Mesothelioma asbestos claim Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the chest cavity, lungs, and, in some cases, the tissues of the heart and abdomen. The main reason for mesothelioma is asbestos claim exposure.

Asbestos fibers may get stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. Cells turn into mesothelioma cancerous cells.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, affects tissues that connect and protect organs in the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause cancerous cells to transform into mesothelioma-related tumors. The majority of cases of mesothelioma originate in the lungs (pleura). However, it can happen in the lining of the abdomen and the testicles, as well as the heart.

The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing. Some patients also suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to many other diseases and are difficult to recognize, especially in the initial stages of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma may not manifest for years or even decades following asbestos legal exposure.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is an examination and a medical history. A doctor can ask for blood tests or imaging scans to determine the severity of symptoms. These scans comprise CT (computer-tomography) scans as well as MRI and PET scans (positron emission Tomography).

X-rays may reveal an unusual swelling or fluid inside the lung. These scans help the doctor determine the kind and location of mesothelioma. The two major mesothelioma types are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. About 70% of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a lesser-known type and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Most people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma suffer from a nonproductive cough as well as chest wall pain and difficulty breathing. People with pleural mesothelioma may have an abnormal heart tone or a condition known as pericardial effusion, or swelling of the scrotum.

The most accurate method to identify mesothelioma is through the taking of a biopsy of the tissue. The type of mesothelioma will also dictate how a doctor manages the disease. For example in the case of pericardial mesothelioma the doctor could drain excess fluid with a procedure called pleurodesis or insert a pleural catheter in the body to ease inflammation and improve breathing. Other options include chemotherapy and surgery.

Diagnosis

The mesothelioma cancerous form develops on the linings of organs. The disease is most prevalent in the lungs, but it can also be found in the abdomen (peritoneum), or around the testes.

It can take between 10 to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to appear. Due to this latency period many patients are mistakenly diagnosed. The illness is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that are less serious such as pneumonia or the flu. This mistake could lead to a delay in treatment, which could reduce a patient's chance of survival.

Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should consult their physician immediately. During this initial visit, doctors take a patient's full medical history to identify signs and other factors that might make them more likely to have mesothelioma. This includes previous asbestos exposure and the type and duration.

The doctor will then request imaging tests of the abdomen and chest to determine if there are signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays CT scans and MRIs all offer detailed images of the interior of the body. They can reveal lung changes like pleural thickening or fluid buildup. They can also show whether the mesothelioma tumor has spread to other regions of the body.

A doctor may also order an analysis of the blood to determine if a patient has high levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They may also perform a procedure called a thoracentesis, which involves the removal of a sample from the fluid surrounding the lungs to search for cancerous cells.

If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed then a biopsy is performed to examine small portions of the tumor for cancerous cells. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) or a needle guided CT scan can be used to perform this procedure. The results of this will aid in determining the best mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to take part in immunotherapy. This latest mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life of a patient and improve their chances of survival.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues that line and protect organs such as the stomach, lungs (peritoneal) or heart, or testicles. Although mesothelioma cannot be cured however, treatment can reduce symptoms.

Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and look for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos lawsuit exposure as it is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibers to be stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach or the heart. In time, this causes inflammation and transforms normal cells into cancerous ones. Imaging tests and blood tests can be used to detect mesothelioma.

Your doctor will use chest X-rays to determine if you have an accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion). Your provider will order MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain precise images of the affected region. They may also perform the procedure of a needle biopsy to obtain a sample from the affected tissue.

A mesothelioma specialist called a pathologist will study the mesothelioma tissues under a microscope to detect cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma you suffer from. To make the diagnosis, the pathologist will stain the sample using a dye which shows up when certain kinds of protein are present. They will then use a specific method to obtain an even closer view of the tissue under the microscope.

Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose as the mesothelioma cells look like other types of cell within the body. Your care team will try to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis by performing other tests. These tests include an analysis of blood samples to determine the levels of fibulin-3, or mesothelin related peptide that is soluble.

Your healthcare team will determine mesothelioma treatments based on the type of cancer you have and the degree to which it is advanced. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most common treatment options for mesothelioma. Palliative treatment may be offered when your mesothelioma is at an advanced stage. This will relieve you of pain and other symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the type and stage of cancer, and other factors such as the patient's age as well as general health. Patients should consult experienced doctors to learn more about the treatment options available to them.

Asbestos fibers can damage tissues that connect vital organs and shield them from harm. These asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma forms are mesothelioma pleural (which develops on the linings of the lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen) mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is diagnosed by symptoms, laboratory tests and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking tiny amounts of tissue to test. The doctors can compare biopsy samples with a database in order to determine the most likely mesothelioma type. This information can help them determine the mesothelioma-related life expectancy of a patient and treatment plan.

Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Each mesothelioma type develops at an individual rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and has a higher survival rate than biphasic mesothelioma or sarcomatoid.

Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Many patients don't get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until they show significant symptoms. Exposure to asbestos should be disclosed to a doctor and patients should undergo periodic checks.

During these visits doctors can check for signs of asbestos-related exposure for example, lung scarring or other respiratory problems. They can also conduct simple blood tests to check a patient's overall health. If the results indicate that the patient is at a high risk for mesothelioma, they can schedule additional tests to receive an outlook. This will include imaging exams like X radiations, CT scans, and ultrasounds, in addition to a lung function test or chest MRI, or PET scan.