Lung Cancer Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancer caused by asbestos exposure can affect the abdomen, lungs, and heart Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is found in the lining that surrounds these organs Mesothelioma symptoms can take 10 50 to 50 years to develop and may look like other less serious diseases This latency makes it difficult to identify Doctors detect lung cancer based on the nature and cell structure Cancer is classified into two categories which are small cell cancer and non-small cells Symptoms Mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer, is located in the linings that protect internal organs, known as the mesothelium It is a tumor that may form in the linings of the abdomen, heart, and testicles https//vimeocom/703523003 can take a long time from initial exposure to onset of symptoms Asbestos is a variety of minerals that have microscopic fibers These fibers can be swallowed, inhaled and adhere to organ linings Asbestos is most commonly exposed to when a worker is working in an industry in which it is used as an insulation or building material Mesothelioma is a deadly disease that affects construction workers, asbestos miners, and welding professionals Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their military service are also at risk The first step to recognize mesothelioma is to schedule an appointment with a physician During this visit doctors will ask patients about any symptoms they are experiencing They will also review a patient's medical history to determine if they have any conditions that increase the risk of mesothelioma If mesothelioma is suspected doctors may order blood tests and chest X-rays or CT scans to determine any abnormalities X-rays can show calcium deposits in the lungs, as well as thickening of the lung lining or fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall A CT scan is a more sophisticated machine that takes multiple X-rays and combines them to create images of the inside of the body This will reveal any changes in the structure of the abdomen or lungs and aid doctors in locating the tumor A CT scan may also look for signs of mesothelioma in the the chest cavity or peritoneum It is also a method to determine if the cancer has spread to other regions of the body A biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the stage of mesothelioma VATS video assisted thoracoscopic surgery can be used in some cases to perform a lung biopsy This involves inserting a tube equipped with a camera through the chest A sterile talcum powder is then injectable into the chest cavity, causing inflammation that closes the area and allows doctors to take samples of the lining Diagnosis A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history and laboratory tests Doctors search for asbestos-related cells in fluid or tissue samples and compare them with cancer cells that are found in other parts of the body If the mesothelioma has spread to the lungs, doctors can look into the affected area with CT scans or FDG-positron emission tomography PET Doctors diagnose pleural mesothelioma by taking a sample of fluid from around the lungs or other parts of the chest wall where mesothelioma has spread They also conduct a biopsy of the tissue to check for mesothelioma or other cancer cells A doctor can also request blood tests to determine if someone has high levels for certain chemicals that may indicate mesothelioma Mesothelioma and lung cancer are similar in many ways, but mesothelioma affects linings around the lungs, whereas lung cancer is a disease that affects the lungs This means that the symptoms of mesothelioma could be confused with those of other diseases such as pneumonia or influenza Additionally, mesothelioma may take between 10 and 50 years before showing signs, so patients should be aware of any unusual symptoms to their doctor A mesothelioma specialist can help patients determine if their symptoms are linked to asbestos exposure They can also discuss their symptoms and what types of tests or procedures they need to undergo They can even assist patients locate a mesothelioma specialist to assist them in determining the cause Researchers are in the process of developing new methods to distinguish mesothelioma from other diseases For example they can determine asbestos-related proteins or assess levels of hyaluronic acid in the joints and eyes These tests could be used in determining the mesothelioma type and how it will respond It is important to report any unusual symptoms to a physician particularly when they are related to mesothelioma or lung cancer People with a history of asbestos exposure should see their doctors frequently for medical examinations This will allow them to get an early diagnosis of mesothelioma, and increase the likelihood of receiving treatment to extend their lives To get started, contact the Mesothelioma Hope team today to talk to a knowledgeable Patient Advocate Treatment Treatment options are determined by the kind of lung cancer or mesothelioma that a patient is diagnosed with Patients should discuss the available treatment options with a physician A majority of patients choose to undergo active treatment, which could include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, to improve their chances of survival Doctors can also treat mesothelioma using immunotherapy This is an experimental treatment that makes use of specific drugs to target specific cells within the body Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma could present with a range of symptoms that make it difficult to determine The symptoms are often similar to those of other respiratory ailments or heart-related diseases If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult your physician immediately A biopsy may be conducted by an expert doctor to determine if the patient has mesothelioma The doctor will insert an needle through the skin or cut an incision on the chest or abdomen in order to remove some of the tissue This will be analyzed under microscope to determine if the tissue is mesothelioma Mesothelioma is divided into epithelioid or Epithelioid Mesothelioma is more invasive than sarcomatoid but has a better outlook A thoracoscopic biopsy that allows direct visualization of pleural nodules could improve the accuracy of diagnosis up to 25 While mesothelioma and lung cancer are both cancers, they differ from one another Lung cancer occurs inside the lungs Mesothelioma develops in the tissues of organs like the lungs and the heart Exposure to asbestos can cause both cancers Asbestos workers who recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer should think about participating in clinical trials to test new treatments This could result in better outcomes and a longer time of symptom-free living It is crucial to discuss the patient's goals and desires with their doctors Some patients will decide to endure side effects in order to improve their chances of survival Others prefer to be at ease as long as they can These decisions should be taken in partnership with the health care team Prognosis Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium This is a thin, transparent membrane that covers and protects organs such as the lungs It is often linked to asbestos exposure and it takes between 10 and 50 years for symptoms to show up The first step in determining mesothelioma is to obtain the patient's medical history and details regarding asbestos exposure The doctors will also take a chest CT scan and an X-ray scan of the lung region These tests may reveal changes in the lining of the lung, like abnormal thickness or calcium deposits These tests can also be used to test for fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity or the space between the lungs and the chest wall A doctor will also collect lung tissue and test it for mesothelioma This is done through the procedure known as Thorcentesis This can be done by a physician in a hospital, clinic or at home The sample is then examined by mesothelioma specialists Additionally, doctors often request blood tests to determine high levels of certain chemicals which could indicate mesothelioma They may also request to look at the lung's lining, which is done by the procedure known as video-assisted surgery VAT Asbestos sufferers should be aware that mesothelioma may develop in other parts of the body than the lungs Mesothelioma for instance, can affect the tissues of the abdomen, the heart and testicles Mesothelioma also can form in the tissue lining the heart sac and is referred to as pericardial mesothelioma Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is not as common as lung cancer, and it can easily be mistaken for less serious illnesses like the flu or pneumonia The disease can also develop quickly and is difficult to treat Mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, may improve the prognosis of patients Mesothelioma prognoses do not have to be fixed in stone however, and those diagnosed with mesothelioma tend to live longer than anticipated