Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer Malignant mesothelioma can develop in the thin layer of tissue that lines certain organs Most cases of mesothelioma start in the lungs and are referred to as pleural mesothelioma; less common forms begin in the abdomen and are known as peritoneal mesothelioma Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lungs or stomachs of those who have been exposed to asbestos It could take 50 years or longer for symptoms to manifest Symptoms The cancerous mesothelioma cells are found in the tissue of the stomach and lungs and other organs Patients with mesothelioma may be afflicted by symptoms such as pain, shortness-of-breath, fever, fluid accumulation and weight loss The symptoms vary based on the stage and type of the disease They also depend on the location of the tumor and its progress Mesothelioma is so rare that it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose The disease has a long time of latency and symptoms often look or appear like less severe ailments like pneumonia It is essential that asbestos exposure sufferers schedule an appointment with their physician whenever they encounter symptoms that are not normal or persistent They should also let their doctor know of any prior exposure to asbestos Chest pain, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath are the most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma These symptoms can become more severe as the mesothelioma spreads and the lungs get inflamed In the most severe cases, fluid can accumulate in the lungs or chest wall and cause severe pain Alongside mesothelioma and other cancers, some patients may also experience abdominal pain or struggle to swallow These symptoms can cause some people to lose weight and experience less appetite The toxins released by mesothelioma may also affect the kidneys and cause them to lose their ability function properly Based on https//vimeocom/704936100 of mesothelioma doctors may recommend blood tests or imaging scans to look for any abnormalities These include CT computer-tomography scanners as well as MRIs magnetic imaging and PETs positron emission scans The results of these tests will help doctors rule out other illnesses and determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma patients Chest X-rays are useful in identifying Mesothelioma The chest cavity and lungs may appear cloudy or discolored due to the presence of mesothelioma A doctor can perform a procedure called VATS video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to decrease the inflammation caused by the buildup of fluid and improve breathlessness Additionally, they can remove any tissue samples that are needed for testing Diagnosis Mesothelioma, a form of asbestos cancer 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 exposure to asbestos puts people at risk It is essential to speak with your physician to confirm the diagnosis A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on the combination of physical examinations, blood tests, and imaging tests These tests are usually done in a clinic or hospital and could include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI X-rays are a way to see the internal structures of your body including your abdomen and chest They may reveal a clog between the lungs, chest wall and fluid called the pleural effusion They may also show the presence of a mass or lump in the abdomen, chest or in any other region MRI and CT scans can give more detailed images of organs than X-rays and can aid doctors find out the location and size of any mesothelioma These scans can also show if mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of the body A biopsy is an additional diagnostic instrument In this process, a small amount fluid or tissue is taken and analyzed for cancerous cell growth Fine needle aspiration or a surgical biopsy are the two most commonly used types of mesothelioma biopsy A more invasive biopsy can be recommended if the results from other tests are inconclusive or if the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma indicate it is in the chest cavity or lungs The most invasive procedures for diagnosing Mesothelioma pericardial and peritoneal include inserting a tube containing video cameras in the chest or abdomen A surgeon may use this to take a tissue sample or fluid to test, and could also perform VATS video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, a type of keyhole surgery In addition to mesothelioma test, your doctor may request blood tests and other medical tests to check how well your organs are functioning Your doctor will do an entire physical exam, checking your lymph nodes, the heart and other areas that could be affected by mesothelioma They will also ask about your experience with asbestos exposure and any past illnesses or treatments you have had Treatment The type of mesothelioma as well as the stage determine the treatment The stage of cancer is determined by several factors, including the speed at which the tumor expands and spreads It is also influenced by how long symptoms take to show up and whether the disease has progressed Certain risk factors can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma The most important are asbestos exposure and gender One can be exposed to asbestos working directly with the material or indirectly through other occupations or pastimes Exposure can occur over many years and even decades before mesothelioma symptoms develop Asbestos is a natural mineral that is extremely durable and heat resistant When mining or when workers are removing asbestos insulation, the material can break down into tiny dust particles that could be swallowed or inhaled When inhaled, the fibers may cause irritation, scarring and cell division that may lead to mesothelioma There are many methods that can be used to identify mesothelioma Doctors can collect the pleural liquid by performing a procedure referred to as thoracentesis, or insert an needle into the chest for the collection of a tissue sample Other diagnostic tools include MRI and CT scans, which can reveal the abdomen and chest where tumors or masses are situated After a diagnosis is established doctors can treat the disease to lessen the pain and other symptoms Some patients have several treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and radiation Some doctors include the treatment of tumors and immunotherapy in a mesothelioma strategy If a patient has an accumulation of lungs-related fluid, doctors can treat it by draining the excess fluid through tubes placed inside the chest pleurodesis In some instances patients may be genetically predisposed and increases their chance of developing mesothelioma Genetic counselors can help determine the appropriateness of testing the patient is necessary After treatment for mesothelioma doctors will schedule regular follow-up appointments These appointments will allow the doctor to observe the patient's health and look for signs of recurrence Prognosis Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class composed of microscopic fibres that were once used extensively in construction When people breathe in or swallow the fibres, they may get stuck in the lining of organs such as the stomach cavity or the lungs Over time, they can cause irritation and eventually lead to tumours forming The symptoms are usually not apparent until a long time after the initial exposure Most patients are diagnosed with Mesothelioma later on in the course of their lives The symptoms of mesothelioma are based on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as which part of the body it is in Pleural mesothelioma develops in the lung's lining pleura and accounts for most cases mesothelioma that develops within the stomach cavity Other mesothelioma types may be found in the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs If a diagnosis is confirmed, doctors can utilize different tests to determine the extent of the cancer and determine the best treatment for the patient Doctors can test for mesothelioma using chest X-rays, CT scan, ultrasound as well as urine and blood samples, or by taking biopsy CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds can be used to determine if the tumor has grown or not Doctors can tell whether the cancer is epithelioid, or mesothelioma of the pleural region Both types can grow and spread more quickly at later stages, particularly when cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other body parts In certain cases doctors are able to remove the mesothelioma completely This can improve the prognosis of a patient In the majority of cases, the mesothelioma has advanced too far to be removed surgically Patients may need to undergo additional treatments to prolong their lives Certain characteristics of patients can impact the mesothelioma survival rate as per research People who have mesothelioma-related family history, or are healthy and younger generally have a better likelihood of survival Other factors include smoking and the number of health issues that a person has