tustin asbestos lawsuit of tissue that surrounds certain organs could develop malignant mesothelioma. The majority of cases of mesothelioma begin in the lungs, and are known as mesothelioma pleural; less common types begin in the abdomen and are known as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region.
People who are exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma if asbestos fibers get into the stomach or lungs, and cause irritation. It could take 50 years or longer for symptoms to be evident.
Symptoms
The cancerous cells of mesothelioma are found in the tissues that line the lungs, stomach and other organs. Patients with mesothelioma may suffer from symptoms like discomfort, shortness of breath, fever, fluid accumulation and weight loss. The symptoms can differ based on the type of disease and its stage. They depend on where the tumor is located and how it develops.
Because mesothelioma can be so rare, doctors may have difficulty diagnosing it. The disease may have a long duration of latency, and symptoms may appear or feel like less serious diseases like pneumonia. As a result, it is important for asbestos exposure sufferers to see their doctor when they experience symptoms that are unusual or persistent. They should also tell their doctor about any history of exposure to asbestos.
The most frequent pleural mesothelioma symptoms are chest pain, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath. These symptoms can become more severe as mesothelioma progresses and the lungs get inflamed. In extreme cases, they can even lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs and chest wall that causes the patient to experience pain and discomfort when breathing.
In addition to mesothelioma, sufferers may also experience abdominal pain or suffer from difficulty swallowing. These symptoms can also cause some people to lose weight and have less appetite. The mesothelioma toxins released can also affect the kidneys, causing them to cease to function properly.
Based on the type of mesothelioma, a doctor may order blood tests or imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These include CT (computer-tomography) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (magnetic imaging) and PETs (positron emission scans). These tests can assist doctors determine the best treatment option for mesothelioma sufferers, by ruling out other illnesses.
Chest X rays are also useful in identifying Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may cause the chest cavity and lungs to appear discolored or cloudy. A doctor can perform a procedure known as VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic stosectomy) to reduce inflammation caused by fluid accumulation as well as improve breathlessness. remove tissue samples for testing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a form of asbestos cancer that is found in the organs' linings, such as the lungs and abdomen. It is a rare type of cancer however, people who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing it. The symptoms can be similar to other ailments and diseases, so it is important to obtain an appointment with your doctor.
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is made on the results of physical examinations and blood tests, as well as imaging tests. These tests are typically performed in a hospital or clinic, and may include an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. The X-rays may create a photo of your internal structures, including your chest and abdomen. They can reveal a buildup between the lungs, chest wall and fluid called pleural effusion. They may also reveal an area of lump or mass in the chest, abdomen or in another part of the body.
MRI and CT scans offer more precise images than X-rays of your organs and can be used by doctors to determine the location and size mesothelioma. These scans will also reveal the extent to which mesothelioma spreads to other parts of your body.
A biopsy is a different diagnostic tool. In this procedure the small amount of tissue or fluid is collected and tested for cancerous cell growth. The most common mesothelioma biopsies are a fine needle aspiration and the surgical biopsy. A more invasive biopsy can be recommended if results from other tests are inconclusive or when the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma suggest it is located in your lungs or chest cavity.
Invasive procedures to detect Mesothelioma pericardial and peritoneal include inserting a tube containing video cameras in the chest or abdomen. This can be used by a surgeon to take tissue samples or fluids for testing. They may also perform VATS, which is a type of keyhole surgery.
In addition to mesothelioma test, your doctor may order blood work and other tests to determine how well your organs are functioning. Your doctor will conduct an extensive physical examination and will examine your lymph nodes, your heart and other organs that could be affected by mesothelioma. They will also inquire about your experience with asbestos exposure, as well as any prior diseases or treatments you've had.
Treatment
The type of mesothelioma and stage determine the treatment. The stage of the cancer is determined by a mix of factors, including the speed at which the tumor expands and spreads, how long it takes for symptoms to show, and whether or not the disease has metastasized.
Certain risk factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most significant are asbestos exposure and gender. A person may be exposed to asbestos working directly with the material or indirectly through other jobs or pastimes. Exposure can happen over a number of years, and sometimes for decades prior to when mesothelioma symptoms appear.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral is tough and resists to heat. In the process of mining or when workers remove asbestos insulation, the substance is broken down into tiny dust particles that can be inhaled or swallowed. Inhaling fibers can cause irritation and scarring and mesothelioma-like cellular changes.
A variety of procedures are available to help diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors can collect samples of pleural fluid through a procedure known as thoracentesis, or place a needle into the chest for the collection of a tissue sample. Other diagnostic tools are MRI and CT scanners that show tumors and masses in the chest and abdomen.
After a diagnosis is made doctors can treat the disease to reduce pain and other signs. Some patients receive a combination of treatments that includes chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Certain doctors also offer the fields of immunotherapy or tumor-treatment in the mesothelioma treatment program.
If a patient experiences an accumulation of lungs-related fluid, doctors can treat it by draining the excess fluid through an incision placed in the chest (pleurodesis). In some cases a patient could be genetically predisposed and increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Genetic counselors can determine if a test is appropriate for a particular patient.
A doctor will schedule follow-up appointments following mesothelioma treatments. These appointments allow the doctor to keep track of the patient's condition and look for signs of the recurrence of the disease.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a group composed of microscopic fibres often used in the construction of homes. The fibres can become lodged in the linings of organs, such as the lungs and stomach cavity when people inhale them or swallow them. In time, these fibers may cause irritation that could cause tumors. The symptoms usually do not show up until decades after initial exposure, and most patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma later in life.
The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the stage and type of the cancer as well as the part of the body it is in. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung lining (pleura), and is the most common cause, while peritoneal mesothelioma develops inside the stomach cavity. Other mesothelioma types may be found within the membrane that surrounds the heart or reproductive organs.
If a diagnosis is established, doctors can perform different tests to determine the severity of the cancer and the best treatment for the patient. Doctors can test mesothelioma with an X-ray of the chest, CT scan, ultrasound, blood and urine samples or biopsy. CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds are a way to determine if the tumor has spread or not.
Doctors can tell whether the cancer is epithelioid, or pleural mesothelioma. Both types can develop and spread faster at later stages, especially when cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other body organs.
In certain cases, doctors can eliminate mesothelioma completely. This can dramatically improve the prognosis of a patient. In the majority of cases, mesothelioma has advanced too far to be removed surgically. Patients may have to undergo other treatments to prolong their lives.
Certain patient characteristics can impact the rate of survival for mesothelioma as per research. Patients who have a family history of mesothelioma or who are younger and in better health have a generally better prognosis. Other factors include whether or not a person smokes and the number of other health problems they have.