Mesothelioma
asbestos claim Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity and lungs and, in some cases the lining of the abdomen and heart. Exposure to
asbestos compensation is the main cause of mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells transform into mesothelioma cancer cells.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the tissues that connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause these cells to undergo a change and develop into mesothelioma tumors. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lungs. It can also develop in the linings of the heart, abdomen and testicles.
Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and coughing are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Some patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms can be confusing and difficult to recognize in the early stages particularly when mesothelioma still a relatively new disease. It could take several years or even decades after exposure to
asbestos settlement for mesothelioma-related symptoms to appear.
A physical examination and a medical history of the patient is the first steps in determining mesothelioma. To determine the severity of symptoms doctors may recommend tests for blood and imaging scans. These scans comprise CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).
X-rays can reveal a mass or fluid that is not normal in the lung. These scans can help the doctor determine the type and location of the mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and mesothelioid are the two most prevalent types. About 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a worse prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.
Most patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain, and trouble breathing. A person with pleural msothelioma can have an abnormal heart sound, a condition called pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum.
The most effective method to identify mesothelioma is through a biopsy of tissue. The type of mesothelioma will determine how a doctor manages the disease. For instance in the case of mesothelioma of the pericardium the doctor could remove excess fluid using pleurodesis, a procedure that is known as pleurodesis, or insert a pleural catheter in the body to ease inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery.
Diagnosis
The mesothelioma-related cancer is found in the linings of the organs. The disease most commonly occurs in the lung (pleura) however it may also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes (tunica vaginalis).
It can take between 10 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. Due to this time of latency, many patients could be mistakenly diagnosed. This condition is often mistakenly referred to as other conditions that are less serious such as the flu or pneumonia. This misdiagnosis may result in a delay in treatment that can reduce the chances of survival for a patient.
If you suspect mesothelioma, visit their doctor as soon as possible. During the initial appointment, doctors will review the medical history of the patient to determine if there are any signs or symptoms that increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos and asbestos (
linked web-site), as well as the type and duration of the exposure.
The doctor will then order imaging tests for the abdomen and chest to look for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs can all show changes in the lungs, like the thickness of the pleural wall or the accumulation of fluid. They can also tell whether mesothelioma has spread other organs of the body.
A doctor might also recommend an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has high levels in certain substances linked to mesothelioma. They can also perform a procedure called a thoracentesis, which involves the removal of a sample from the fluid surrounding the lungs to look for cancer cells.
If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed the biopsy procedure is carried out to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be accomplished using VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) or with a needle guided by an CT scan. The results will aid in determining which mesothelioma treatment options are best for the patient. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients may also choose to undergo immunotherapy. This latest form of treatment can improve the prognosis of patients and improve their quality of life.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the tissues that line and protect organs, including the lung (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma). It is impossible to cure mesothelioma, but treatment can help manage symptoms.
Your doctor will ask you about your health history and check for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will also inquire about your
asbestos lawyer exposure, since asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to get trapped in the lining of the chest cavity, tummy or heart (mesothelium). As time passes, this causes inflammation and changes normal cells into cancerous ones. Mesothelioma is diagnosed with imaging tests and blood tests.
Your healthcare provider uses a chest X ray to determine if you suffer from fluid accumulation (pleural effusion). Your provider will order MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to get detailed images of the affected region. They may also perform a needle biopsy to obtain an image of the affected tissue.
A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will look at the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope in order to find cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma you have. To establish the diagnosis, the doctor will stain the tissue sample with a dye that lights up when certain kinds of proteins are present. They will then use an advanced method to get a closer look at the tissue under microscope.
It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma since the mesothelioma-causing cells look similar to those of other types of cells within the body. Your care team will try to confirm the diagnosis with other tests. They may use blood tests to measure levels of fibulin-3 as well as soluble mesothelin-related peptide.
Your healthcare team will determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma depending on your cancer type and stage. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most common treatment options for mesothelioma. Palliative treatment may be offered in the event that your mesothelioma has progressed to an advanced stage. This can relieve the pain and other symptoms.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma is determined by the type and stage of cancer as well as other factors such as age and general health. Patients should consult with a doctor who are skilled to find out about the treatment options available to them.
Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers damage the tissues that line and protect vital organs. The asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that transform normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most common mesothelioma forms are pleural (which forms on the lung linings as well as the chest cavity and abdomen) mesothelioma.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using symptoms, laboratory tests, and X-rays. They may also recommend that a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.