Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer The thin layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs may develop mesothelioma that is malignant Most mesothelioma cases begin in the lungs and are referred to as mesothelioma of the pleural region Other types start in the abdomen and are referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma People who are exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma when asbestos fibers are absorbed into the stomach or lungs and cause irritation It can take as long as 50 years or more to show symptoms to manifest Symptoms The mesothelioma cancerous cells are found in the tissues that line the lungs, stomach and other organs Patients suffering from mesothelioma can be afflicted by symptoms such as discomfort, shortness of breath, fever, fluid accumulation and weight loss The symptoms differ based on the stage and type of the disease They also depend on the site of the tumor and its progression Mesothelioma is so rare that it can be difficult for doctors to recognize The disease has a long latency time and symptoms often look or appear like less severe conditions, such as pneumonia This is why it is crucial for asbestos exposure sufferers to make an appointment with their doctor when they experience any symptoms that are not normal or persistent They should also inform their doctor know about any prior exposure to asbestos The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, difficulty breathing and breath shortness These symptoms can get worse as the mesothelioma spreads and the lungs become inflamed In severe cases, they can even cause fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest wall that causes the patient to experience pain and discomfort when breathing Along with mesothelioma, some patients may also experience abdominal pain or have difficulty swallowing Some individuals may experience reduced appetite and weight loss due to these symptoms as well The mesothelioma-related toxins may also affect the kidneys, causing them to lose their ability function properly A doctor can request scans of the body or blood tests to look for any abnormalities, based on the type of mesothelioma These include CT computer tomography scans, MRI magnetic resonance imaging and PET positron emission tomography scans These tests can assist doctors decide on the best treatment for mesothelioma patients by excluding other illnesses Chest Xrays can be helpful in diagnosing mesothelioma The chest cavity and lungs may appear cloudy or discolored due to the presence of mesothelioma A doctor can use the procedure known as VATS video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to decrease the inflammation caused by fluid accumulation and improve breathlessness Additionally, they can remove any tissue samples to test Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a type of asbestos-related cancer, is that develops in the lining of organs such as the lungs and abdomen It is a rare form of cancer however, those who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it The symptoms may be similar to other ailments and diseases, so it is important to obtain an appointment with your doctor A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on physical examinations as well as blood tests and imaging tests These tests are usually performed in a hospital or clinic and may include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI The X-rays provide a visual representation of the structures inside your body like your abdomen and chest They may reveal a buildup of fluid between the lungs and chest wall that is known as the pleural effusion They may also show an abnormal lump or mass in the abdomen, chest or any other part of the body MRI and CT scans can provide more detailed images of organs than X-rays, and can help doctors find out the size and location of mesothelioma These scans can also reveal whether mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of your body Another vital diagnostic tool is a biopsy, where a small amount of tissue or fluid is taken away and analyzed for cancerous cells Fine needle aspiration or a surgical biopsy are the most common types of mesothelioma biopsy If other tests aren't conclusive, or if your symptoms suggest that the cancer is located in your lungs or chest cavity an additional invasive biopsy could be recommended More invasive procedures used to diagnose peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma include inserting a tube with a video camera into the abdomen or chest A surgeon can use this to take the tissue sample or the fluid to be tested, and can also perform VATS video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments which is a form of keyhole surgery In addition to mesothelioma tests Your doctor may also conduct blood tests and other medical tests to see how well your organs are working Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to check your lymph nodes and heart, as well as other areas that might be affected by mesothelioma They will ask about your asbestos exposure history and past illnesses or treatments Treatment The type of mesothelioma as well as the stage determine the treatment The stage of the cancer is determined by a combination of factors, such as how fast the tumor grows and spreads, the time it takes for symptoms to manifest, and whether or not the cancer has metastasized People are more likely to develop mesothelioma if they have certain risk factors Among the most significant are asbestos exposure and gender https//vimeocom/704879382 can be ingested directly or indirectly by someone who is exposed in their work or pastime Exposure can last for years, sometimes even for decades before symptoms of mesothelioma develop Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral is extremely durable and resistant to heat The material can be broken into dust particles during mining or when workers take away asbestos-containing insulation The dust particles can be inhaled, or ingested Inhaling fibers can cause irritation and scarring, and also mesothelioma-like cellular changes There are a variety of procedures that can be used to detect mesothelioma Doctors can use a pleural fluid sample through a procedure called thoracentesis or inserting a needle in the chest to collect a tissue sample for biopsy Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scans, which reveal areas of the abdomen and chest where tumors or masses are situated After a diagnosis is made doctors can treat the disease to reduce the pain and other symptoms Some patients receive a combination of treatments that includes chemotherapy, surgery and radiation Some doctors include immunotherapy and tumor-treating fields in a mesothelioma plan The excess fluid can be removed from the lungs through tubes inside the chest In some instances patients could have an abnormality that increases their risk of mesothelioma Genetic counselors can determine if a test is appropriate for the patient A doctor will schedule follow-up appointments following mesothelioma treatments These visits will allow the doctor to monitor the patient's health and look for any indications of an increase in the incidence Prognosis Asbestos, a class of minerals that has microscopic fibres and was once widely used in the construction industry, is the most common mesothelioma causing agent These fibres can get stuck in the linings of organs such as the stomach cavity and the lungs when people inhale them or swallow them In time, these fibers can cause irritation and result in cancerous growths The symptoms usually don't show until a long time after the initial exposure The majority of patients are diagnosed with Mesothelioma later on in the course of their lives The symptoms of mesothelioma vary on the type the cancer is located, stage and type of the cancer Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs pleura and accounts for most cases mesothelioma that develops within the stomach cavity Other types of mesothelioma may develop in the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs If a diagnosis is made, doctors can use various tests to determine the severity of the cancer and determine 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 X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds are a way to determine whether the cancer has spread or not Doctors can tell if it is epithelioid or mesothelioma of the pleural region Both types are prone to growing 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 certain instances doctors can remove mesothelioma entirely This can dramatically improve a patient's prognosis However, in the majority of cases, mesothelioma is too advanced to be completely removed surgically and patients will have to undergo other treatments to prolong their lives to the maximum extent possible Research has shown that certain characteristics of patients can affect mesothelioma's survival rates Patients who have a family history of the disease or who are older and healthier have a generally better prognosis Other factors include smoking and the number of health issues that a person has