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Mesothelioma Asbestosis The symptoms of mesothelioma as well as asbestosis may be similar. Both conditions are caused from exposure to asbestos fibers and dust. Tampa asbestos lawyers can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma indicate the extent of cancer's spread. Doctors use staging to determine available treatment options and the life expectancy. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It usually affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura) however, it can also be found in the membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means it can expand and spread beyond its original site. The first symptom of a non-phlegmatic cough is quite common. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and weight loss. Some patients may notice lumps or swelling on their abdomen. A patient's physician may recommend a specialist if they are experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will conduct a series tests to determine if the symptoms are due to mesothelioma or a different cancer. Imaging scans are used to look inside the abdomen, lungs or heart and perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural msothelioma there are two main surgical options. Extrapleural pneumonectomy eliminates part of the lung affected, the diaphragm, as well as a part lining the heart. A pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication only removes the pleura, not the entire lung. Radiation and chemotherapy are also options. The first utilizes high-energy X radiation to destroy cancer cells, while the second utilizes drugs like pemetrexed or carboplatin in order to kill cancerous cells or slow down their growth. Patients should tell their doctor about any history of asbestos exposure. This is important because mesothelioma is a cancer that can grow up to 20 years after initial exposure. The doctor will also ask about the frequency and duration of exposure as these can impact the development of symptoms. If the GP suspects mesothelioma they will schedule an CT scan to determine how the cancer has spread across the body. If the mesothelioma is located in the lung, they will perform a bronchoscopy examine the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In certain cases the doctor might recommend a chest MRI or PET-CT scans to determine if the cancer has developed into the heart. Diagnosis The most effective method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to collect a sample of tissue or fluid. Doctors use this sample to search for cancerous cells, which are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be carried out surgically or by inserting a needle. Doctors can also perform imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans to detect mesothelioma. They may also do an positron-emission tomography (PET) scan (PET) which is used to detect cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms may be similar to other diseases. The chest pain that is associated with mesothelioma could be mistaken as a heart disease or lung cancer. In addition asbestos-related diseases such as pleural effusion may be mistaken for pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient has mesothelioma they will ask about the person's past exposure to asbestos, as well as the symptoms. The doctor will also perform physical examination and inquire about the medical history of family members. The doctor will conduct blood and urine testing to determine if there are elevated levels. These tests can be conducted in the hospital or at home. These tests will help doctors determine the amount of asbestos in the body and how well other organs function. They will also ask whether the patient has had any prior surgery. A chest xray and CT scan are also taken to check for signs of mesothelioma, like a thickening or swelling of the membrane that surrounds the lungs. Doctors typically conduct an echocardiogram, a test that utilizes sound waves to produce a picture of the heart if they believe a person has pericardial mesothelioma. A MRI scan could be helpful in the event of pleural mesothelioma, since it can provide detailed pictures of soft tissues. They may also do mediastinoscopy. This involves placing a tube with a light and camera inside the chest to study and sample lymph nodes near the center of the chest. This is especially helpful when mesothelioma is spreading to these regions. 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 methods for fluid drainage, medications, surgeries or a combination of techniques to alleviate lung pain and fatigue. Doctors can also assist patients deal with fatigue and how it affects their daily lives. The first step to treat mesothelioma is to find out if cancerous cells are present. The best method for doing this is to take an examination. In a biopsy, doctors take a small amount of mesothelium, and examine it under a microscope to determine whether there are any cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually performed via surgery, but doctors can also perform the procedure known as thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle into the chest to extract an amount of fluid to test. A surgeon could decide, once results of the test have been obtained to remove any affected parts of the body. This is usually done for pleural but may also be done to treat asbestosis that is peritoneal or peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lining of the lungs (pleura). Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are ingested and become lodged in the digestive tract. After surgery, patients are able to make steps to increase their level of comfort. This includes taking breaks earlier in the day, planning excursions to the mall and other activities when they are feeling stronger and taking part in light exercises to lessen fatigue. Patients can also inquire with their healthcare provider about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatment. These trials focus on new mesothelioma treatment options that aren't yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments could also be available, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy. Chemotherapy makes use of drugs to kill cancerous cells, while radiation and immunotherapy enhance the body's natural defense system against cancer. Targeted therapy is the use of specific drugs to attack vulnerabilities within mesothelioma cancer cells. Because each patient and case is unique, it is crucial to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma doctor. Prognosis A prognosis is a rough estimation of the extent to which mesothelioma spreads and what treatment options are available. It can also tell patients how long they can expect to live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The health of the patient is another factor that affects their mesothelioma prognosis. People who are fitter and have better blood tests such as normal haemoglobin levels and higher platelet and white cell counts will have a greater chance of surviving mesothelioma. They are also more at enduring chemotherapy and surgery than people with less general health. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that typically has a less favorable prognosis than other forms of cancer. This is because it is often diagnosed much later when the cancer has already spread. Mesothelioma is also a challenging cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of many other illnesses. In certain cases, it could take years for a person to develop mesothelioma following asbestos exposure. There are two main types of mesothelioma: pleural mesotheliom and peritoneal mesothelioma. Both are triggered by exposure to asbestos. This cancer affects the mesothelial tissues that cover the majority of the internal organs of the body. If a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma of the pleural region, it affects the membrane that surrounds the chest cavity (pleura). It can also affect membranes that surround the heart (pericardium), or those around the testicles. Asbestosis is not a variant of mesothelioma. However, it does exhibit similar symptoms to mesothelioma. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, and it can cause lung issues, such as the development of scarring and stiffness in the lung. Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis can be present at the same time. Only people who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It typically occurs on the chest lining and abdomen. It isn't caused by smoking, and most people affected by mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in their work. People who smoke or suffer from other conditions like heart disease or diabetes may be more likely to develop mesothelioma more than other people.