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Lung Cancer Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancer caused by asbestos exposure can affect the abdomen, lungs, and the heart. Mesothelioma occurs in the lining that surrounds these organs. The symptoms of mesothelioma appear over 10 to 50 years, and are similar to those of less serious illnesses. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Doctors diagnose lung cancer by looking at the kind of cancer and the cell structure. Cancer is classified into two types: small cell cancer and non-small cells. Symptoms Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma is found in the protective linings around internal organs, referred to as the mesothelium. It is an aggressive tumor that typically forms in the lungs but can also form in the lining of the heart, abdomen and testicles. From initial exposure, it can take several years before symptoms begin to appear. Asbestos is made up of a variety of minerals that contain microscopic fibers. These fibers can be swallowed, inhaled and adhere to organ linings. Exposure to asbestos most often happens when a person works in an industry that utilizes it as a building material or insulation. Construction workers, asbestos miners, welders, shipyard workers and automotive workers are at high risk of developing mesothelioma. Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their military service are also at high risk. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to schedule an appointment with a physician. During the appointment, doctors ask patients to describe any symptoms they may be experiencing. They will also look over a patient's medical history to see if they have any conditions that would increase their risk of developing mesothelioma. If mesothelioma is suspected doctors may order chest Xrays and blood tests or CT scans to determine any abnormalities. X-rays may reveal calcium deposits in the lungs, as well as thickening of the lung lining fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall. A CT scan is a more sophisticated instrument that takes a variety of X-rays, and combine them to produce images of the inside of the body. It can reveal any changes in the structure of the lungs or abdomen and aid in locating the tumor. A CT scan will also show mesothelioma-related signs on the chest cavity lining. It can also determine whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. A biopsy is taken to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the stage of mesothelioma. In some cases lung biopsy may be performed using VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure). This involves inserting a tube equipped with cameras through the chest. A sterile talcum powder is then in the chest cavity to induce inflammation that closes the area which allows doctors to remove samples of the lining. Diagnosis The diagnosis of mesothelioma is determined by symptoms, medical history and laboratory tests. Doctors look for asbestos-related cells in tissue or fluid samples and compare them to cancer cells found in other parts of the body. If the mesothelioma occurs in the lungs, doctors can also examine the lungs using CT scans and FDG-positron emission tomography (PET). Doctors detect pleural mesothelioma through taking a sample of fluid from around the lungs or other areas of the chest wall where mesothelioma has mutated. They also take a tissue biopsy to determine if there is mesothelioma or other cancer cells. A doctor can also order blood tests to determine if a person has high levels of certain chemicals that may be indicative of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma and lung cancer are alike in a number of ways, but lung cancer is a form of cancer that is found in the lungs while mesothelioma affects a lining surrounding the lungs. This means that the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as signs of other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. In addition, mesothelioma can take 10 – 50 years before showing signs therefore, patients must not hesitate to report any unusual symptoms their doctor. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients determine if their symptoms may be related to asbestos exposure. They can also discuss the symptoms of patients and recommend the kind of tests or procedures they should undergo. They can also help patients locate mesothelioma specialists who can assist them in determining the cause. Researchers are working on new ways to distinguish mesothelioma from other diseases. For santa fe asbestos attorney can determine asbestos-related proteins or assess levels of hyaluronic acid in the eyes and joints. These tests can be used to determine the mesothelioma kind and determine how it will respond to treatment. It is crucial to notify any unusual symptoms to your doctor particularly if they are associated with mesothelioma or lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure should visit their doctor regularly for medical examinations. This will help them receive an early mesothelioma diagnosis and increase the likelihood of receiving treatment that extends their lifespans. To begin, contact the Mesothelioma Hope team today to speak with an experienced Patient Advocate. Treatment Treatment options are determined by the type of mesothelioma or lung cancer that a patient is diagnosed with. Patients should discuss the available options for treatment with a doctor. To improve their chances of survival many patients opt to undergo active treatment, like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The doctors also treat mesothelioma using immunotherapy, which is a type of experimental therapy that uses targeted drugs to focus on specific cells within the body. Lung cancer asbestos-mesothelioma could present with a variety of symptoms that make it difficult to determine. The symptoms may be similar to other respiratory ailments or heart diseases. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor right away. A biopsy can be done by medical professionals to determine if the patient is suffering from mesothelioma. The doctor will insert a needle through the skin or cut an incision in the chest or abdomen to remove a small portion of tissue. The tissue will be examined under a microscope in order to determine if it 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 biopsies with the direct visualization of pleural nodules could improve the accuracy of diagnosis up to 25 percent. Both mesothelioma and lung cancer are both cancers. However, they are not the same. Lung cancer develops inside the lungs, and mesothelioma develops 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 lung cancer or mesothelioma should consider participating in clinical trials to test new treatments. This could result in better outcomes and a longer period of symptom free living. It's important to discuss the patient's goals and wishes with their doctors. Some patients choose to suffer side effects in order to improve their odds of success. Others would prefer to be comfortable for as long as possible. These decisions should be made in conjunction with the health care team. Prognosis Mesothelioma can be described as a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium. It is a thin membrane that covers and protects certain organs, like the lungs. It is usually linked to asbestos exposure and can take between 10 to 50 years for symptoms to appear. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to obtain the patient's medical history, including details about asbestos exposure. The doctor will also perform an chest CT scan and an X-ray of the lung area. These tests could reveal changes in the lining of the lung that could cause abnormal thickening or calcium deposits. These tests can also be used to test for fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, or the space between 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 cell. This is accomplished through a procedure called Thorcentesis. A doctor can perform this in a hospital in an outpatient clinic or at home. The sample is then examined by a mesothelioma specialist. Doctors may also request blood tests to check for high levels that could indicate mesothelioma. They may also request to look at the lining of the lungs and this is accomplished through an operation called video-assisted surgical (VAT). Asbestos patients should be aware that mesothelioma may be found in different parts of the body, other than the lungs. Mesothelioma for instance can affect the tissues of the abdomen, heart, and testicles. Mesothelioma can also form in the sac lining of the heart, which is known as pericardial mesothelioma. It is a challenge to recognize mesothelioma because it is less prevalent than lung cancer and can be mistaken for less serious diseases like the flu or pneumonia. The disease can also progress quickly and is difficult to treat. Doctors can improve patients' prognoses through mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. The prognosis for mesothelioma is not set in stone. Some patients have survived longer than they thought.