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Mesothelioma Asbestosis Symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis can be similar. This is because both conditions are caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. Pleural mesothelioma is treatable by surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Mesothelioma has four stages that indicate how far the cancer has spread. Doctors use staging to determine available treatment options and life potential. edmond asbestos attorney (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It is most commonly found in the lung lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura) however it can also be found in the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means that it has the ability to expand and spread beyond its original location. The first sign is usually a cough that does not produce the phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and weight loss. Some patients may experience lumps or swelling on their abdomen. A patient's doctor can recommend specialists if they're experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will conduct several tests to determine if the symptoms are due to mesothelioma, or another cancer. They will employ imaging scanners to examine the lungs, abdomens or hearts and perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In the case of pleural mesothelioma there are two major surgical options. Extrapleural pneumonectomy eliminates part of the lung affected, the diaphragm and a section of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy or pulmonary decortication removes only the pleura, not the entire lung. The chemotherapy and radiation are also options. The first makes use of high-energy X radiation to destroy cancerous cells. The second uses drugs such as pemetrexed or carboplatin in order to eliminate cancerous cells or slow down their growth. Patients must inform their physician whether they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This is important because mesothelioma can be diagnosed as early as 20 years after initial exposure. The doctor will also inquire about the frequency and duration of exposure since these factors can affect the development of symptoms. If your GP suspects you have mesothelioma they will order an CT scan in order to determine the extent to which the cancer has spread throughout the body. If the mesothelioma has spread to the lungs, a bronchoscopy will be performed to check the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In some cases, a physician may recommend a PET-CT or chest MRI scan to determine if cancer has spread to your heart. Diagnosis The most reliable method to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is to obtain a biopsy or fluid sample. Doctors will use this sample to look for cancerous cells, which are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be done surgically or through the use of a needle. Doctors may also utilize imaging tests like x-rays and CT scans to identify mesothelioma. They can also conduct a positron emission tomography (PET) scan which can be used to find cancerous cells that have expanded. Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms can be so similar to other conditions. For example, the chest pain associated mesothelioma may be mistaken for lung cancer or heart disease. Pleural effusion, which is a condition caused by asbestos can be misinterpreted as pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma they will ask about the person's past exposure to asbestos, as well as the symptoms. The doctor will also conduct a physical examination and ask about the medical history of relatives. The doctor will request blood and urine testing to look for elevated levels. These tests can be conducted in the hospital or even at home. These tests can help doctors determine the level of asbestos in the body and how the other organs are performing. They also need to find out if the patient had any previous surgeries. A chest xray and CT scan are taken to check for signs of the mesothelioma, like a thickening of the lining around the lung. If doctors suspect pericardial Mesothelioma they usually order an echocardiogram. This is a test which uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, an MRI scan may prove helpful, as it provides detailed images of the soft tissues. Mediastinoscopy can be performed by inserting a tube that contains a camera and light inside the chest to look at and sample the lymph nodes that are located close to the center. This is especially beneficial in cases where mesothelioma has spread to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-moving respiratory illness, but there are treatment options to help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. Doctors may use methods for fluid drainage, medications, surgeries or a combination of these methods to alleviate fatigue and pain in the lung. Doctors can also help patients cope with the loss of normal energy levels and how that affects their daily life. The first step to treat mesothelioma asbestosis is to find out if cancer cells are present. A biopsy is the best way to find out. During a biopsy, doctors will take a small portion of mesothelium and examine it under a microscope. They are looking for cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually performed through surgery, but doctors may also perform the procedure known as thoracentesis. This involves inserting an needle into the chest in order to take out samples of fluid for testing. A surgeon might decide, once test results have been received, to remove any affected areas of the body. This is most often performed for pleural mesothelioma but it is sometimes used to treat peritoneal cancer as well. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos fibers which are ingested into the digestive tract. Patients can take actions following surgery to increase their level of comfort. You can do this by taking naps in the morning, making trips to the store and other outings when you are feeling better and performing light exercises. Patients can also inquire about clinical trials for treatment of mesothelioma with a health care provider. These trials are studies on new mesothelioma treatment options which aren't yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, could be available. Chemotherapy makes use of drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiation and immunotherapy boost the body's natural defense mechanisms against cancer. The targeted therapy uses specific drugs to attack vulnerabilities in mesothelioma tumor cells. Each patient's case is individual. It is important to discuss with a mesothelioma specialist all possible treatment options. Prognosis A prognosis can be described as a rough estimation of the extent to which mesothelioma develops and what treatment options are available. It can also tell patients how long they can expect to live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. A patient's overall health is a different factor in their mesothelioma prognosis. Fitter people with more accurate blood tests, including normal haemoglobin and higher white and platelet counts, will have a greater chance of being able to beat the disease. They will also be more in their ability to handle chemotherapy and surgery than people with lower general health. Mesothelioma can be described as a highly aggressive cancer that is often a poor prognosis than other types of cancer. This is because it is often diagnosed much later when the cancer has already taken hold. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to many other illnesses which makes it difficult to diagnose. In some instances, it may take years for a patient to develop mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos. There are two major types of mesothelioma: pleural mesotheliom and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. Both are caused by exposure to asbestos. It is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells that cover the majority of the body's internal organs. The cancerous cells that cause mesothelioma pleural affect the membrane that lines the chest cavity. It may also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the testicles' lining (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis is not a form of mesothelioma but it does exhibit similar symptoms to those of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung issues including scarring and stiffness. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can occur simultaneously. Mesothelioma cancer is only found in those who have been exposed to asbestos. It usually develops on the chest lining and abdomen. It is not a result of smoking, and most people affected by mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in their work. People who smoke and also those with other diseases such as heart disease or diabetes may be more likely to develop mesothelioma more than other people.