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Lung Cancer Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancer caused by asbestos exposure can affect the abdomen, lungs and heart. Mesothelioma occurs in the lining that surrounds these organs. The signs of mesothelioma may appear over 10 to 50 years, and look like those of less serious diseases. This latency makes it difficult to determine the cause. Doctors determine the presence of lung cancer based on the kind and the structure of the cell. There are two broad classifications of cancer which are small cell and non-small cell. Symptoms Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma develops in the protective linings around internal organs called the mesothelium. It is a cancer that can form in the linings around the abdomen, heart and testicles. It can take decades from the moment of exposure until the an onset of symptoms. Asbestos is one of the minerals with thin microfibers that can be inhaled or swallowed and cling to organ linings. Asbestos is usually exposed to when a person is employed in an industry in which it is used as an insulation material or a building material. Construction workers, asbestos miners shipyard workers, welders and automotive workers are at risk of being at risk of developing mesothelioma. Veterans exposed to asbestos in the military are also at risk of developing the mesothelioma. To be able to diagnose mesothelioma you must first schedule an appointment with your physician. During the appointment doctors will ask patients to describe any symptoms they may be experiencing. They will also review the patient's medical records to determine if there are any conditions that could increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. If mesothelioma is suspected, doctors may order blood tests and chest X-rays or CT scans to detect any abnormalities. X-rays may reveal calcium deposits in the lungs, thickening of the lung lining, or fluid in the lung space and chest wall. A CT scan uses a more advanced machine that combines multiple X-rays to create an image of the inside of your body. This can detect any changes in the structure of the abdomen or lungs and aid doctors in locating the tumor. A CT scan will also detect mesothelioma-related signs in the peritoneum or chest cavity the lining. It can also tell whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. If mesothelioma has regressed to other organs of the body, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the disease. In some instances the lung biopsy can be carried out using VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments). This involves inserting a tube with cameras through the chest. The chest cavity is then injected with a sterile talcum to create inflammation, which will close the area and allow doctors to collect samples. Diagnosis A diagnosis of mesothelioma is made based on symptoms, medical history and laboratory tests. Doctors search for asbestos-related cells in tissue or fluid samples and compare them with cancer cells found in other areas of the body. If mesothelioma is spreading to the lungs doctors will examine the area with CT scans or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET). Doctors diagnose pleural mesothelioma by taking a sample of liquid around the lungs or any other area of the chest wall that is affected by mesothelioma. They may also perform a tissue biopsy to test for mesothelioma cells or cancerous cells. A doctor may also order blood tests to determine if someone has high levels for certain chemicals that could indicate mesothelioma. Mesothelioma and lung cancer are alike in many ways, however mesothelioma affects the lining around the lungs, whereas lung cancer develops within the lungs. This distinction means that signs and symptoms of mesothelioma could be mistaken for those of other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma symptoms can take up to 50 years to appear, so patients should be aware of any unusual symptoms. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients determine if their symptoms are caused by asbestos exposure. They can also discuss the symptoms of patients and recommend the kind of tests or procedures they should undergo. They can even help patients find mesothelioma specialists who can assist them in determining the cause. lakewood asbestos attorneys are developing new methods to help distinguish mesothelioma from other diseases by the identification of asbestos-related proteins within the body, or determining levels of hyaluronic acid within the joints and eyes. These tests can be used to identify the mesothelioma type and predict the way it will respond to treatment. It is crucial to notify any unusual symptoms to a physician particularly when they are related to mesothelioma or lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure should visit their doctor on a regular basis for medical examinations. This will help them receive an early diagnosis of mesothelioma, and increase the likelihood of receiving treatment to prolong their lives. Contact the Mesothelioma Hope Team today to talk to a knowledgeable Patient Advocate. Treatment Treatment options are determined by the kind of mesothelioma or lung cancer that a patient is diagnosed with. Patients should discuss the options for treatment with their doctor. Many patients prefer to undergo active treatment, which can include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy, in order to improve their odds of survival. Doctors can also treat mesothelioma by using immunotherapy. This is a new treatment that utilizes specific drugs to target specific cells in the body. Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma may manifest with a variety of symptoms that make it difficult to identify. The symptoms may be similar to other respiratory diseases, or even heart disease. Asbestos patients should see a doctor right away if they experience any of the following symptoms. A doctor can determine if a patient is suffering from mesothelioma through an in-person biopsy. The doctor will insert an needle through the skin, or cut an incision along the chest or abdomen to remove some of the tissue. The tissue will then be examined under microscopes to determine if the tissue is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is classified into two types: epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a superior prognosis than sarcomatoid mesothelioma which is more aggressive. A thoracoscopic biopsy that allows the direct visualization of pleural nodules could improve the accuracy of diagnosis up to 25 percent. Both mesothelioma, and lung cancer, are both cancers. But, they're not the same. Lung cancer can be found in the lung. Mesothelioma can develop in the linings of organs such as the lungs and heart. Exposure to asbestos can cause both cancers. Asbestos workers recently diagnosed with Mesothelioma or lung cancer might want to take part in clinical trials to test new treatments. This could result in better outcomes and a longer time of symptom-free living. It's important to discuss the patient's goals and wishes with their doctors. Some patients may choose to endure side effects for the possibility of a better prognosis while others prefer to remain comfortable for as long as they can. These decisions should be taken in conjunction with a health care team. Prognosis Mesothelioma can be described as a cancer that develops in the mesothelium. This is a thin membrane that protects and covers certain organs, like the lung. It is often linked to asbestos exposure, and symptoms can appear between 10 and fifty years after exposure. The first step in identifying mesothelioma involves obtaining a patient's health background, which includes details regarding asbestos exposure. Doctors may also conduct a chest X-ray and a CT scan of the lung area. These tests may reveal changes in the lining, such as abnormal thickness or calcium deposits. These tests can also be used to look for the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity, or the space between lungs and the chest wall. A doctor can also collect lung tissue and analyze it for mesothelioma. This is done by a procedure known as Thorcentesis. It can be performed by a doctor in the hospital, clinic or at home. A mesothelioma expert examines the sample. In addition, doctors will often order blood tests to determine the presence of certain chemicals which could be indicative of mesothelioma. They may also wish to look at the lining of the lungs which can be done through a procedure called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VAT). Asbestos victims must be aware that it is possible for mesothelioma develop in areas of the body that are not the lung. For example, mesothelioma can affect the abdominal lining and the testicles, as well. The heart's lining is also susceptible to mesothelioma. This is called pericardial pericardioma. Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because it's not as prevalent as lung cancer, and it is often mistaken for less serious illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. The disease can progress quickly and is difficult to treat. Doctors can improve patients' prognoses by mesothelioma treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and immunotherapy. Mesothelioma treatment options aren't set in stone however, and those who suffer from mesothelioma are known to live longer than expected.