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Lung Cancer Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancers caused by asbestos exposure may affect the lungs and heart. Mesothelioma occurs in the lining that surrounds these organs. Mesothelioma symptoms can take between 10 – 50 years to develop and can appear like other less serious diseases. This time of latency makes it challenging to diagnose. Doctors diagnose lung cancer by examining the kind of cancer and its cell structure. There are two broad categories of cancer which are small cell and non-small cell. Symptoms Lung cancer asbestos Mesothelioma is found in the protective linings of internal organs, known as the mesothelium. It is a tumor that can form in the linings around the abdomen, the heart, and testicles. It can take a long time from the first exposure to the onset of symptoms. Asbestos is a variety of minerals that have microscopic fibers. These fibers can be inhaled, swallowed and bonded to organ linings. Asbestos is the most frequently encountered by workers who is employed in a field in which it is used as an insulation or building material. Construction workers, asbestos miners, welders, shipyard workers and automotive workers are at high risk of developing mesothelioma. Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service in the military are also at high risk. The first step to recognize mesothelioma is to make an appointment with a doctor. During the appointment, doctors ask patients to identify any symptoms they might be experiencing. They will also examine the patient's medical records to determine if they have any conditions that could increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. If mesothelioma is suspected, doctors can order chest X-rays and CT scans in order to identify any abnormalities. X-rays could reveal calcium deposits in the lungs as well as thickening of the lung lining, or even the fluid between the lung. A CT scan is a more sophisticated instrument that takes multiple X-rays and blends them to create images of the inside of the body. This can detect any changes in the structure of the abdomen or lungs and help doctors locate the tumor. A CT scan may also look for signs of mesothelioma in the lining of the chest cavity or peritoneum. It can also determine if the tumor has spread to other regions of the body. A biopsy is done to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the stage of mesothelioma. In some cases lung biopsy may be done by VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). This involves inserting a tube with an imaging device into the chest. A sterilized talcum powder will be injected into the chest cavity to induce inflammation that seals the area, allowing doctors to remove samples of the lining. Diagnosis The diagnosis of mesothelioma is determined by the symptoms, medical history, and laboratory tests. Doctors look for asbestos-related cancerous cells in tissue or fluid samples and then compare them to cancer cells found in different parts of the body. If the mesothelioma is situated in the lungs, doctors can also examine the lung area using CT scans and FDG-positron emission tomography (PET). Doctors diagnose pleural mesothelioma by taking a sample of the fluid from the lungs or other areas of the chest wall where mesothelioma has mutated. They also take a tissue biopsy to look for mesothelioma and other cancer cells. A doctor can also order tests on blood to determine whether the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that indicate mesothelioma. Mesothelioma and lung cancer are similar in many ways, but mesothelioma affects linings around the lungs, whereas lung cancer develops within the lungs. This distinction means that symptoms and signs of mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as signs of other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma symptoms can take anywhere from to 50 years to appear so patients should be aware of any unusual symptoms. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients determine if their symptoms are due to asbestos exposure. They can also discuss their symptoms and what testing or procedures they should be undergoing. They can assist patients to find mesothelioma specialists to assist in diagnosing the disease. Researchers are working on innovative methods to aid in identifying mesothelioma apart from other diseases by finding asbestos-related proteins in the body, or determining levels of hyaluronic acids in the eyes and joints. These tests could be used for determining the type of mesothelioma and predicting how it will react. It is important to report any unusual symptoms to a doctor particularly when they are associated with mesothelioma or lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure should visit their doctor regularly for medical examinations. This will allow them to receive an early mesothelioma diagnosis and increase the odds of receiving treatment that will extend their lives. Contact the Mesothelioma Hope Team today to speak with a seasoned Patient Advocate. Treatment The kind of lung cancer mesothelioma the patient has determines his or her treatment options. Patients should discuss their options for treatment with a doctor. Many patients opt for active treatment, which could include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy, to improve their prognosis. Doctors can also treat mesothelioma using immunotherapy. This is an experimental treatment that makes use of targeted drugs to target specific cells in the body. Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma may be accompanied by a variety of symptoms that make it difficult to identify. Most of the time, the symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory ailments or heart conditions. Asbestos patients should see an expert immediately when they experience any of the following symptoms. A biopsy can be performed by an expert doctor to determine if a patient has mesothelioma. The doctor will inject a needle into the skin or cut an incision through the abdomen or chest to remove a small portion of tissue. This will be analyzed under microscope to determine if the tissue is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be classified into two types: epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a better prognosis than sarcomatoid mesothelioma which is more aggressive. A thoracoscopic biopsy that allows the direct visualization of pleural nodules can improve diagnostic accuracy by up to 25%. While mesothelioma and cancer of the lung are both cancers, they differ from one another. Lung cancer develops inside the lungs, and mesothelioma develops in the lining of organs such as the lungs, heart, and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos can cause both cancers. Asbestos workers who have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer should consider taking part in clinical trials to test new treatments. This could result in better results and a longer time of symptom-free living. However, it's important for patients to discuss their goals and wishes with their doctor. Some patients might choose to endure side effects for the possibility of a better prognosis while others would rather be at ease for as long as is possible. These decisions should be taken in conjunction with the health care team. Prognosis Mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium. It is a thin membrane which protects organs such as the lungs. It is often associated with asbestos exposure. It can take between 10 and 50 years for the symptoms to appear. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma involves obtaining the patient's medical history, including details about asbestos exposure. The doctor will also perform an chest CT scan and an X-ray of the lung area. north las vegas asbestos law firm can reveal changes to the lining, such as abnormal thickness or calcium deposits. These tests can also be used to look for fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, or the space between the lungs and the chest wall. A doctor may also take a sample of tissue from around the lungs in order to test for mesothelioma cancer cells. This is done through a procedure known as thoracentesis. This procedure can be carried out by a physician in the hospital, clinic or at home. The sample is then examined by a mesothelioma specialist. Doctors will also order blood tests to look for elevated levels that could indicate mesothelioma. They may also want to look at the lining of the lungs which can be done by a procedure known as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VAT). Asbestos sufferers should be aware that mesothelioma can be found in different parts of the body than the lungs. For instance, mesothelioma may affect the abdomen's lining and the testicles, as well. The lining of the heart is also prone to mesothelioma. It is also called pericardial pericardioma. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is not as prevalent as lung cancer and it is often mistaken for less serious illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. The disease can also develop quickly and is difficult to treat. Doctors can improve the chances of patients' survival by treating mesothelioma, which includes chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and immunotherapy. The outlook for mesothelioma patients is not set in stone. Some patients have lived longer than they expected to.