Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer Malignant mesothelioma can develop in the thin layer of tissue lining certain organs The most common mesothelioma type starts in the lungs and is known as pleural mesothelioma Less common cases start in the abdomen, and are referred to as peritoneal msothelioma Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lungs or stomachs of those who have been exposed to asbestos It can take up to 50 years or more for symptoms to manifest Signs and symptoms The mesothelioma-related cancerous cells are found in the tissues that line the lungs, stomach and other organs Patients with mesothelioma might suffer from symptoms like discomfort, shortness of breath and fever, as well as fluid accumulation and weight loss The symptoms may vary based on the type of cancer and its stage They depend on where the tumor is located and how it develops Because mesothelioma is rare, doctors might be unable to identify it The disease has a long latency time and symptoms typically look or feel like less severe conditions like pneumonia This is why it is important for asbestos exposure sufferers to consult their physician if they experience symptoms that are not normal or persistent It is also important to let their doctor know about any history of asbestos exposure The most common pleural mesothelioma symptoms are chest pain, breathing difficulties and breath shortness These symptoms can worsen as mesothelioma progresses and the lungs get inflamed In extreme cases, the fluid may accumulate in the lungs or chest wall and cause extreme pain In addition to mesothelioma, sufferers may also experience abdominal pain or struggle to swallow These symptoms can cause some people to lose weight and experience an appetite reduction The toxins produced by mesothelioma can also affect the kidneys, causing them to reduce their ability to function effectively Based on the type of mesothelioma, a doctor may order blood tests or imaging scans to check for any abnormalities These include CT computer tomography scans, MRI magnetic resonance imaging and PET positron emission tomography scans The results of these tests can aid doctors in determining if there are other illnesses and determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma sufferers Chest X-rays are also helpful in diagnosing mesothelioma Mesothelioma may cause the chest cavity and lungs to appear discolored or cloudy https//vimeocom/704936706 may perform an operation known as VATS video assisted thoracoscopic surgery to decrease inflammation caused by the accumulation of fluid, improve breathlessness, and remove tissue samples for testing Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a cancer of asbestos that develops on the lining of organs such as the abdomen and lungs, is a form of cancer that is caused by asbestos It is a rare form of cancer, however asbestos exposure puts people at risk The symptoms can be similar to other diseases and conditions which is why it is crucial to obtain an appointment with your doctor A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests These tests are usually performed in a clinic or hospital, and may include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI X-rays can create a picture of your internal structures including your abdomen and chest They may reveal a clog between the chest wall, lungs and fluid called pleural effusion They can also reveal an abnormal lump or mass in the chest, abdomen or in any other region MRI and CT scans can provide more detailed images of organs than X-rays, and can help doctors find out the location and size of any mesothelioma The scans can also tell if mesothelioma is spreading to other areas of the body A biopsy is an additional diagnostic instrument In this procedure, a small amount tissue or fluid is removed and analyzed for cancerous cell growth Fine needle aspiration or a surgical biopsy are the most commonly used types of mesothelioma biopsy If other tests are not conclusive, or if symptoms suggest that the cancer is in your chest cavity or lungs A more aggressive biopsy might be suggested The more invasive procedures used to diagnose peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma include inserting a tube using a video camera into the abdomen or chest A surgeon can utilize this technique to take a tissue sample or fluid to be tested, and can also perform VATS video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments, a type of keyhole surgery Your doctor may also order blood tests and other medical tests in addition to the mesothelioma tests to assess how well your organs work Your doctor will conduct an examination to examine your heart and lymph nodes, as well as other areas that might be affected by mesothelioma They will also inquire about your experience with asbestos exposure as well as any previous ailments or treatments you've had Treatment Mesothelioma treatment depends on the type of mesothelioma person has and its stage The stage of cancer is determined by many aspects, including how quickly the tumor expands and spreads It is also influenced by how long symptoms take to appear and whether the cancer has progressed People are more likely to develop mesothelioma if they have certain risk factors The most significant are asbestos exposure and gender People can be exposed to asbestos through working directly with the material or indirectly through other work or pastimes Exposure can continue for years, sometimes even for decades, before mesothelioma symptoms begin to manifest Asbestos is a natural mineral that is durable and heat-resistant During the mining process or when workers are removing asbestos insulation, the material is broken down into tiny dust particles that can be swallowed or inhaled Inhaling the fibers may cause irritation, scarring and cell changes that can cause mesothelioma There are many methods that can be used to identify mesothelioma Doctors can take a sample of pleural liquid by a procedure called thoracentesis, or place a needle into the chest to collect the collection of a tissue sample Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scanners, which can detect tumors and masses in the abdomen and chest Once a diagnosis is established, doctors can treat the disease to ease pain and other symptoms Some patients receive a combination treatment that includes chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation Certain doctors also offer immunotherapy or tumor-treating fields as part of a mesothelioma treatment plan If a patient is suffering from an accumulation of fluid around the lungs, doctors can treat this by draining the excess through a tube placed in the chest pleurodesis In some instances patients, they may have an abnormality that increases their risk of mesothelioma Genetic counselors can tell whether testing for the patient is necessary Following treatment for mesothelioma, doctors will schedule regular follow-up appointments These appointments let the doctor to monitor the patient's health and look for indications of recurrence Prognosis Asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that has microscopic fibres and was once widely employed in construction as the main mesothelioma-related cause When people inhale or swallow the fibres, they may become lodged in the tissues of organs, such as the stomach cavity or the lungs Over time, they can cause irritation and lead to tumours forming Symptoms typically don't show up until decades after the initial exposure, and the majority of patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma at the end of their life The symptoms of mesothelioma are based on the type and stage of the cancer as well as the part of the body it is in The majority of cases of mesothelioma is Pleural, which is a form of cancer that develops in the wall pleura of the lungs Peritoneal mesothelioma can be found inside the stomach cavity Other types of mesothelioma can occur within the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs If a diagnosis is made, doctors can use a variety of tests to determine the severity of the cancer and the best treatment for the patient Doctors can look for mesothelioma by using an X-ray of the chest, CT scan or ultrasound as well as urine and blood samples or biopsy CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds are a way to determine whether the cancer has spread or not Doctors can determine if it is epithelioid or mesothelioma of the pleural region Both types can grow and spread more rapidly in later stages of the disease, particularly when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body In some cases doctors can eliminate mesothelioma completely This can improve the prognosis of patients In most cases, the mesothelioma has advanced too far to be removed surgically Patients may have to undergo other treatments to prolong their lives Certain patient characteristics can impact the survival rate of mesothelioma as per research People with a family history of mesothelioma or who are younger and in better health have a better chance of survival Other factors include smoking and the number of health problems an individual has