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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer The linings of major organs are affected, and most typically in the lungs. It is caused by asbestos fibers becoming stuck in the linings of a person's lung. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma-related symptoms can develop decades later. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma pleural. Other kinds include peritoneal mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma. Signs and symptoms Asbestos fibers may get caught in the lungs or any other tissues in the body when they are inhaled. They could remain there for decades, causing the tissue to shrink over time and develop tumors. The resulting mesothelioma may be spread to other parts of the body as well. The lining of the chest cavity (pleura) and lung is the most commonly encountered mesothelioma site. It is referred to as pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also be found in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and in the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed later than lung cancer and other asbestos-related illnesses, because symptoms can take a long time to show up. This makes it harder to diagnose. Mesothelioma symptoms are often similar to those of other illnesses, including pneumonia or the flu. Asbestos patients may also experience a fever, fatigue or weight loss. This can lead to delays in seeking medical care. Mesothelioma typically takes 10 to 50 years or more to develop following exposure to asbestos. It is most commonly diagnosed in people who are over 65, especially men and those assigned male at birth. To determine if mesothelioma is present doctors must first rule out any other conditions. They then collect a small amount of the affected area to be tested. The specimen is examined for mesothelioma that is malignant. This test will help determine if the mesothelioma in question is epithelioid (which is the most common of cases) or sarcomatoid (which is less prevalent and has a less favorable prognosis). In addition to a physical examination, doctors can perform imaging tests in order to check the lung and tissue for indications of Mesothelioma. A chest CT scan may reveal fluid or calcium deposits in the lungs, or between the lungs and chest wall. It will also reveal if the lungs are larger or the presence of scarring from past inflammation, which is another sign of mesothelioma. A Postron emission tomography (PET) scan can also aid in identifying mesothelioma as well as its stage. It can also tell if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Diagnosis Mesothelioma can result from asbestos exposure, which is a collection of microscopic fibers that was previously widely used in the construction industry. Exposure usually occurs when someone inhales the fibres, causing them to be trapped in their lungs. Symptoms of mesothelioma can develop within 20 years of the initial exposure to asbestos. It is essential to inform your doctor about any previous asbestos exposure, even if it was only brief or indirect as the condition can be difficult to identify. A doctor will look over and document your medical history. They may also perform imaging tests like chest CT scans and X-rays. These can show an increase in pleural thickness and fluid accumulation in addition to other signs of abnormalities. MRI and PET scanners can be used to view soft tissues such as the diaphragm as well as the lungs more clearly. These scans also help identify cancer cells. Blood tests can be used to check for the presence of high levels of certain mesothelioma-related chemicals like fibulin-3 and mesothelin-related peptides that are soluble. These tests can be helpful if the mesothelioma spread to the lung. They can aid doctors determine the exact site of the cancer. A lung biopsy can prove that you have mesothelioma. This involves inserting a needle into the lungs in order to take a small amount of tissue for testing. Mesothelioma is diagnosed in various stages, however those who are diagnosed later have a lower chance of survival. The cancer is likely to be spread by the time the cancer is detected. The doctors will still treat the underlying disease, but they are usually more focused on reducing symptoms and improving comfort. The type of mesothelioma that you are suffering from will determine the treatment recommended. For instance, pleural melanoma affects the lung's lining, while peritoneal mesothelioma is a problem with the stomach-specific membrane. Some types of mesothelioma are more common than others, however they all develop as the result of exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is not preventable however you can lower the risk by not smoking cigarettes and avoiding jobs that contain asbestos. Treatment Mesothelioma poses a threat to those who worked in asbestos-related industries like shipbuilding, construction and manufacturing between 1930 and 1980. Asbestos exposure occurs when tiny fibers are breathed in or consumed and get stuck in the tissue linings of the chest, abdomen testicles, and the heart. After decades of exposure, these fibers cause the lining to inflame and cause tumors. The tumors grow into cancer, and then spread to other areas of the body. Mesothelioma is an extremely rare condition. The symptoms typically manifest decades after the diagnosis. It is often misdiagnosed since the symptoms are similar to those of bronchitis, lung cancer, or other respiratory conditions. A doctor can determine the condition by looking over a patient's medical records and executing certain tests. A doctor may also take a tissue or fluid sample from the affected area during a biopsy. The samples are examined with a magnifying glass to confirm mesothelioma. A doctor will then recommend treatment options once mesothelioma has been confirmed. The type of cancer and its stage will determine the type of treatment recommended. If mesothelioma is present in the early stages, surgery may be performed to remove the cancer and prevent it from recurring. This can increase the life expectancy of the patient. However it is usually diagnosed in later stages when cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. In these cases, doctors will focus on treating the patient's symptoms. Mesothelioma treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation or both. The type of therapy a patient receives depends on the mesothelioma's type, stage and other factors like their health, age and fitness. Patients who have a good prognosis are more likely to undergo intensive surgical procedures or receive newer targeted treatments in clinical trials. You may be entitled to financial compensation to cover your mesothelioma treatment. Contact a mesothelioma attorney today for a case review to determine if you're qualified to file a lawsuit. Prognosis Mesothelioma has a long period of latency and patients may experience symptoms for years before they receive a diagnosis. When doctors discover the cancer, it's usually been able to spread, making treatment difficult. Austin asbestos lawyers of a doctor is a prediction of the severity of the disease and the treatment options available. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos in the workplace may be at risk for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can happen in a variety of settings, such as construction, shipbuilding and mining, or even during asbestos removal. Asbestos fibers can cause tissue damage by getting stuck in the lungs or other organs. This damage can cause mesothelioma, among other asbestos-related diseases, over the course of years. Asbestos victims should discuss their exposure to asbestos with a medical professional and undergo regular physical examinations. This is especially crucial for those who worked in the shipbuilding, construction or mining industries or whose family members were exposed to. The doctor will inquire about any health issues or conditions which are connected to exposure to asbestos as well as any symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty in breathing. A patient may be referred to an array of imaging tests like the CT scan or MRI and/or blood and urine testing. Chest X-rays can reveal abnormalities that could be indicative of mesothelioma. The most common signs are the pleura becoming thicker and fluid in the lung space and chest wall. X-rays, as well as other diagnostic tests, can help doctors determine where the mesothelioma is and the nature. The cell type of mesothelioma also influences survival rates. The average life expectancy for mesothelioma is 12-21 months, however patients can improve their chances of survival by receiving treatments that decrease the size of the tumor and slow down spread of cancer. These options include surgery, as well as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Patients with a mesothelioma diagnosis should not base their lives solely on statistics. Survival rates are a bit misleading and don't take into account the specific circumstances of each patient. People with a mesothelioma that is pleural or peritoneal can live longer than the national averages, as are patients with a pre-clinical diagnosis and those who receive multimodal therapy.