Lung Cancer Asbestos Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and lung cancer asbestos are two types of cancers linked to asbestos exposure. Both cancers have similar symptoms but differ in their treatment and location.

Mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation or ingesting of asbestos fibers that are microscopic. These asbestos fibers cause cancer through disrupting the body's cellular function or physically interfering with DNA.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a malignant condition that affects a thin layer tissue that line many internal organs including the lung, is caused by asbestos exposure. It is caused by exposure to asbestos.

The disease can be present for decades after the initial exposure. The symptoms usually show up after the cancer has reached an advanced stage. The initial signs like shortness of breath chest pain, and a dry cough, can be similar to other lung disorders. This can lead to delay in diagnosis or misdiagnosis of mesothelioma.

The symptoms can differ based on the location where the tumor is located and the type of cancer it is. Mesothelioma that forms in the lining around the lung (pleura) generally causes chest pain, difficulty breathing and a dry cough. Mesothelioma in the lining of the lungs (pleura) can cause chest pain, trouble breathing, and a dry cough. Mesothelioma that affects the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) can cause chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, and the accumulation of fluid in the sac around the heart.

A medical history and physical examination are the first steps to diagnosing mesothelioma. A patient's physician will ask them about any symptoms as well as their previous exposure to asbestos.

Since asbestos mesothelioma lung cancer is uncommon, the doctor must rule out other illnesses to make a diagnosis of mesothelioma. This will require an X-ray of the chest, blood tests and an imaging test such as an CT scan, MRI or PET scan.

These tests will check for any changes in the lungs, for example thickening of the pleura or accumulation of fluid. They also look for mesothelioma in the lungs as well as elsewhere in the body. A biopsy is a procedure in which the doctor takes a small sample of tissue to test for mesothelioma cells. There are two types of mesothelioma lawsuit: epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% of diagnoses and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma may not respond to treatment and has a less favorable prognosis.

If mesothelioma does not have progressed to an advanced stage, a procedure referred to as thoracoscopically assisted VATS (video assisted thoracic surgery) or surgery to alleviate the lungs of fluid can help ease breathing and other symptoms. If the cancer is in a advanced stage, doctors may request additional tests to determine if the cancer has spread to the lungs, or other parts of the human body.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a rare disease that affects the organ's lining. It typically develops in the pleura, the tissue that line the chest cavity and lungs. It can also be found in the lining of the abdomen and the membrane around the heart and reproductive organs. Mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals made up of microfibers, was once used in manufacturing and construction. Mesothelioma can be a concern for those who have been exposed to asbestos whether in shipyards or factories or on construction sites. Mesothelioma typically doesn't show symptoms until decades after asbestos exposure.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma by doing physical examinations and examining a patient's medical history. They might inquire about the patient's work and any previous history of asbestos or other diseases that could indicate an asbestos-related illness.

The doctor can also test samples of a patient's sputum (phlegm) to check for mesothelioma cells. The cells appear different under a microscope than normal lung cancer cells. A tissue biopsy can be taken by the doctor to confirm mesothelioma.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. However, a knowledgeable doctor can identify the condition and refer patients to specialists who can help to treat it. Because mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to other conditions, it is important for a patient to consult their physician about any unusual or persistent health issues.

Both mesothelioma and lung cancer are cancers that develop when the DNA of a cell gets damaged. The damaged cell grows unchecked and forms a tumor which invades the tissues of the body. Both mesothelioma tumors and lung cancer can be treated through radiation therapy, surgery or chemotherapy. However, since mesothelioma tumors are not distinct and are not able to be treated, doctors have less options than for lung cancer.

Patients with mesothelioma may have legal rights to sue companies that are accountable for their asbestos exposure. This can help patients receive the right treatment for their condition, and recover compensation for any financial loss they've suffered. If possible, it is important to seek out the counsel of a mesothelioma attorney (more helpful hints) with experience. This will help patients receive diagnosed with mesothelioma as fast as is possible.

Treatment

Mesothelioma can affect the lung linings or the abdominal cavity. It can also affect the heart or testicles. In the majority of instances, mesothelioma malignancy is the result of exposure to asbestos. The most common form of cancer is among those who worked in industries that were exposed to asbestos. Examples include asbestos miners, shipyard workers and construction workers.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be compared to the symptoms of other diseases and, therefore, the disease is often misdiagnosed. Mesothelioma symptoms include breathing difficulties and chest pain. Mesothelioma could cause fluid accumulation in the lungs or abdomen. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause the disease.

These fibers adhere to the mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that helps to lubricate organs in the abdomen and chest. When the mesothelium becomes agitated, such as when people breathe in asbestos particles the fibers can break apart and become airborne. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause inflammation in the lungs. This inflammation can cause scar tissue that can cause cancer cells to develop.

A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma with a variety of tests. The doctor will look at the affected tissue under a microscope to identify any changes. The doctor will also ask a person about their history of asbestos exposure and any signs they may be experiencing.

The majority of mesothelioma treatments focus on relieving symptoms and improving 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 cancer and the patient's overall health. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma need to consult a specialist to determine the most effective method of treatment.

Prognosis

A mesothelioma diagnose can change someone's life, however the prognosis depends on the type, stage and the circumstances of the patient. A lot of mesothelioma patients live years or even decades longer than they anticipated. They prove that this cancer doesn't need to be fatal. They inspire others fighting the same battles to seek assistance.

Lung cancer asbestos-mesothelioma could mimic the symptoms of lung diseases like asthma as well as pneumonia and other respiratory disorders. Asbestos patients may also experience other health issues, such as abdominal pain and gastrointestinal problems. Mesothelioma affects the organ's lining most notably the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) and, in rare instances the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits) or the testicles (testicular mesothelioma). The cancer spreads to other organs of the body.

Mesothelioma symptoms usually begin between 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. However, the time between exposure and latency can be extended. It is important that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos tells their doctor about any previous exposures. This will enable the doctor to perform periodic checkups, and possibly detect early signs mesothelioma.

The first signs are coughing and breathing difficulties. Other signs include chest pain, swelling in the fingers or face and a persistent high fever. The cancer can be detected through blood tests, Xrays and CT scans.

A biopsy can be used by doctors to detect mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is classified as epithelioid (which is the most commonly used kind) or sarcomatoid (which is the least common type) dependent on the cells that comprise the tissue. Epithelioid Mesothelioma responds better to treatment, and has a superior prognosis. Saromatoid Mesothelioma is more difficult treat.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma are less likely to survive than patients with lung cancer. This is because cancer generally affects more areas of the human body, making the treatment more difficult. Mesothelioma may also be more difficult to identify than other cancers due to its long latency. However, researchers are working to improve the mesothelioma diagnosis by using tests such as the Mesomark Assay, which measures the levels of a biomarker which is released by mesothelioma cell into the bloodstream.