition caused by asbestos can be misinterpreted as pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient has mesothelioma, they will inquire about their previous exposure to asbestos and their symptoms. The doctor will also conduct a physical examination and ask about the medical history of the family members. The doctor will then conduct urine and blood tests to look for elevated levels of certain proteins. These tests can be conducted in a hospital or at home. These tests aid doctors in determining how much asbestos is present in the body, as well as how well the organs are working. They will also want know if the patient has had any prior surgeries. A CT scan and chest x-ray will be performed to check for signs of mesothelioma. Doctors will usually take an echocardiogram, a test which uses sound waves to create an image of the heart, if they suspect that a patient has pericardial cancer. In cases of pleural msothelioma an MRI scan can be helpful because it gives detailed images of the soft tissues. It is also possible to perform mediastinoscopy. This involves placing a tube with cameras and a light inside the chest to study and sample lymph nodes in the middle of the chest. This is especially helpful if mesothelioma spreads to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma is a respiratory disease that is slow-moving. However, there are treatments that can help you manage the symptoms and improve your quality of living. Doctors can use medications, fluid drainage techniques or surgeries, or a combination of these methods to alleviate fatigue and pain in the lung. Doctors also can help patients deal with the loss of normal energy levels and how that impacts their daily activities. The first step to treat mesothelioma is to find out if cancer cells are present. A biopsy is the best way to find out. In a biopsy, doctors take a small sample of mesothelium. They then examine it under a microscope in order to determine whether there are any cancerous cells. A biopsy is typically done by surgery, however, doctors can also perform a procedure known as thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle in the chest to extract the fluid sample for testing. After the test results are in the surgeon could decide to remove any parts of the body that are affected by mesothelioma asbestosis. This is done most often for pleural but may be performed to treat peritoneal or peritoneal asbestosis. lawrence asbestos lawsuit occurs in the lung's lining (pleura). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused asbestos fibers that are ingested into the digestive tract. Patients can take steps following surgery to improve their comfort. This can be done by taking breaks in the morning, making trips to the store and other outings when you feel better and exercising. Patients can also ask their healthcare provider about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatment. These trials are studies of new mesothelioma therapies that have not yet been approved by the FDA. Other treatments could also be available, including chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Radiation and immunotherapy are used to boost the body's natural defence systems against cancer. The term “targeted therapy” refers to the use of specific drugs to target the weaknesses within mesothelioma cancer cells. Each patient's case is individual. It is essential to discuss with a mesothelioma specialist all treatment options. Prognosis A prognosis is a measure of how far mesothelioma has spread, and what the best treatment options will be. It also informs patients how long they should anticipate living after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is also an important factor in their prognosis for mesothelioma. People who are fitter and have higher blood test results like normal haemoglobin levels and higher platelet and white cells counts will have a higher chance of being able to survive mesothelioma. They are also able to tolerate chemotherapy and surgery better than those who have lower general health. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is aggressive that is often a poor prognosis than other kinds of cancer. This is partly because it is often diagnosed later after the disease has already progressed. Mesothelioma is also a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. In some cases it can take years for a patient to develop mesothelioma following asbestos exposure. There are two types of mesothelioma, namely pleural and peritoneal. Both are caused by asbestos exposure. It is a form of cancer that affects mesothelial cells that cover the majority of the organs of the body's internal system. The cancerous cells that cause pleural mesothelioma affect the membrane that lines the chest cavity. It can also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the membrane around the testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis does not have 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 of the lungs. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can occur at the same time. Only those who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It usually develops on the chest lining and abdomen. It is not caused by smoking and most people who have developed mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos when they were working. People who smoke and also those with other conditions like diabetes or heart disease may be more likely to develop mesothelioma over others.