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Lung Cancer Asbestos Mesothelioma Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma is two different types of cancer that are caused by exposure to asbestos. Both have similar symptoms however they differ in location and treatment approaches. Mesothelioma is triggered by inhalation or the ingestion of microscopic asbestos fibers. The asbestos fibers cause cancer by disrupting the body's cell function or physically interfering with DNA. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that surrounds many organs of the internal, including the lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. The disease may develop for years after the initial exposure. The signs usually manifest when the cancer is at an advanced stage. Early symptoms such as chest pain, a shortness of breathing, and dry, coughing cough can be misinterpreted as other lung disorders. This could lead to a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of mesothelioma. The symptoms may vary based on the location where the tumor is located and on what kind it is. Mesothelioma that forms in the lining of the lungs (pleura) generally causes chest pain, difficulty breathing and a dry cough. Mesothelioma is found in the abdominal lining (peritoneum) can cause abdominal pain as well as swelling of the arms or face and an unproven loss of weight. The pericardial form of mesothelioma can cause chest discomfort and irregular heartbeats and the accumulation of fluid within the sac that surrounds the heart. The diagnosis of mesothelioma begins with an examination of the medical history and physical examination. A patient's doctor will ask about their previous exposure to asbestos as well as any symptoms they are having. Since asbestos mesothelioma lung cancer is rare, the doctor must rule out other diseases to determine if the patient has mesothelioma. This will require an CT scan or MRI scan blood tests, as well as imaging tests such as an X-ray chest scan. These tests will look for any changes in the lungs, such as thickening of the pleura or accumulation of fluid. They also test for mesothelioma that has developed in the lungs as well as elsewhere in the body. A biopsy is a procedure in which the doctor removes a tiny sample of tissue to check for mesothelioma-related cells. There are two kinds of mesothelioma, epithelioid and the sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent of diagnoses and is more susceptible to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is a less favorable prognosis, and is less responsive to treatment. If the mesothelioma is in an early stage, surgery to reduce fluid build-up in the lungs or a procedure called thoracoscopically assisted VATS (video-assisted thoracic surgery) can help ease breathing and other symptoms. If the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage, doctors will order further testing to find out how the cancer has spread to the lungs and other parts of the body. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a rare disease that affects the organ's lining. It develops most commonly in the pleura, which lines the lungs and chest cavity. It may also be found in the abdomen's linings as well as the membrane that surrounds the reproductive organs as well as the heart. Mesothelioma can be associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos, a class of minerals made up of microscopic fibres, was once used for construction and manufacturing. Mesothelioma is a risk for people who have worked with these materials, whether in shipyards or factories or on construction sites. Mesothelioma usually does not show symptoms until decades after asbestos exposure. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using physical exams and taking a patient's medical history. They may ask about a patient's job and any previous history of asbestos or other illnesses which could suggest an asbestos-related illness. A mesothelioma diagnosis may be difficult, but a knowledgeable doctor can spot the problem and refer the patient to specialists who can treat it. Because mesothelioma-related symptoms are similar to other diseases, it's important for a patient to consult with their doctor regarding any unusual or persistent health issues. Mesothelioma and lung cancer are both cancers, that develop when a cell's DNA gets damaged. The damaged cell grows unchecked, and forms a tumor that invades the body's tissues. Mesothelioma and lung tumors may be treated through chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. Because mesothelioma tumours are not clearly defined doctors have fewer treatment options for lung cancer than they do for lung cancer. Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be aware that they may have legal rights against the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure. This could help patients receive the right treatment for their illness, and also seek compensation for any financial losses they've suffered. If possible, it is crucial to seek the guidance of a mesothelioma lawyer with experience. This can assist patients to receive a mesothelioma treatment in the shortest time possible. Treatment Mesothelioma can affect the lining of the lungs (pleura) or the the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). It can also affect the testicles or the heart. Malignant mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. This cancer is most common for those who worked in industries that have been exposed to asbestos. Examples include asbestos miners, shipyard workers and construction workers. Mesothelioma symptoms can be compared to the symptoms of other diseases which is why it is often mistakenly diagnosed. Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain and difficulty breathing. Fluid buildup in the abdomen or lungs may also be a sign of mesothelioma. The disease is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers that are microscopic.
The fibers are attached to a layer of lubrication that covers the organs in the chest and abdomen known as the mesothelium. When the mesothelium is in a state of tension, like when people breathe in asbestos particles, the fibers can break apart and then become airborne. Inhaling asbestos fibers could cause inflammation in the lungs. This inflammation causes scar tissue to develop and can cause the development of cancerous cells. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma by using different tests. The doctor will examine the affected tissue under a microscope in order to determine any changes. The physician will also ask about the person's past exposure to asbestos as well as the symptoms they are experiencing. Typically, mesothelioma treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and enhancing the quality of life. Treatments may include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. They may also involve a procedure that reduces fluid build-up in the lungs (thoracentesis or paracentesis) or a pleurectomy/decortication to improve breathlessness. The type of treatment you choose depends on a variety of factors, including the stage of the tumor and the person's overall health. Patients with mesothelioma should to consult a doctor for the most effective treatment. Prognosis A diagnosis of mesothelioma can alter a person's life, but the prognosis is dependent on the type, stage and conditions of the patient. Many patients with mesothelioma live years or even decades longer than they had hoped for. They prove that this cancer is not an end-of-life sentence and encourage others fighting the same disease to seek assistance. Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma symptoms frequently resemble those of lung conditions like asthma, pleurisy or other respiratory diseases. Asbestos victims may also develop other health issues, like abdominal pain and gastrointestinal issues. Mesothelioma can affect the organ's lining most notably the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) and in rare cases, the membrane surrounding the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or the testicles (testicular mesothelioma). The cancer spreads from one area of the body to another. Symptoms of mesothelioma usually manifest between 10 and 50 years after exposure to asbestos. However, the latency period can be even longer. For this reason, it is crucial for anyone who has been exposed to asbestos to speak to a physician and inform them of any exposures in the past. This will enable the doctor to conduct regular examinations, and perhaps detect early signs mesothelioma. The earliest symptoms include coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms that are common are chest pain, swelling of the face or fingers and a persistent fever. Cancer can be diagnosed by blood tests, CT scans and X-rays. Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma with a biopsy. Mesothelioma is classified as epithelioid (which is the most common type) or sarcomatoid (which is the least frequent type) according to the cells that compose the tissue. Epithelioid mesothelioma tends to be more susceptible to treatment and has a higher prognosis than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features, which is harder to treat. Patients with mesothelioma have a lower likely to survive than patients with lung cancer. This is because the cancer usually affects more parts of the body, which makes it more difficult to treat. In addition, mesothelioma is more difficult to identify than other cancers due to its lengthy latency. However researchers are working to improve mesothelioma diagnosis through tests such as the Mesomark Assay, which measures the levels of a biomarker that is released by mesothelioma cancer cells into the bloodstream. |
