Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer Malignant mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in thin layer of tissues that line certain organs Most cases of mesothelioma start in the lungs and are called mesothelioma pleural; less common forms begin in the abdomen and are referred to as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region Asbestos fibers can cause irritation in the lungs or stomachs of people who have been exposed to asbestos It can take up to 50 years or more for the symptoms to manifest Symptoms The mesothelioma cancerous cells are located in the tissues that line the stomach, lungs and other organs Mesothelioma patients might experience symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fever, fluid buildup and weight loss The symptoms can vary depending on the stage and type of the disease They also depend on where the tumor is located and how it progresses Because mesothelioma can be so rare, doctors may be unable to diagnose it The disease has a long latency time and symptoms typically look or appear like less severe ailments like pneumonia This is why it is crucial for asbestos exposure victims to see their doctor when they notice any symptoms that are persistent or unusual It is also important to let their doctor know about any prior exposure to asbestos The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, breathing difficulties and breath shortness As mesothelioma increases and the lungs become inflamed, these symptoms could get worse In extreme cases, fluid can accumulate in the lungs or the chest wall, causing extreme pain In addition to mesothelioma signs, people with this illness may have trouble swallowing or feel abdominal pain Some sufferers may experience low appetite and weight loss as a result of these symptoms too The mesothelioma-related toxins may also affect the kidneys, causing them to lose the ability to function properly A doctor can order imaging scans or blood tests to test for any abnormalities, based on the mesothelioma type These include CT computer tomography scans, MRI magnetic resonance imaging and PET positron emission tomography scans The results of these tests can help doctors rule out other conditions and determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma sufferers Chest X-rays are also useful in identifying mesothelioma Mesothelioma can cause the chest cavity and lungs to appear discolored or cloudy A doctor may perform a procedure called VATS video assisted thoracoscopic surgery to reduce inflammation caused by fluid accumulation as well as improve breathlessness take tissue samples to test Diagnosis Mesothelioma is an asbestos cancer that develops in the tissues of organs like the lungs and abdomen It is a rare type of cancer however, those who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it The symptoms may be similar to other diseases and conditions, so it is important to get a diagnosis from your doctor A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on the results of physical examinations, blood tests and imaging tests These tests are typically performed in a hospital or clinic and could include an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI https//vimeocom/704933002 -rays can provide a visual of your internal structures, including your chest and abdomen They may reveal a buildup between the lungs, chest wall and a fluid called the pleural effusion They may also show the presence of a lump or mass in the abdomen, chest, or another area MRI and CT scans can provide more precise images of organs than X-rays and can aid doctors find out the size and location of mesothelioma The scans can also tell whether mesothelioma has spread to other areas of the body A biopsy is an additional diagnostic tool In this process the small amount of fluid or tissue is taken and tested for cancerous cell growth A fine needle aspiration or surgical biopsy are among the most commonly used types of mesothelioma biopsy A more invasive surgical biopsy may be suggested if the results of other tests are not conclusive or when the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma suggest it is in your chest cavity or lungs More invasive procedures used to diagnose peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma include inserting a tube with a video camera into the chest or abdomen This procedure is used by a surgeon to collect tissue samples or fluids to test They can also carry out VATS, a kind of keyhole surgery In addition to mesothelioma testing Your doctor may also request blood tests and other medical tests to check the condition of your organs functioning Your doctor will conduct a complete physical exam and will examine your lymph nodes, the heart and other organs that could be affected by mesothelioma They will inquire about your asbestos exposure history as well as previous illnesses or treatments Treatment The type of mesothelioma and the stage determine the treatment The stage of cancer is determined by many aspects, including how fast the tumor grows and spreads It is also influenced by the time it takes for symptoms to appear and whether the disease has spread People are more likely to develop mesothelioma if they have certain risk factors The most significant are asbestos exposure and gender Asbestos may be ingested in a direct or indirect way by a person through their job or hobby Exposure can occur over many years and often decades before mesothelioma symptoms develop Asbestos is a natural mineral that is strong and heat-resistant The material can be broken down into dust particles during mining or when workers take away asbestos-containing insulation The dust particles can be inhaled or consumed If inhaled, the fibers can cause irritation, scarring, and cell changes that can result in mesothelioma A range of procedures can be used to diagnose mesothelioma Doctors can use an pleural fluid sample during the procedure known as thoracentesis, or inserting a needle into the chest to collect a tissue sample to be used for a biopsy Other tools for diagnosing include MRI and CT scans, which reveal the abdomen and chest that contain tumors or masses are situated After a diagnosis is made, doctors can treat the disease to lessen pain and other signs Some patients have several treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation Some doctors also incorporate the fields of immunotherapy or tumor-treatment as part of the mesothelioma treatment program The excess fluid can be eliminated out of the lungs by putting an instrument within the chest In certain cases, patients may have an abnormality that increases their risk of mesothelioma Genetic counselors can help determine if testing is right for a particular patient A doctor will schedule follow-up appointments after mesothelioma treatment These visits will allow the doctor to keep track of the patient's condition and look for signs of the recurrence of the disease Prognosis Mesothelioma can be triggered by exposure to asbestos, a group composed of microscopic fibres often used in the construction industry The fibres can become lodged in the linings of organs like the stomach cavity and lungs when people breathe them in or swallow them As time passes, these fibres can cause irritation and cause tumours The symptoms usually do not show up until decades after the initial exposure, and the majority of patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma later in life The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the stage and type of the cancer as well as the part of the body it is in Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lung's lining pleura and accounts for the majority of cases mesothelioma arising from peritoneal mesotheli inside the stomach cavity Other types of mesothelioma may be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs Once doctors have an indication of cancer and have a diagnosis, they can run various tests to show how far the cancer has spread and determine what treatment is best for the patient Doctors can check for mesothelioma using chest X-rays, CT scan or ultrasound as well as urine and blood samples, or biopsy X-rays and other tests may determine if the tumor is located in one area or has spread to other regions of the body Doctors can determine whether the cancer is epithelioid, or mesothelioma of the pleural region Both types can develop and spread more rapidly in later stages of the disease, especially when the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other areas of the body In certain instances doctors can eliminate mesothelioma completely This may improve the chances of survival of a patient However, in the majority mesothelioma is too advanced to be fully removed surgically and patients will need to undergo other treatments to prolong their lives to the maximum extent possible Certain patient characteristics can affect the rate of survival for mesothelioma as per research People who have a family history of the disease or who are younger and in better health have a generally better prognosis Other factors include smoking and the number of health problems an individual has