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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that develops within the linings of protection around certain organs. It is most commonly found in the lung linings or abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma is more likely to develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who worked in asbestos-related jobs or lived near an asbestos mine or factory. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. Exposure to asbestos usually causes cancerous tumors to develop in these tissues, but symptoms may not manifest for decades after exposure. Most people who develop mesothelioma are diagnosed with mesothelioma of the pleural (lung cavity). Other types include mesothelioma peritoneal (abdominal cavity), testicular and pericardial mesothelioma (lining of the hearts). Symptoms include fluid buildup, breathing problems and pain. Since these symptoms are similar to those of other medical conditions they are often misdiagnosed. Mesothelioma sufferers are likely to visit a number of health professionals before they are diagnosed. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is associated with asbestos exposure. It takes between 10 and 50 years for first signs of mesothelioma to be evident, but it can be difficult to identify because the illness has a long time of latency. A doctor will start with a physical exam and inquire about your family history and work background. The doctor might order an chest CT scan or X-ray scan to determine evidence of asbestos exposure such as pleural plaques and other signs of abnormalities. These tests can also detect the presence of fluid between the lungs, chest wall and pleural effusion. An MRI or PET scan is a procedure to help doctors detect tumors and differentiate between mesothelioma and other cancers. These tests can also reveal asbestos-related changes to the heart of a patient, a condition called mesothelioma of the pericardium. A biopsy may be performed by doctors to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. The biopsy involves inserting a needle into the affected part of the body. This is to collect tiny samples to examine under a magnifying lens. A biopsy can be used to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the kind of cancer. A biopsy may be performed during a routine checkup or when a patient experiences mesothelioma symptoms. In most instances, patients will be directed to an expert to undergo the procedure. This may be a pulmonologist or an oncologist or surgeon. The doctor will choose the most effective method of testing mesothelioma. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that takes years to develop. Since the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions it is crucial to be diagnosed as early as possible to increase the chances of a positive outcome. The first step is to visit an GP or specialist doctor. They will ask you about your exposure to asbestos, and then take a medical history. In addition to taking a medical history doctors will also need to run a number of tests and scans of your body. These include blood tests, Xrays and CT and PET scans. The X-rays may help doctors detect abnormalities in the lung like fluid accumulation or thickening of the pleura. These are signs of mesothelioma. CT and PET scans can spot smaller abnormalities in the lungs, that may not show up on an X-ray. These scans can also show the location and extent of any tumors or mass. Doctors use the results of these tests to make a mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the stage of treatment. There are four different stages of mesothelioma. They vary from stage 1 through four. Stages 1 and 2 mesothelioma are less advanced and more easily treatable than later stages. If your GP suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and look for cancerous cells in the tissue. A biopsy is when doctors take a tiny sample of tissue and examine it with a magnifying lens to detect mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is divided into three types according to the type of cells discovered in the tissue sample. Epithelioid is by far the most popular mesothelioma type and responds well to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is among the least common and has a less favorable prognosis. In many cases, mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed due to the symptoms are similar. This is particularly the case with mesothelioma which could be mistakenly identified as lung cancer or other conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis. The wrong diagnosis of mesothelioma could delay treatment, which can improve your chances of survival. It is important to consult a GP as soon as you can if you notice any unusual symptoms. Also, tell them if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. Treatment Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the thin tissue layer that covers the insides of organs like the lungs or abdomen. It is a rare but deadly cancer that is caused by exposure asbestos. People diagnosed with mesothelioma may benefit from an array of treatments. It is crucial to identify mesothelioma as soon as possible. Mesothelioma may have a long latency meaning that symptoms might not show up until years after the initial exposure. A doctor can identify Mesothelioma based on an examination of the medical history and physical examination, as well as imaging tests. X-rays and other scans may reveal fluid accumulation in the chest cavity and abdominal cavity, or the pericardium. They can also show signs like a cough or wheezing. They can also reveal chest pain. Doctors can also determine the stage of mesothelioma. The staging system determines the treatments available and the chance of cancer spreading. The most frequent mesothelioma form is found in the linings of the lungs. The mesothelioma that is peritoneal develops on the lining in the abdomen. The third type is a mixture of both epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma referred to as biphasic. It occurs in 10% cases of mesothelioma. If a patient exhibits mesothelioma-like symptoms the doctor will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of just a small amount (usually just a few milliliters) of fluid or tissue to be examined under microscope. This test can reveal the cell types that are typical of mesothelioma. Certain patients with pleural cancer will undergo surgery to remove the affected lung lining. This procedure is referred to as pleurodesis and can be performed with or without chemotherapy. Pleurodesis is usually performed by a surgical team that has expertise in treating mesothelioma. Patients with this disease may be treated with additional surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. Other options for treatment include immunotherapy, which is designed to increase the body's natural defenses against cancer, and gene therapy, which involves injecting modified viruses into the patient's body to stop the growth of tumors. Prognosis Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, is a form that develops in the thin protective layer that covers a variety of organs including the lung. The only cause that is known for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Blue-collar workers employed asbestos-containing products in their work between the 1930s and the 1980s. They may have breathed in or swallowed tiny asbestos fibers that were lodged in their tissues. rockford asbestos law firm suffering from mesothelioma typically suffer from symptoms that last for many years before being diagnosed. A person diagnosed with mesothelioma is subjected to an examination by a doctor to identify symptoms and determine the severity of the disease. The doctor will go through the medical records of the patient and any asbestos exposure history. Mesothelioma is typically only diagnosed when a patient presents with persistent symptoms, such as chest pain or breathing difficulties. The doctor will recommend imaging scans such as the CT, MRI, or PET (positron-emission tomography) to assess the health of the patient and determine the most effective treatment options. These tests can aid doctors in identifying other diseases that have similar symptoms, for example, lung cancer or pneumonia. These tests can also be used to identify the mesothelioma type, and the stage and the grade. Pleural mesothelioma is much easier to treat than the other kinds. Asbestos-related patients diagnosed with peritoneal or testicular mesothelioma have a more difficult time battling the disease and may experience a shorter life expectancy. Mesothelioma patients at the earliest stages of the cancer have the highest chance for surviving. This is due to the fact that a small area of cancer is much easier to treat than a larger one that has spread to many areas of the body. Family members of those diagnosed with mesothelioma are at a higher risk than others for developing the mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that family members are more likely than others to be exposed to asbestos second-hand such as when a worker who was exposed to asbestos brought home asbestos fibers in their hair or clothes. The exposure of asbestos by the spouse, child or sibling can increase the risk of a person developing mesothelioma.