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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 suffering from mesothelioma pleural can undergo treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Mesothelioma has four stages that indicate how far the cancer has spread. Doctors use staging to determine the treatment options and expectations for life. Signs and 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 lung linings, the chest cavity, and the abdomen (pleura), although it may also affect the membranes that line the heart (pericardium) or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is malignant, meaning it is able to spread and grow beyond the site of origin. The first symptom is often a cough that doesn't produce phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness and weight loss. In some instances patients, there is lumps or swelling in their abdomen. If a patient has these symptoms, their physician may refer them to a specialist treatment. The specialist will conduct a series of tests to determine if the symptoms are caused by mesothelioma or another type of cancer. They will employ imaging scanners to look inside abdominal organs, lungs or hearts and will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural mesothelioma there are two major surgical options. An extrapleural pneumonectomy removes part of the lung affected, including the diaphragm, as well as a part of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy or pulmonary decortication removes only the pleura, not the entire lung. Other forms of treatment include radiation and chemotherapy. The first utilizes high-energy X radiation to destroy cancerous cells. The second makes use of drugs like pemetrexed or carboplatin in order to kill cancerous cells or stop their growth. Patients should inform their doctor when they've been exposed to asbestos. This is crucial, since mesothelioma can develop up to twenty years after the initial asbestos exposure. The doctor will also inquire about the frequency and duration of exposure as these can impact the development of symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma, they will arrange an CT scan to see how the cancer has spread across the body. If the mesothelioma is in the lung, they will perform a bronchoscopy look at the lungs' airways as well as lymph nodes. In certain instances, the doctor may also suggest an chest MRI or PET-CT scans to determine whether the cancer has been able to spread to the heart. Diagnosis The best method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to collect a sample of tissue or fluid. Doctors will use this sample to look for cancerous cells that differ from normal cells. A biopsy can be done surgically or through the use of a needle. Doctors can also perform imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans to identify mesothelioma. They can also conduct a positron emission tomography (PET) scan which can be used to detect cancerous cells that have expanded. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be similar to symptoms of other conditions making it difficult to identify. The chest pain that is associated with mesothelioma could be mistaken as heart disease or lung carcinoma. Additionally, the asbestos-related condition known as pleural effusion may be mistaken for pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient has mesothelioma, they will inquire about the patient's previous exposure to asbestos and the symptoms. They will also perform a physical exam and record the medical history of the family member. The doctor will request blood and urine testing to check for elevated levels. These tests can be done in a hospital or at home. These tests will aid doctors in determining the amount of asbestos is in the body, and how well the organs are working. They will also ask whether the patient has had any prior surgery. A CT scan and chest x-ray are taken to determine the presence of mesothelioma. If doctors suspect pericardial Mesothelioma they usually request an echocardiogram. This is a test that uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, an MRI scan can be helpful, as it provides detailed images of the soft tissues. Mediastinoscopy can be performed by inserting a tube that contains an imager and a light into the chest to examine and sample the lymph nodes that are located near the middle. This is especially helpful in cases where mesothelioma has spread to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-paced respiratory disease, but there are treatment options to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. To relieve fatigue and lung pain doctors can employ medications, fluid draining techniques or surgery. Doctors can also assist patients deal with their loss of energy and how it affects their daily life. The first step to treat mesothelioma asbestosis is to find out if cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the best method to determine. The biopsy will take a small sample of mesothelium and look at it under a microscope in order to determine whether there are any cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually performed through surgery, although doctors can also carry out the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting a needle into the chest cavity to take the fluid sample to be tested. After the test results are back the surgeon could decide to remove any parts of the body that have been affected by mesothelioma asbestosis. This is usually done for pleural, but can also be done to treat asbestosis peritoneal or peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers that are ingested into digestive tract. After surgery, patients can make steps to increase their comfort. This includes taking napping earlier in the day, planning excursions to the mall and other activities when they feel more energetic and engaging in light exercises to lessen fatigue. Patients may also inquire with their doctor about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatment. These trials focus on new mesothelioma treatment options that aren't yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments are also available, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy. Chemotherapy makes use of drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiation and immunotherapy boost the body's natural defense systems against cancer. The term “targeted therapy” refers to the use of specific medications to target the weaknesses within mesothelioma cancer cells. Since each patient and situation is unique, it is crucial to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma specialist. Prognosis A prognosis is a measure of how far a mesothelioma has spread, and what the best treatment options would be. It can also tell patients how long they can anticipate living after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is also an important factor in their prognosis for mesothelioma. Fitter people with higher blood tests, including normal haemoglobin levels and higher platelet and white cell counts will have a better chance of beating the disease. They will also be able to tolerate chemotherapy and surgery better than those with poorer general health. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that often has a worse prognosis than other forms of cancer. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed later, after the disease has already spread to other parts of the body. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be compared to many other illnesses which makes it difficult to diagnose. In certain cases, it could take years for a patient to develop mesothelioma after asbestos exposure. There are two main types of mesothelioma; pleural mesothelioma and mesothelioma peritoneal. Both are caused by exposure to asbestos. It is a kind of cancer that affects mesothelial cells which cover most of the organs of the body's internal system. When someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma of the pleural region, it affects the membrane that lines the chest cavity (pleura). It can also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the testicles' membrane (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis is not a form of mesothelioma but it does exhibit similar symptoms to those of 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 mesothelioma as well as asbestosis can occur simultaneously. Only asbestos-exposed people are at risk of developing mesothelioma. scottsdale asbestos lawyer develops on the chest wall and abdomen. It is not caused by smoking cigarettes and the majority of those who have developed mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos when they were working. Smokers and those who have other conditions like heart disease or diabetes may be more likely to develop mesothelioma than others.