Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma occurs in the linings of major organs typically the lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers that become stuck in the tissues of the body's lining.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can develop years later. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. Other kinds include peritoneal mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the lungs or any other tissues of the body when inhaled. They may remain there for years and cause the tissue to progressively expand in a different way and develop tumors. The mesothelioma that results can spread to other parts of the body.
The chest cavity's lining (pleura) and the lungs is the most frequent mesothelioma-related site. This is called pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also be found in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or in the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed later than lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases, because symptoms can take a while to manifest. This makes it difficult to detect.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be reminiscent of other ailments, such as pneumonia or the flu. Asbestos sufferers may also experience fatigue or fever. This can lead to a misdiagnosis, or a delay in seeking medical attention. After exposure to asbestos, it can take up to 50 years before mesothelioma begins to develop. It is most often diagnosed in people older than 65 particularly males and males who were born.
To diagnose mesothelioma doctors must rule out any other diseases and collect an extract of the affected area for testing. The specimen is examined for mesothelioma maligna. This test helps determine if the mesothelioma is epithelioid which accounts for the majority of the cases, or sarcomatoid which is less frequent but has a poorer prognosis.
In addition to physical examinations doctors can also perform imaging tests to evaluate the lungs and tissues for symptoms of Mesothelioma. A chest CT scan may reveal calcium or fluid deposits in the lungs or between the lungs and chest wall. The scan could also show whether the lungs are enlarged or if scarring has developed due to previous inflammation. This is another indication of Mesothelioma. A Postron emission tomography (PET) scan can aid in identifying mesothelioma and its stage. It can also identify whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of microscopic fibres once widely used in construction. Exposure occurs when asbestos fibres are inhaled, and they become stuck in the lungs. Mesothelioma symptoms often develop 20 years or more after the initial exposure. Inform your doctor if you have ever been exposed to asbestos even if the exposure was brief or indirect. The disease can be difficult to identify.
A doctor will evaluate and document your medical history. They can also conduct imaging tests, such as chest CT scans and X-rays. These tests can reveal pleural thickening and fluid build-up, as well as other signs of abnormalities. MRI and PET scans can also be utilized to see soft tissues like the lungs and diaphragm more clear. Fullerton asbestos lawyers may help in identifying cancerous cells.
Blood tests can be used to determine high levels of certain chemicals linked to mesothelioma. This includes fibulin-3, soluble mesothelin related peptides and mesothelin soluble. These tests can be helpful if the mesothelioma spread to the lung. They can help doctors pinpoint the exact site of the cancer. A lung biopsy will confirm that mesothelioma is present. This involves inserting a needle into your lung and then removing a tiny portion of tissue to test.
Mesothelioma is diagnosed in several stages, however those who are diagnosed later are less likely of surviving. The cancer is likely to be spreading by the time the cancer is discovered. The doctors will still treat the underlying problem, but they are more focused on managing symptoms and improving comfort.
The type of mesothelioma that you are suffering from will determine the treatment you are recommended for. For example, pleural mesothelioma affects the lung's lining while peritoneal mesothelioma is a problem with the membrane around the stomach. There are different mesothelioma types, however, all develop as a result of exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is not preventable however, you can minimize the risk by not smoking or working in occupations that contain asbestos.
Treatment
People who worked in industries that employed asbestos such as construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing between the 1930s and 1980s are at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos occurs when tiny fibers inhaled or ingested enter the body and become trapped inside tissue linings such as the chest, abdomen and testicles. After years of exposure, these asbestos fibers cause the lining of the body to become inflamed which can lead to tumors. These tumors can develop into cancer and expand to other parts of the body.
Mesothelioma is a rare condition. The symptoms usually appear decades after the diagnosis. It is often misdiagnosed as lung cancer, bronchitis or other respiratory diseases because its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
A doctor can determine mesothelioma by looking at a patient's medical history and performing certain tests. When performing a biopsy, a doctor may also collect a sample of tissue or fluid from the affected area. These samples are then examined using microscopes to confirm mesothelioma.
A doctor will recommend treatments once mesothelioma has been diagnosed. The type of mesothelioma and its stage determine the type of treatment that is recommended.
If the cancer is still in its initial stages, surgery may be performed to remove the tumor. This will stop the cancer from returning. This can extend the lifespan of a patient.
However the majority of cases of pleural mesothelioma are diagnosed in later stages when cancer has already spread to other areas of the body. In these cases doctors will focus on managing the patient's symptoms.
Treatment for mesothelioma may include either radiation or chemotherapy. The type of treatment that a patient receives will depend on the mesothelioma type, its stage and other factors like their health, age and fitness. Patients who have a good prognosis are more likely to undergo aggressive surgical procedures or newer targeted treatments in clinical trials. You could be qualified for financial compensation to cover the mesothelioma treatments you receive. To find out if you are eligible to file a lawsuit, contact a mesothelioma attorney today for a free case review.
Prognosis
The latency period of mesothelioma is long, and patients can have symptoms for many years before being diagnosed. When doctors are able to diagnose the cancer, it's often spread and made treatment difficult. A prognosis is a doctor's estimation of how far the disease has spread and what treatment options are available.
People who have been exposed to asbestos while at work could be at risk of developing mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can occur in a variety of places including mining, shipbuilding, construction, or even during asbestos elimination. Asbestos fibres can cause tissue damage by getting stuck in the lungs or other organs. Over the course of time the damage can result in mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Asbestos patients must discuss their exposure to asbestos with a health care provider and undergo regular physical examinations. This is especially crucial for people who worked in the construction industry, shipbuilding or mining, or have family members who worked in these fields. The doctor will inquire about any illnesses or conditions that are related to asbestos exposure and also symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing. A person may be referred to undergo a series of imaging tests, like an CT or MRI scan and/or blood or urine tests.
Chest Xrays can reveal anomalies that could indicate mesothelioma. This includes thickening of the pleura and the fluid that is between the lungs.
X-rays and other diagnostic tests can help doctors determine the mesothelioma's location and the type. The type of cell found in mesothelioma could also impact the survival rate.
The average life expectancy for mesothelioma ranges from 12 to 21 months, however patients can improve their chances of survival through treatments that shrink the size of the tumor and slow down spread of cancer. The options for treatment include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma should not base their lives on statistics. Survival rates can be misleading and don't take into consideration a patient's specific situation. Patients suffering from pleural or the peritoneal msothelioma an early diagnosis, and those who receive multimodal therapy may be more likely to live longer than the national averages.