Lung Cancer Asbestos Mesothelioma
The asbestos legal (read this)-related cancer can be a problem for the abdomen, lungs and the heart. Mesothelioma is found in the lining that surrounds these organs.
The signs of mesothelioma may be seen over 10 to 50 years and appear similar to the symptoms of less serious diseases. This latency period makes it difficult to identify.
Doctors detect lung cancer based on its kind and the structure of the cell. There are two broad classifications of cancer which are small cell and non-small cell.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma of the lungs is located in the protective linings of internal organs, referred to as the mesothelium. It is a virulent tumor that usually develops in the lungs, but it can also grow in the lining of the heart, abdomen and testicles. It can take decades from the first exposure to the beginning to show symptoms. Asbestos is a group of minerals with micro-sized fibers that can be swallowed or inhaled and cling to organ linings. Most often, exposure to asbestos occurs when an individual works in an industry that utilizes asbestos as an insulation material or as a building material. Mesothelioma is a deadly disease that can affect construction workers, asbestos compensation miners and welders. Veterans who were exposed to asbestos settlement during their service in the military are also at risk.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma involves making an appointment with a doctor. During the visit doctors will ask patients to explain any symptoms they may be experiencing. They will also review the medical records of the patient to determine if there are any conditions that may increase their risk of developing mesothelioma.
If mesothelioma has been identified, doctors may request chest X-rays and blood tests or CT scans to identify any abnormalities. X-rays can reveal calcium deposits in the lungs, as well as thickening of the lung lining or fluid in the lung space and the chest wall. A CT scan is a more sophisticated instrument that takes a variety of X-rays, and blends them to create images of the inside of the body. It can reveal changes in the structure, the abdomen or lungs and help doctors locate the tumor.
A CT scan may also search for signs of mesothelioma in the lining of the chest cavity or the peritoneum. It can also be used to determine if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
If mesothelioma has regressed to other parts of the body, a biopsy may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the disease. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) is a method used in certain cases to carry out a lung biopsy. This involves inserting a tube that contains a camera into the chest. A sterile talcum powder is then in the chest cavity to induce inflammation that closes the area, allowing doctors to remove samples of the lining.
Diagnosis
A mesothelioma diagnosis is dependent on the presence of symptoms medical history and laboratory tests. Doctors search for asbestos-related cells in tissue or fluid samples and compare them to cancer cells found in different areas of the body. If the mesothelioma is located in the lung, doctors may also look at the lung area with CT scans and FDG-positron emission (PET).
Doctors detect pleural mesothelioma through taking a sample of the fluid from the lungs or other areas of the chest wall where mesothelioma is spreading. They also conduct a biopsy of the tissue to check for mesothelioma or other cancerous cells. A doctor may also order blood tests to see if the person has high levels of specific chemicals that suggest mesothelioma.
The two cancers are similar in many respects however, lung cancer is a cancer that grows in the lungs while mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining that surrounds the lungs. This means that the signs of mesothelioma can be mistaken with other illnesses such as influenza or pneumonia. In addition, mesothelioma could take between 10 and 50 years to show symptoms therefore, patients must not hesitate to report any unusual symptoms their physician.
A mesothelioma specialist can help patients determine if their symptoms are caused by asbestos exposure. They can also talk about the symptoms of patients and what kind of tests or procedures they should undergo. They can assist patients to find mesothelioma specialists to help them diagnose the disease.
Researchers are working on new methods to aid in identifying mesothelioma from other diseases like identifying asbestos-related proteins in the body or analyzing levels of hyaluronic acids in the eyes and joints. These tests could be used in determining the mesothelioma type and the way it will react.
Reporting any unusual symptoms, particularly those that are related to mesothelioma or lung cancer, to your doctor is important. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure should see their physicians regularly to undergo medical examinations. This will allow them to receive an early mesothelioma diagnosis 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
The kind of lung cancer mesothelioma that a patient is able to determine his or her treatment options. Patients should discuss the treatment options with their physician. Many patients prefer to undergo active treatment, which may include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy to improve their chances of survival. Doctors are also able to treat mesothelioma with immunotherapy. This is an experimental treatment that utilizes targeted drugs in order to target specific cells within the body.
Lung cancer asbestos-mesothelioma can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms that make it difficult to identify. The symptoms can be similar to other respiratory diseases and heart disease. Asbestos patients should see a doctor right away if they experience any of the following symptoms.
A doctor can determine if a patient suffers from mesothelioma through a biopsy. The doctor will insert an needle through the skin or cut an incision along the chest or abdomen in order to remove some tissue. The tissue will be examined under microscopes to determine if the tissue is mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can be divided into two types: epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a superior prognosis than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid which is more aggressive. A thoracoscopic biopsy accompanied by direct visualization of the pleural nodules can improve the accuracy of diagnosis by as much as 25 percent.
Both mesothelioma, and lung cancer are both cancers. However, they are not the same. Lung cancer occurs inside the lungs. Mesothelioma develops in the tissues of organs like the lungs and the heart. Exposure to asbestos can cause both cancers.
Asbestos workers recently diagnosed with lung cancer or Mesothelioma might want to take part in clinical trials that test new treatments. This could lead better outcomes and a longer period of symptom free living. It is crucial that patients discuss their goals and desires with their doctor. Some patients may choose to endure side effects to have the chance of an improved prognosis, while others would rather be comfortable for as long as they can. These choices should be made in collaboration with the health care team.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, which is a thin membrane that protects certain organs, including the lungs. It is usually caused by asbestos lawsuit exposure and symptoms can manifest between 10 and fifty years after the exposure.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to obtain the patient’s medical history, which includes information about asbestos law 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, including abnormal thickness or calcium deposits. These tests can also be used to test for the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity, or the space between the lungs and the chest wall.
A doctor will also collect an x-ray of the tissues around the lungs in order to test for mesothelioma cells. This is accomplished through a procedure known as Thorcentesis. A doctor can perform this in a hospital in an outpatient clinic or at home. The sample is then examined by mesothelioma specialists.
Additionally, doctors often request blood tests to check for the presence of certain chemicals that may be indicative of mesothelioma. They may also request to examine the lining of the lungs and this is accomplished through an operation known as video-assisted surgery (VAT).
Asbestos patients should be aware that mesothelioma can develop in other parts of the body than the lungs. Mesothelioma, for example can affect the linings of the heart, abdomen, and testicles. Mesothelioma can also form in the sac lining of the heart that is known as pericardial mesothelioma.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because it is less common than lung cancer and can be mistaken with less serious illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. The disease can progress quickly and is difficult to treat.
Mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, may improve the prognosis of patients. Mesothelioma prognoses are not fixed in stone however, and those diagnosed with mesothelioma tend to live longer than they expected.