Lung Cancer Asbestos Mesothelioma
The cancer caused by asbestos exposure can be a problem for the lungs, abdomen and the heart. Mesothelioma is found in the lining that surrounds these organs.
The symptoms of mesothelioma develop over a period of 10 to 50 years and look similar to those of less serious illnesses. This delay in development makes it difficult to identify.
Doctors diagnose lung cancer by looking at the kind of cancer and the cell structure. There are two broad categories of cancer: small cell and non-small cell.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer, is located in the protective linings of internal organs, referred to as the mesothelium. It is a tumor that is aggressive that typically forms in the lungs but can also develop in the lining of the abdomen, heart and testicles. It can take decades from the moment of exposure until the an onset of symptoms. Asbestos is an assortment of minerals that contain microscopic fibers. These fibers can be swallowed, inhaled and bonded to organ linings. Most often, exposure to asbestos occurs when an individual works in an industry that uses asbestos as a building material or insulation. Mesothelioma can be a serious illness that can affect construction workers, asbestos miners and welders. Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service in the military are also at high risk.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to schedule an appointment with a doctor. During the appointment, doctors ask patients to explain any symptoms they may be experiencing. They will also review the patient's medical records to determine if there are any conditions that may increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma.
If mesothelioma is suspected, doctors may order chest Xrays and blood tests or CT scans to determine any abnormalities. X-rays can reveal calcium deposits in the lungs, as well as thickening of the lung lining, or fluid in the space between the lungs and chest wall. A CT scan uses a more sophisticated machine that blends multiple X-rays into a picture of the inside of your body. This can detect any changes in the structure of the lungs or abdomen and aid in locating the tumor.
A CT scan will also detect mesothelioma signs on the chest cavity the lining. It can also determine whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
If mesothelioma is spreading to other organs of the body, a biopsy may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the disease. In some cases, a lung biopsy can be done by VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). This involves inserting a tube containing an imaging device into the chest cavity. The chest cavity is injected with sterile talcum to create inflammation, which closes the area and allows doctors to collect samples.
Diagnosis
A mesothelioma diagnosis is determined by symptoms medical history and laboratory tests. Doctors compare cancer cells found elsewhere within the body with asbestos-related cells found in fluid or tissue samples. If the mesothelioma is situated in the lungs, doctors can also examine the lungs using CT scans and FDG-positron emission tomography (PET).
Doctors detect pleural mesothelioma through taking a sample from the lungs, or from other areas of the chest wall where mesothelioma is spreading. They also take a tissue biopsy to determine if there is mesothelioma or other cancer cells. A doctor can also order blood tests to determine if someone has high levels of certain chemicals that could be indicative of mesothelioma.
Both lung cancer and mesothelioma are alike in many ways, but lung cancer is a form of cancer that develops within the lungs. Mesothelioma, on the other hand, is a cancer of the lining that surrounds the lungs. This means that the symptoms of mesothelioma may be confused with other illnesses such as pneumonia or influenza. Mesothelioma symptoms can take anywhere from to 50 years to appear so patients should be aware of any unusual symptoms.
A mesothelioma specialist can help patients determine whether their symptoms are caused by asbestos exposure. They can also talk about their symptoms and the types of testing or procedures they should have. They can even help patients find mesothelioma specialists to help them make a diagnosis.
Researchers are in the process of developing new methods to distinguish mesothelioma and other diseases. For example they can detect asbestos-related proteins, or determine the levels of hyaluronic acids in the eyes and joints. These tests could be used in identifying the mesothelioma type and how it will react.
It is essential to report any unusual symptoms to your doctor, especially when they are related to mesothelioma or lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure should see their doctor on a regular basis for medical examinations. This will help them get an early diagnosis of mesothelioma, and increase the likelihood of receiving treatment to prolong their lives. Contact the Mesothelioma Hope Team today to speak to an experienced Patient Advocate.
Treatment
Treatment options are determined by the kind of mesothelioma or lung cancer that a patient has. Patients should discuss their options for treatment with a doctor. To improve their chances of survival most patients opt to undergo active treatment, such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Doctors also treat mesothelioma with immunotherapy which is a form of experimental therapy that utilizes targeted drugs to specifically target certain cells within the body.
Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms which makes it difficult to determine. The symptoms may be similar to other respiratory illnesses or heart diseases. Asbestos patients should see the doctor immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms.
A biopsy can be performed by a doctor to determine if the patient is suffering from mesothelioma. The doctor will place a needle under the skin or make an incision through the abdomen or chest to remove a small amount of tissue. The tissue will be examined under a microscope to determine if it's mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is divided into epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more likely to have prognosis than sarcomatoid mesothelioma, which is more aggressive. A thoracoscopic biopsy with direct examination of the pleural nodules can improve the accuracy of diagnosis by as much as 25 percent.
Although mesothelioma as well as lung cancer are both cancers, they differ from one another. Lung cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the lungs, while mesothelioma occurs in the lining of organs such as the lungs, the heart, and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos can cause both cancers.
Asbestos workers who recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer should consider participating in clinical trials to evaluate new treatments. This could lead to better outcomes and a longer period of living symptom-free. It is important for patients to discuss their goals and desires with their physicians. Some patients will decide to endure side effects to improve their chances of survival. wichita falls asbestos attorneys would prefer to be at ease for as long as they can. These choices should be made in conjunction with the health team of care.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium. It is a thin membrane that protects organs like the lungs. It is usually caused by asbestos exposure and it takes between 10 to 50 years for symptoms to manifest.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is getting an individual's health background, which includes details about asbestos exposure. The doctors will also take an chest CT scan and an X-ray scan of the lung region. These tests may show changes in the lining of the lung that could cause abnormal thickening or calcium deposits. These tests can also be used to check for the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity, or the space between the lungs and the chest wall.
A doctor will also take a sample of tissue from around the lungs to check for mesothelioma cells. This is performed by a procedure called Thorcentesis. It can be performed by a doctor at the hospital, clinic or at home. A mesothelioma expert examines the sample.
Additionally, doctors often request blood tests to check for the presence of certain chemicals that may be indicative of mesothelioma. They may also want to examine the lining of the lungs, which can be done through a procedure called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VAT).
Asbestos sufferers should be aware that mesothelioma can occur in other parts of the body than the lungs. For example, mesothelioma can affect the abdominal lining and the testicles, as well. The lining of the heart is also susceptible to mesothelioma. It is also called pericardial pericardioma.
Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because it's not as common as lung cancer and it can easily be mistaken for less serious illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. The disease can also progress quickly and is difficult to treat.
Mesothelioma treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, can improve the chances of survival for patients. Mesothelioma prognoses are not written in stone, however, and people who suffer from mesothelioma are known to live longer than they expected.