Lung Cancer Asbestos Mesothelioma
Cancers caused by asbestos exposure can affect the lungs and heart. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs in the lining surrounding these organs.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can develop over a period of 10 to 50 years and look like the symptoms of less serious diseases. This delay in development makes it difficult to identify.
Doctors diagnose lung cancer based on the kind and the structure of the cell. There are two broad classifications of cancer: small cell and non-small cell.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer, is located in the linings that protect internal organs, known as the mesothelium. It is a virulent tumor that typically forms in the lungs but can also grow in the lining of the heart, abdomen and testicles. After initial exposure, it can take a long time before symptoms show up. Asbestos is an assortment of minerals that have microscopic fibers. These fibers can be swallowed, inhaled, and adhere to the organ linings. Exposure to asbestos most often occurs when a person is employed in an industry that uses asbestos as an insulation or building material. Mesothelioma is a deadly disease that affects construction workers, asbestos miners, and welding professionals. Veterans exposed to asbestos in the military are also at risk of the disease.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to make an appointment with a physician. During this appointment doctors will inquire with patients about any symptoms they are experiencing. They will also check the medical history of the patient to determine if they have any conditions that would increase their risk of mesothelioma.
If mesothelioma has been identified, physicians may order chest Xrays and blood tests or CT scans to determine any abnormalities. X-rays can show calcium deposits in the lungs and a thickening of the lung lining, or even the fluid between the lungs. A CT scan is an advanced machine that combines multiple X-rays to create an image of the inside of your body. This will reveal any changes in the structure of the abdomen or lungs and help doctors locate the tumor.
A CT scan may also search for mesothelioma-related signs in the the chest cavity or peritoneum. It can also be used to determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
A biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the stage of mesothelioma. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) can be used in certain cases to carry out lung biopsy. This involves inserting a tube with an imaging device into the chest cavity. A sterile talcum powder is then injectable into the chest cavity, causing inflammation that seals the area, allowing doctors to remove samples of the lining.
Diagnosis
A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history and laboratory tests. Doctors look for asbestos-related cancerous cells in fluid or tissue samples and compare them to cancer cells found in other parts of the body. If the mesothelioma occurs in the lungs, doctors can also examine the lung area using CT scans and FDG-positron emission tomography (PET).
Doctors diagnose pleural mesothelioma by taking a sample of the fluid from the lungs or other areas of the chest wall where mesothelioma is spreading. They may also perform an organ biopsy to look for mesothelioma cells or cancerous cells. A doctor may also order blood tests to see whether the patient has high levels of specific chemicals that could indicate mesothelioma.
The two cancers are similar in many respects, but lung cancer is a cancer that is found in the lungs while mesothelioma affects the lining around the lung. This means that the signs of mesothelioma may be confused with other ailments such as influenza or pneumonia. In addition, mesothelioma can take between 10 and 50 years before showing signs and patients should report any unusual symptoms to their doctor.
A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients determine if their symptoms are caused by asbestos exposure. They can also talk about the symptoms of patients and the type of testing or procedure they should undergo. They can assist patients to find a specialist in mesothelioma to aid in diagnosing the disease.
Researchers are in the process of developing new methods to distinguish mesothelioma from other cancers. For instance they can detect asbestos-related proteins or assess levels of hyaluronic acids within the eyes and joints. These tests can be used to determine the mesothelioma type, and to predict how it will respond to treatment.
It is important to report any unusual symptoms to a physician particularly if they are related to mesothelioma or lung cancer. People with a history of asbestos exposure should see their doctors regularly to undergo medical examinations. This will help them receive an early diagnosis of mesothelioma and increase the likelihood of receiving treatment that can extend their lifespans. Contact the Mesothelioma Hope Team today to speak with a seasoned Patient Advocate.
Treatment
Treatment options are determined by the type of mesothelioma or lung cancer that a patient is diagnosed with. Patients should discuss treatment options with their doctor. To improve their prognosis, many patients choose to undergo active treatment, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Doctors can also treat mesothelioma by using immunotherapy. This is a new treatment that uses specific drugs to target specific cells within the body.
Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma could be accompanied by a variety of symptoms that make it difficult to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other respiratory ailments, or even heart disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to contact your physician immediately.
A doctor can determine if a patient is suffering from mesothelioma via an in-person biopsy. The doctor will insert an needle through the skin, or make an incision on the chest or abdomen to take out some tissue. The tissue will be examined under microscope to determine if the tissue is mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can be classified into two types: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a better prognosis than sarcomatoid mesothelioma, which is more aggressive. A thoracoscopic biopsy that allows direct examination of the pleural nodules can improve the accuracy of diagnosis by up to 25%.
Both mesothelioma and lung cancer, are both cancers. However, they are not the same. Lung cancer can develop inside 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 recently diagnosed with Mesothelioma or lung cancer might want to think about taking part in clinical trials that test new treatments. This could lead to better outcomes and a longer duration of pain-free living. It's important that patients discuss their goals and wishes with their doctors. Some patients choose to suffer side effects in order to improve their prognosis. Others prefer to remain comfortable as long as they can. These choices should be made in partnership with the health care team.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma can be described as a cancer that is found in the mesothelium. Oklahoma City asbestos lawyer is a thin membrane that protects certain organs, like the lungs. It is often linked to asbestos exposure, and symptoms can develop between 10 and fifty years after the exposure.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to obtain the patient's medical history, including details about asbestos exposure. Doctors may also conduct a chest X-ray and a CT scan of the lung area. These tests can reveal changes in the lining of the lung, like abnormal thickness or calcium deposits. These tests can also be used to test for accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity or the space between the lungs and the chest wall.
A doctor will also collect lung tissue and analyze it for mesothelioma. This is accomplished through a procedure known as Thorcentesis. A physician can perform this in a hospital setting, outpatient clinic or at home. The sample is then examined by mesothelioma specialists.
In addition, doctors frequently order blood tests to look for the presence of certain chemicals which could indicate mesothelioma. They may also request to examine the lung lining, which is done by an operation called video-assisted surgery (VAT).
Asbestos victims must be aware that it is possible for mesothelioma to be found in different parts of the body other than the lungs. For instance, mesothelioma may affect the lining of the abdomen and the testicles, as well. The heart's lining is also prone to mesothelioma. This is called pericardial pericardioma.
Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because it's not as prevalent as lung cancer, and it can easily be mistaken for less serious illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. The disease can progress quickly and is difficult to treat.
Mesothelioma treatment options, like chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, may improve the prognosis of patients. Mesothelioma prognoses are not set in stone however, and patients with mesothelioma have been known to live longer than anticipated.