Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer Malignant mesothelioma develops in the thin layer of tissue lining certain organs The most frequent mesothelioma type is found in the lungs and is referred to as pleural msothelioma The less frequent cases begin in the abdomen and are known as peritoneal msothelioma Asbestos fibers can cause irritation in the lungs or stomach of those who have been exposed to asbestos It could take 50 years or longer for symptoms to manifest Symptoms The mesothelioma cancerous cells are found in the tissue that surrounds the stomach and lungs, as well as other organs Patients suffering from mesothelioma can experience symptoms such as pain, 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 also depend on the location of the tumor as well as its progression Mesothelioma is so rare that it can be difficult for doctors to recognize The disease may be long-lasting and symptoms can look or feel like less serious illnesses like pneumonia This is why it is important for asbestos exposure sufferers to see their physician when they experience symptoms that are unusual or persistent They should also let their doctor know of any history of asbestos exposure The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath These symptoms can worsen as the mesothelioma spreads and the lungs inflame In extreme cases, the fluid may build up in the lungs or chest wall and cause severe pain In addition to mesothelioma-related symptoms patients might have difficulty swallowing or experiencing abdominal pain These symptoms can cause some people to lose weight and suffer from less appetite The mesothelioma-related toxins can also affect the kidneys, causing them to reduce their ability to function effectively Based on the type of mesothelioma doctors may recommend 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 help doctors rule out other illnesses and determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma patients Chest Xrays can be helpful in diagnosing mesothelioma The lungs and chest cavity may appear discolored or cloudy due the presence of mesothelioma A doctor can use a procedure called VATS video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to decrease the inflammation caused by fluid buildup, improve breathlessness and remove any tissue samples to test Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a form of asbestos cancer that develops in the lining of organs such as 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 can be similar to those of other conditions and illnesses and it is therefore important to seek out an appointment with your doctor A mesothelioma diagnosis is based on the results 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 body's structures including your abdomen and chest They can reveal a buildup of fluid between the lungs and chest wall that is known as pleural effusion They can also reveal the presence of a mass or lump in the chest, abdomen or in any other region MRI and CT scans offer more precise images than X-rays of the organs you have and can be utilized by doctors to determine the location and size any mesothelioma These scans will also reveal if mesothelioma is spreading to other parts of your body A biopsy is an additional diagnostic tool In this method it is where a small amount of fluid or tissue is taken and tested for cancerous cell growth Fine needle aspiration or surgical biopsy are the two most frequent types of mesothelioma biopsies A more invasive biopsy can be suggested if the results of other tests are inconclusive or if the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma suggest that it is in the chest cavity or lungs Invasive procedures to diagnose peritoneal and pericardial Mesothelioma include inserting a tube containing a video camera in the abdomen or chest 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 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 a complete physical exam, checking your lymph nodes, heart and other areas that might be affected by mesothelioma They will ask you about your asbestos exposure history as well as past illnesses or treatments Treatment The type of mesothelioma and the stage determine the treatment The stage of cancer is determined by several aspects, including how fast the tumor grows and spreads It is also influenced by how long symptoms take to manifest and whether or not the disease has spread Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma https//vimeocom/704894195 are asbestos exposure and gender Asbestos can be consumed directly or indirectly by someone who is exposed working or enjoying a hobby Exposure can happen over a number of years and often decades before mesothelioma symptoms develop Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is durable and heat-resistant The mineral can be broken into dust particles during mining, or when workers remove asbestos-containing insulation These dust particles can then be inhaled or ingested When inhaled, the fibers can cause irritation, scarring and cell changes that can cause mesothelioma A range of procedures can be used to detect mesothelioma Doctors can take the pleural fluid sample via a procedure called thoracentesis or insert a needle into the chest cavity to obtain the tissue sample needed to be used for a biopsy Other diagnostic tools are MRI and CT scanners that detect masses and tumors in the chest and abdomen Once the diagnosis is made, doctors can treat it to lessen the pain and other symptoms Some patients require various treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation Some doctors also include the fields of immunotherapy or tumor-treatment in the mesothelioma treatment plan The excess fluid can be removed out of the lungs by putting a tube in the chest In certain cases patients may have a genetic mutation that increases his or her risk for mesothelioma Genetic counselors can help determine if a test is appropriate for a particular patient After mesothelioma treatment, a doctor will schedule regular follow-up appointments These visits will allow the doctor to monitor the patient's condition and check for signs of an increase in the incidence Prognosis Mesothelioma can be triggered by exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres that were previously extensively used in the construction of homes When people breathe in or swallow these fibres, they could become lodged in the tissues of organs like the stomach cavity or the lungs As time passes, they can cause irritation and eventually lead to cancers forming Symptoms typically don't show up until decades after the initial exposure, and the majority of patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma in later life The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the type, stage and location of the cancer Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lung lining pleura, and accounts for the majority of cases, while peritoneal mesothelioma develops inside the stomach cavity Other types of mesothelioma may develop in the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs When doctors are able to confirm confirmed the diagnosis they can perform various tests to determine the extent the cancer has spread and decide which treatment is most suitable for the patient Doctors can test for mesothelioma using an X-ray of the chest, CT scan, ultrasound as well as urine and blood samples, or by taking biopsy X-rays and other tests may determine if the tumor is in one place or has spread to other areas of the body Doctors can tell whether the cancer is epithelioid, or mesothelioma pleural Both types are prone to growing and spread faster in later stages of the disease especially when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other areas of the body In certain cases, doctors are able to remove the mesothelioma completely This could improve the outlook of the patient In the majority of cases, the mesothelioma has advanced too far to be removed surgically Patients may have to undergo other treatments to prolong their lives Research has proven that certain characteristics of patients can help determine mesothelioma survival rates People with a history of mesothelioma or who are younger and in better health are generally more likely to survive Other factors include smoking and the number of health issues that the person suffers from