Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Mesothelioma
A diagnosis of lung cancer is often a bit frightening and confusing. It is crucial to understand that mesothelioma and lung cancer are two distinct illnesses, but they have the same cause, asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops on the lining of organs, including the lungs, diaphragm and the chest cavity. It can also develop in the lining of the abdomen and heart as well as the testes.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma develops when cancer forms in the organs' linings, such as the chest wall, lungs, abdomen, and heart. It's the result of asbestos exposure and most patients with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at a job site or mine, construction yard or shipyard. Mesothelioma is usually not diagnosed until years after exposure to asbestos. It may also take a long time to show symptoms to show up.
Asbestos exposure usually causes mesothelioma between 10 and 50 years after the first exposure. This is due to asbestos fibers inhaled, or ingested may remain dormant for years before mesothelioma signs and symptoms begin to manifest. Mesothelioma is often diagnosed in the late stages, when it has already expanded to other organs and tissues.
The most frequent mesothelioma sign is difficulty breathing. This is because the lining of the lungs (pleura) gets thicker or stiffer, and this makes it more difficult to absorb oxygen. The absence of oxygen leads to fatigue, which can become a major issue as mesothelioma progresses.
Other mesothelioma symptoms include pain in the abdomen or chest and a constant cough and weight loss, difficulty swallowing and nausea. A lot of these symptoms are related to other health conditions, so it's important to consult with your doctor if you are experiencing them. It's also essential to inform your doctor know of any past exposure to asbestos.
The location and type of mesothelioma can affect the symptoms of lung cancer. Pleural mesothelioma typically affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) while mesothelioma in the peritoneal region affects the lining of the stomach or abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
There are what is mesothelioma cancer : sarcomatoid and epithelioid. In general, epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid mesothelioma forms respond better to treatment.
Patients should be aware that mesothelioma can be an incurable cancer, therefore it's important to attend regular checks and inform your doctor of any asbestos exposure that occurred in the past. Your doctor can then order tests to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for a patient to visit their doctor and discuss the asbestos exposure they have had in the past. They should also inform their doctor if they're experiencing any symptoms that may be related to mesothelioma, such as breathing problems and bloody coughing, or weight loss.
Doctors will conduct a thorough physical exam to determine the severity of their symptoms and whether or not they are related to mesothelioma. X-rays can reveal lung changes such as the thickness of the pleural wall or pleural fluid build-up (fluid accumulation) that are common among mesothelioma patients. The doctors may also order additional imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs. These tests can aid doctors in locating the tumors and determine if they have spread.
It is important to get an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma order to receive the most effective possible treatment. Multiple misdiagnosis have caused many mesothelioma patients to delay treatment and allow the cancer to grow. This is why it's crucial to seek an opinion from a mesothelioma expert, even in the beginning, they believe that the patient's symptoms are not related to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, affects the mesothelium. This thin membrane lines the cavities in our bodies, including the chest cavity as well as the abdomen. Three out of every four cases of mesothelioma start in the chest cavity. However, it may also develop in the abdominal cavity or in the area around the heart.
Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lining of lungs. Most of the symptoms such as chest pain and breathing problems occur here. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma were exposed to large quantities of asbestos, mainly in shipbuilding and construction. This type of mesothelioma is more prevalent among males than females and usually occurs in people older than 65.
Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, which affects the abdominal lining, and pericardial, that affects the heart. They are less frequent however they still pose a risk for those who have had prolonged exposure to asbestos.
Treatment
Mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer, develops in the mesothelium, which surrounds and protects specific organs within the body, such as the abdomen and lungs. There are many types of mesothelioma, the most common being mesothelioma of the pleural region. It is a cancer that is a cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and sometimes the diaphragm, which divides the chest from the abdomen. It can also occur in the stomach's lining and the heart (peritoneal peritoneal mesothelioma).
Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a collection of minerals with microscopic fibers that were extensively used in construction and building until 1999 which was the year it was banned. Workers could have been exposed to asbestos fibres at work and inhaled them or swallowed them. They may be found in ceiling tiles, insulation, floor or roof sheets.
Asbestos mesothelioma is detected by doctors who collect an ounce of fluid from the affected area and conduct tests to determine the presence of cancer cells. They may also employ CT scans and X-rays to help locate the cancer. Further tests can be performed to determine if mesothelioma has spread. These include PET scans or positron emission scans. A small amount of radioactive compound is injectable into the body and pictures of the affected region are taken. These scans show the location of the most active cancerous cells.
If the cancer has spread, surgeons can often remove it from the affected region of the lungs as well as surrounding tissues. It is not a cure however it can help relieve symptoms and prolong the life.
If the mesothelioma isn't treatable, treatment is targeted at managing symptoms and reducing the progression of the cancer. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are all options for treatment. Doctors can combine the two treatments by administering chemotherapy either prior to or after surgery, and/or using radiotherapy as part of a surgical procedure known as pleurectomy. Participating in an experimental clinical trial of a new treatment that is being tested might also be an option.
Prognosis
The prognosis for lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma is dependent on the type and the location of the tumor, as well as the patient's age and overall health as well as previous medical history. Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin layer of protective tissue that covers various internal organs, and typically the lung (pleural mesothelioma) however, it can also be found in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testicles (malignant peritoneal mesothelioma). Mesothelioma as well as lung cancer share a few symptoms including shortness of breath and chest pain, coughing, fatigue and weight loss. But, mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is often difficult to detect because early symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue and difficulty breathing are similar to symptoms of other diseases. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can develop decades after asbestos exposure and requires specialized testing to identify.
Doctors will combine X-rays, CT scans and fluid samples to determine the tumor. They can also determine if the tumor has spread. Based on the type of mesothelioma, biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis taking a look at the cells under a microscope.
Scientists have created the Mesomark blood test, which analyzes a chemical released by mesothelioma cancer cells. It is believed that this test could help in identifying the disease earlier. This could lead to more effective treatment for patients.
When mesothelioma is discovered, doctors can use different methods to shrink the size of the tumor as well as ease pain and other symptoms. These include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
The aim of mesothelioma treatment in the majority of cases is to reduce symptoms and prolong the life span as long as is feasible.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma. However, other kinds are more difficult to treat and have a less favorable prognosis. You can determine your mesothelioma risk by visiting a specialist in an accredited center and discussing your history of asbestos exposure.