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Lung Cancer Asbestos Mesothelioma The cancer caused by asbestos exposure can affect the abdomen, lungs, and heart. Mesothelioma is found in the lining surrounding these organs. The symptoms of mesothelioma can develop over a period of 10 to 50 years, and are like those of less serious illnesses. This makes it difficult to diagnose. Doctors diagnose lung cancer based on the nature and cell structure. There are two broad categories of cancer which are small cell and non-small cell. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer, is found in the linings of protection for internal organs, known as the mesothelium. It is an aggressive tumor that typically forms in the lungs, but can also form in the lining of the abdomen, the heart and testicles. It can take decades from the moment of exposure until the onset of symptoms. Asbestos is a class of minerals that have micro-sized fibers that can be inhaled or swallowed and adhere to the linings of organs. Asbestos is the most frequently encountered by workers who works in an industry in which it is used as an insulation or building material. Construction workers, asbestos miners shipyard workers, welders, and automotive workers are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma. Upland asbestos lawsuit who were exposed to asbestos during their service in the military are also at risk. To be able to diagnose mesothelioma you must first set up an appointment with your physician. During this visit doctors will ask patients about any symptoms they're experiencing. They will also examine the patient's medical records to determine if there are any conditions that may increase their risk of developing mesothelioma. If mesothelioma has been identified, doctors may order chest Xrays and blood tests or CT scans to identify any abnormalities. X-rays may reveal calcium deposits in lungs as well as thickening of the lung lining, or the fluid between the lung. A CT scan uses a more advanced machine that combines multiple X-rays to create an image of the inside of your body. This can detect any changes in the structure of the lungs or abdomen and aid in locating the tumor. A CT scan will also show signs of mesothelioma in the peritoneum or chest cavity the lining. It can also be used to determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. If mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of the body, a biopsy will be taken to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the disease. In certain instances lung biopsy may be carried out by VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments). This involves inserting a tube with a camera into the chest. A sterilized talcum powder will be injectable into the chest cavity to induce inflammation that closes the chest area and allows doctors to take samples of the lining. Diagnosis A diagnosis of mesothelioma is made dependent on the presence of symptoms, medical history and laboratory tests. Doctors look for asbestos-related cancerous cells in tissue or fluid samples and then compare them to cancer cells that are found in other areas of the body. If mesothelioma is spreading to the lungs, the doctors can examine the affected area with CT scans or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET). Doctors diagnose pleural mesothelioma by taking a sample of fluid around the lungs, or any other part of the chest wall that has been affected by mesothelioma. They may also perform a tissue biopsy to check for mesothelioma or cancerous cells. A doctor can also order blood tests to determine if a person has elevated levels of certain chemicals that could be indicative of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma and lung cancer are similar in many ways, however mesothelioma affects linings around the lungs, whereas lung cancer develops inside the lung. This difference means that symptoms and signs of mesothelioma may be mistaken for those of other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Additionally, mesothelioma may take 10 – 50 years to show symptoms, so patients should report any unusual symptoms to their physician. A mesothelioma expert can help patients determine whether their symptoms are caused by asbestos exposure. They can also discuss the symptoms of patients and what type of testing or procedure they should undergo. They can assist patients to find mesothelioma specialists who can assist in diagnosing the disease. Researchers are working on innovative methods to help distinguish mesothelioma from other diseases like the identification of asbestos-related proteins within the body or analyzing levels of hyaluronic acid within the eyes and joints. These tests could be used to identify the mesothelioma kind and determine how it will react to treatment. Notifying any unusual symptoms especially those that are related to mesothelioma or lung cancer to your doctor is important. People with a history of asbestos exposure should see their doctors regularly for medical exams. This will help them get an early diagnosis of mesothelioma, and increase their chances of receiving treatment to extend their lives. Contact the Mesothelioma Hope Team today to speak with a seasoned Patient Advocate. Treatment Treatment options are determined by the kind of mesothelioma or lung cancer that a patient has. Patients should discuss the treatment options with their physician. To improve their chances of survival many patients opt to undergo active treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The doctors also treat mesothelioma using immunotherapy, which is a type of experimental therapy that utilizes targeted drugs to specifically target certain cells in the body. Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma may be accompanied by a variety of symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other respiratory diseases, or even heart disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult your physician immediately. A biopsy can be performed by a doctor to determine if a patient is suffering from mesothelioma. The doctor will insert a needle through the skin or cut an incision on the chest or abdomen to remove some tissue. The tissue will then be examined under microscope to determine if the tissue is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is classified into epithelioid or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma can be more aggressive than sarcomatoid, however it has a better chance of survival. A thoracoscopic biopsy that allows direct visualization of pleural tumors can improve diagnostic accuracy by up to 25 percent. While mesothelioma and lung cancer are both cancers, they differ from one another. Lung cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the lungs, and mesothelioma occurs in the lining of organs, such as the lungs, heart, and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos can cause both cancers. Asbestos workers who recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer should think about participating in clinical trials to test new treatments. This could result in better outcomes and a longer period of pain-free living. It's important that patients discuss their goals and desires with their doctor. Some patients will choose to suffer side effects to improve their odds of success. Others would prefer to be at ease for as long as they can. These decisions should be taken in conjunction with the health care team. Prognosis Mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer, develops in the mesothelium. It is a thin, transparent membrane that protects organs such as the lungs. It is typically linked to asbestos exposure, and symptoms can appear between 10 and fifty years after exposure. The first step in determining mesothelioma is to obtain the patient's medical history, including details about asbestos exposure. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest CT scan and an X-ray of the lung region. These tests can reveal changes in the lining of the lung and may reveal abnormal thickening or calcium deposits. These tests can also be used to look for fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, or the space between the lungs and the chest wall. A doctor will also collect a sample of tissue from around the lungs to check for mesothelioma cell. This is performed by a procedure called Thorcentesis. This procedure can be carried out by a doctor at a hospital, clinic or at home. A mesothelioma expert will examine the sample. In addition, doctors often order blood tests to determine high levels of certain chemicals that may be indicative of mesothelioma. They may also wish to look at the lining of the lungs, which can be done via a procedure known as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VAT). Asbestos patients should be aware that is possible for mesothelioma to develop in areas of the body other than the lungs. For example, mesothelioma can affect the abdomen's lining, heart and testicles. The lining of the heart is also prone to mesothelioma. This is known as pericardial pericardioma. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because it is not as common as lung cancer, and it is easily mistaken for less serious illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. The disease can progress rapidly and is difficult for doctors to treat. Doctors can improve patients' prognoses by treating mesothelioma, which includes chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Mesothelioma treatment options aren't set in stone however, and patients diagnosed with mesothelioma tend to live longer than expected.