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Mesothelioma Asbestos Diagnosis Malignant mesothelioma is a sporadic cancer that affects tissue lining internal organs. The disease is a result of asbestos exposure, which is a grouping of minerals that were widely used in the construction of building materials. Symptoms often appear decades after exposure. They are similar to symptoms seen in other diseases and may be misdiagnosed. Signs and symptoms The first signs of mesothelioma can be dry cough and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are often misinterpreted as illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. As mesothelioma grows, symptoms become more severe and can affect different parts of the body. These symptoms can include chest discomfort and swelling of the abdomen and lungs, fatigue, and weight loss. The people who work with asbestos have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related illnesses. Even if they haven't been exposed to the material at their workplace they could still get the condition from asbestos dust that they bring home on their clothes and skin. Family members of asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma, as as other asbestos-related diseases. Symptoms of mesothelioma asbestos can take between 10-50 years to appear after exposure. This is due to asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed can remain dormant and not cause tumors for decades. There are four types of mesothelioma, namely pleural testicular, pericardial, and peritoneal. The type of mesothelioma you get depends on where the cancer begins and how it expands. The majority of mesothelioma cases start in the lining that surrounds the lung (pleura) however, it can also begin in the lining of the stomach (peritoneum) or within the lining around the heart (pericardium). It's rare for mesothelioma to occur in more than one spot. Mesothelioma asbestos is usually caused by inhaling or swallowing airborne asbestos fibers and the symptoms can take longer to show up. This can make it difficult to diagnose mesothelioma, especially at its initial stages. A doctor will usually diagnose mesothelioma by reviewing the medical records of the patient and looking for asbestos-related issues. They can also request an imaging test to look for signs of fluid in the lungs, such as an CT scan or an MRI. They may also refer the patient to specialists for additional tests. Patients should let their doctors know if exposure to asbestos has occurred. This information can assist with a quicker diagnosis and treatment plan. Diagnosis The first step in mesothelioma asbestos diagnosis is a physical exam. A doctor will check for common symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing. They will also inquire about your previous exposure to asbestos as well as your work background. If you have an history of asbestos exposure inform your doctor right immediately. Because mesothelioma has an extended latency period, 20 to 60 years may be between your first exposure and the beginning of symptoms. The symptoms are often similar to other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu and can be mistaken for more serious conditions such as cancer. Initially your doctor will conduct an X-ray of your chest. If the X-rays show fluid in your lungs doctors will perform additional tests to determine what causes the build-up of fluid. These tests may include a CT scan, PET scan, or an MRI. The scans are a collection of images and stitch them together to create computerized, three-dimensional images of the tissues of the body. These imaging tests can reveal the presence of an abnormal growth or mass. They can also show the extent to which cancer has spread to other parts of the body. However, they're not conclusive and cannot be used to diagnose mesothelioma on their own. Only a biopsy will confirm if you have mesothelioma. A biopsy involves taking tiny pieces of tissue from the affected area to examine under the microscope. Your doctor could utilize a needle to extract this sample from the lung's lining or insert a tube containing an electronic camera and light through a small cut (incision) in your chest. This tube is known as a the thoracoscope. A thoracoscope is a device to collect tissue samples from different parts of the body, like the abdomen and pericardium (the thin membrane around your heart). A biopsy is the only way to determine if you have mesothelioma. If a biopsy isn't possible doctors can examine for asbestos fibers in your blood or urine. They can also conduct a lung function test to determine how well your lungs function. Treatment Mesothelioma develops when malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the abdomen or chest. It can also affect linings of the testicles or heart but this is less frequent. Exposure to asbestos raises the risk of malignant mesothelioma. The symptoms usually appear several decades after exposure. Malignant mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose. This is because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, such as pneumonia or influenza. Mesothelioma is also a chronic time to develop and a lot of people don't seek medical attention until they're very ill. Asbestos victims should be especially cautious to report any asbestos-related symptoms, like difficulty breathing or a lump that appears under the rib cage, to a physician. Different types of tests are used to detect mesothelioma. A chest Xray can show lung changes, such as the pleural thickening as well as the pleural effusion (fluid buildup). A CT scan, MRI or positron emission tomography (PET) scan can pinpoint the location of tumors. A blood test can be performed to determine if there are mesothelioma-related elevated levels. A biopsy can confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In most instances it is required to remove mesothelioma tissue and biopsy samples for further testing. The surgery can be performed using traditional methods or newer methods such as immunotherapy. When mesothelioma is discovered, a patient's doctor will discuss options for treatment. Fishers asbestos lawsuit can be a very aggressive cancer, and a cure is not always feasible. However, treatment can enhance the quality of life for patients and increase survival rates. The mesothelioma mortality rate ranges between 18 and 31 months, based on treatment. A multimodal treatment plan is the most popular treatment option, which includes chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and other treatments. The treatment the patients receive is based on a variety of factors, such as the stage of cancer, the site and their overall health. Patients should speak with a doctor to determine which treatment is best for them. Workers insurance laws and trust funds, as well as other financial aids can be used to assist patients pay for mesothelioma treatments. They can also assist victims in obtaining financial assistance to help their children's education and housing as well as daily expenses for living. Prognosis Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the internal organs and liner, is a rare illness. The cause of this cancer is usually linked to exposure to asbestos. The exposure to this toxic substance happens when people breathe in or swallow asbestos fibers, which enter the body. The mesothelial cells begin to develop mutations when this occurs. These abnormal cells could turn into tumors or mesothelioma. It is difficult for doctors diagnose this illness, as its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases or cancers. It can take as long as fifty years for the symptoms to show. This time lag makes it difficult to correlate the symptoms to asbestos exposure. First, you should consult an expert physician to discuss any symptoms or any history of asbestos exposure. A doctor can perform physical examinations and blood tests in order to check for signs of mesothelioma, like fluid in the stomach or in the lungs. A biopsy is recommended by a doctor if mesothelioma has been identified. A biopsy is a surgical process that involves the removal of tissue samples from the affected area. The biopsy can be carried out in a variety of ways based on the location of the tumor and the degree of its growth. Most people with mesothelioma have pleural mesothelioma that affects the lining of the chest cavity (pleura). However, it could also be found in the lining of the abdomen or pericardium, which is the thin membrane that protects the heart. A rare form of the cancer can also be found in the testicles. Men are more prone of developing mesothelioma, as they are more likely than women to have worked in asbestos-related jobs like electrical work, construction, and shipbuilding. The military also is at risk for mesothelioma, because asbestos was used extensively in ships, aircrafts and barracks on bases. In addition, mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who are over 65. Symptoms typically develop in older people and may be mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia, the flu, or digestive issues.