Lung Cancer Asbestos Mesothelioma
The asbestos-related cancer can affect the abdomen, lungs and heart. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the lining around these organs.
The symptoms of mesothelioma appear over 10 to 50 years, and look similar to the symptoms of less serious diseases. This delay in development makes it difficult to determine the cause.
Doctors determine the presence of lung cancer based on its type and cell structure. Cancer is classified into two categories: small cell cancer and non-small cells.
Signs and symptoms
Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma occurs in the protective linings around internal organs known as the mesothelium. It is a virulent tumor that is most often found in the lungs but can also develop in the lining of the abdomen, heart and testicles. It can take years from the first exposure to the onset of symptoms. Asbestos is one of the minerals that have micro-sized fibers that can be inhaled or swallowed and cling to the linings of organs. Most often, exposure to asbestos occurs when an individual works in a field that uses it as a building material or insulation. Mesothelioma can be a serious illness that can affect construction workers, asbestos miners and welding workers. Veterans exposed to asbestos while in the military are also at risk of contracting the mesothelioma.
The first step to recognize mesothelioma involves making an appointment with a doctor. During the appointment doctors will ask patients to identify any symptoms they might be experiencing. They will also review the medical history of the patient to see if they have any conditions that increase their risk of developing mesothelioma.
If mesothelioma has been suspected, doctors can request chest X-rays as well as CT scans to detect any abnormalities. X-rays could show calcium deposits in the lungs and a thickening of the lung lining, or fluid between the lungs. A CT scan uses a more advanced machine that combines multiple X-rays into a picture of the inside of your body. This can detect changes in the structure of the lungs or abdomen and aid in locating the tumor.
A CT scan will also detect mesothelioma-related signs on the peritoneum or chest cavity liner. It will also reveal if the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.
If mesothelioma has spread to other organs of the body, a biopsy may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the disease. In some instances lung biopsy may be carried out by using VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments). This involves inserting a tube using a camera through the chest. The chest cavity is filled with sterile talcum in order to cause inflammation. This closes the area and allows doctors to collect samples.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be determined by the symptoms, medical history and laboratory tests. Doctors search for asbestos-related cells in tissue or fluid samples and compare them with cancer cells found in other parts of the body. If mesothelioma is spreading to the lungs doctors can look into the area with CT scans or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET).
Doctors detect pleural mesothelioma through taking a sample from the lungs or other parts of the chest wall where mesothelioma has mutated. They also take a biopsy of tissue to determine if there is mesothelioma or other cancer cells. A doctor might also request blood tests to determine whether the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that indicate mesothelioma.
Both lung cancer and mesothelioma are alike in many ways however, lung cancer is a cancer that grows in the lungs while mesothelioma affects a lining surrounding the lung. This difference means that symptoms and signs of mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as symptoms of other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma symptoms can take up to 50 years before they appear, so patients should be aware of any unusual symptoms.
A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients determine whether their symptoms are caused by asbestos exposure. They can also discuss the symptoms of patients and what type of testing or procedure they should undergo. They can even assist patients find a mesothelioma specialist to aid in the diagnosis.
Researchers are developing new methods to aid in identifying mesothelioma from other diseases like finding asbestos-related proteins in the body or measuring levels of hyaluronic acid within the eyes and joints. These tests could be used in identifying the mesothelioma type and the way it will react.
Notifying any unusual symptoms particularly those that are related to lung cancer or mesothelioma, to your doctor is important. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure should see their doctor regularly for medical examinations. This will allow them to receive an early mesothelioma diagnosis and increase the likelihood of receiving treatment that will extend their lifespans. Contact the Mesothelioma Hope Team today to speak to an experienced Patient Advocate.
Treatment
Treatment options are determined by the type of mesothelioma or lung cancer that a patient has. Patients should discuss the available options for treatment with a doctor. A majority of patients choose to undergo active treatment, which may include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy, in order to improve their chances of survival. Doctors can also treat mesothelioma by using immunotherapy. This is a new treatment that makes use of specific drugs to target specific cells within the body.
Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma can present with a range of symptoms which makes it difficult to identify. The symptoms are often similar to those of other respiratory illnesses or heart conditions. Asbestos victims should contact the doctor immediately in the event of any of the following symptoms.
A doctor can determine if a patient is suffering from mesothelioma by performing a biopsy. The doctor will place a needle through the skin, or cut an incision along the abdomen or chest to take out some tissue. reading asbestos law firm will be analyzed under microscopes to determine if the tissue is mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can be divided into two types: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more likely to have prognosis than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid which is more aggressive. A thoracoscopic biopsy that allows direct visualization of the pleural nodules can improve the accuracy of diagnosis by as much as 25%.
Both mesothelioma, and lung cancer, are both cancers. However, they are not the same. Lung cancer develops inside the lungs, and mesothelioma is found in the lining of organs, such as the lungs, heart, and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos can cause both cancers.
Asbestos workers who have recently been diagnosed with lung cancer or mesothelioma should consider participating in clinical trials to test new treatments. This could lead to better outcomes and a longer period of pain-free living. It is crucial that patients discuss their goals and aspirations with their physicians. Some patients might choose to suffer from side effects in exchange for the possibility of a better prognosis while others prefer to be content for as long as is possible. These decisions should be taken in conjunction with the health care team.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma can be described as a cancer that is found in the mesothelium. This is a thin membrane that protects certain organs, such as the lung. It is often caused by asbestos exposure and it takes between 10 and 50 years for the symptoms to manifest.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma involves obtaining the patient's medical history, which includes details about asbestos exposure. Doctors will also take an X-ray of the chest and an CT scan of the lung region. These tests may show changes in the lining of the lung that could cause abnormal thickening or calcium deposits. They may also assist doctors search for the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity or the space between the lungs and the chest wall.
A doctor may also take lung tissue and examine it for mesothelioma. This is done by a procedure known as thoracentesis. A doctor can perform this in a hospital or outpatient clinic, or at home. A mesothelioma expert will examine the specimen.
Additionally, doctors often order blood tests to look for the presence of certain chemicals that could be indicative of mesothelioma. They may also want to look at the lining of the lungs and this is accomplished through a procedure known as video-assisted surgery (VAT).
Asbestos patients must be aware that mesothelioma could develop in other areas of the body other than the lungs. Mesothelioma for instance can affect the tissues of the abdomen, heart, and testicles. The lining of the heart is also prone to mesothelioma. It is also called pericardial pericardioma.
Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because it's not as common as lung cancer and it is often mistaken for less serious diseases like pneumonia or the flu. The disease can develop quickly and can be difficult for doctors to treat.
Doctors can improve the prognosis of patients by mesothelioma treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and immunotherapy. Mesothelioma treatment options aren't fixed in stone however, and patients who suffer from mesothelioma are known to live longer than anticipated.