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Mesothelioma Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma because they irritate tissue surrounding many of your internal organs. schaumburg mesothelioma attorneys develop. The lung's lining (pleura) is the most frequently affected site for mesothelioma. Less-common kinds affect the lining of the abdomen and the tissue around the testicles. Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma by looking at samples of tissue or fluid for cancerous cells. They can also order blood tests and imaging tests. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma affects the organ lining in various parts of the body. The symptoms vary depending on the site of the tumor, for example, in the pleura or peritoneum (lung lining) for pleural and peritoneal cancers. Fever, fatigue and unexplained loss of weight are common symptoms. Mesothelioma symptoms could also include pain and difficulty breathing. A physical exam is the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. Your doctor will ask you about any asbestos exposure you have had in the past and other factors that may increase your likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes a background of working in an industry where asbestos exposure was common, like construction, shipbuilding or manufacturing. The majority of the time mesothelioma can be diagnosed with images of the abdomen or chest. These include X radiations, CT scans (computer tomography), and MRIs (magnetic imaging). These tests allow doctors to see inside your body, and check for mesothelioma and other lung tumors or stomach. X-rays will show an increase in the pleura or a buildup of fluid in the space between your lungs and chest wall, which are both common symptoms of mesothelioma of the pleura. There is also a possibility of fluid in the abdominal cavity, which is often linked to peritoneal msothelioma. If a mesothelioma mass is identified, your doctor will order a biopsy. During a biopsy your doctor will extract small amounts of tissue to test for mesothelioma. A surgeon will either insert needles into the tumor, or perform a surgical procedure to extract the specimen. In the case of pleural asbestosis, doctors drain the fluid from the chest cavity with a procedure known as pleurodesis. This involves making a small cut within the abdomen or chest and using a special tube to drain the fluid. Fluid buildup can lead to difficulty breathing in patients with mesothelioma of the pleura. Your doctor may recommend an indwelling needle or an indwelling cathode to try and manage the buildup of fluid in your pleura. In rare instances, the cancer can expand to other parts of the body and cause symptoms like abdominal discomfort weight loss, abdominal discomfort, and breathing problems. These symptoms are called metastatic symptoms, because they are not associated with the original tumor. Diagnosis In most cases, doctors will first conduct a physical exam to evaluate symptoms such as chest discomfort and coughing. They will also ask patients about any previous asbestos exposure. They will then order imaging tests in order to check for lung tumors and abdomen. These tests could include X radiographs, CT scans or MRIs. Because mesothelioma can be so rare, it can be hard for doctors to identify it correctly. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as more common diseases like bronchitis or pneumonia. This can delay treatment and spread the disease before it is properly detected. When doctors discover a possible mesothelioma tumor, they will require a sample of the tissue or fluid for testing. These samples will help determine the nature of the cancer and if it has spread. Doctors can collect mesothelioma specimens through a biopsy. They can do this by the removal of a small portion of tissue with surgery or inserting an instrument into the abdomen or chest to drain fluid. These samples will be analyzed for cancerous cells. The type of mesothelioma that the doctor finds will help determine the best treatment options. Doctors can also recommend lab tests on an area of tumor to better understand how the tumor functions. These tests can help identify specific genes, proteins or other elements that are specific to the tumor. Then, doctors will need to know if the tumor has spread and is referred to as staging. This helps them describe the size of the tumor as well as if it has expanded to other organs. Once all test results are in the doctor will discuss the results with you. They will also give you an estimate of your prognosis. It is based on the typical mesothelioma patients with similar symptoms and stages. They will explain how the prognosis could change as the tumor expands shrinks, shrinks, or when other treatments are employed. Get a second physician's opinion should you have any questions. This is a great way to make sure you get the best possible care. Treatment Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is just the beginning of a long and difficult road. Treatment options depend on many factors, including the type and degree of mesothelioma (how quickly it grows). Doctors also take into consideration the patient's age as well as general health and other medical ailments. Mesothelioma is a rare disease that can be difficult for healthcare professionals to recognize. The combination of tests, such as chest CT scans and X-rays are often used to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. These imaging studies may reveal changes in the lung's lining or abdomen, such as pleural thickening and fluid build-up. The blood tests are also performed to determine the presence of specific proteins that are associated with mesothelioma. A biopsy is usually performed when a mesothelioma diagnosis is made. A biopsy is carried out by inserting a needle into the affected area and then removing the tissue to be examined. A lab will examine the sample to see if it contains cancer cells. If a patient has pleural mesothelioma, doctors can drain the excess fluid with the procedure known as Thorcentesis. Also, they can use pleurodesis which assists in preventing the accumulation of fluid in the future. Pleurodesis involves inserting a tube into the chest to help drain the fluid, and it can be paired with medication to reduce the likelihood of fluid accumulating again. Radiation therapy is a different treatment for mesothelioma. it can be used by itself or in conjunction with chemotherapy or surgery. Doctors can opt for conventional photon radiation, or an advanced method called intensity-modulated radiotherapy. This is where the radiation is delivered in different angles to reduce the damage to healthy tissue. It can be used to aid in surgery by using drugs that destroy cancerous cells. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma may also receive intraperitoneal chemotherapy which is heated and injected into the abdomen. Some patients are eligible to participate in clinical trials of the latest mesothelioma treatments. These are typically done at larger medical centers and could provide the most promising outcomes. Mesothelioma can recur or recur after treatment. If it does, the treatment options will vary depending on the area where mesothelioma recurred and the treatment that was previously received. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma varies on a variety of variables, including the stage and type of cancer, overall health and the age. It also depends on the extent of the mesothelioma and how well the treatment can control the symptoms. A doctor will use several tests to determine the prognosis for mesothelioma patients, which include imaging tests (a CT scan or X-ray), blood tests and the biopsy. A biopsy is the process of removing a small sample of mesothelioma or other tissue and examine it under a microscope to check for cancerous cells. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, affects organs' tissues like the lining around the abdomen, chest and testes. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be shocking and may cause feelings of anger, fear, or anxiety. It is important to discuss these emotions with a trusted family member, mesothelioma support group or mesothelioma lawyer. The outlook for mesothelioma is likely to be improved if the condition is identified in its early stages. If doctors can eliminate the tumor, or a significant portion of it, patients stand a better chance of an extended life. Fitness is another factor. People who are at a higher fitness level are able to handle mesothelioma treatments that are more severe and have higher survival rates. The blood chemistry of a person can also influence the outcome of their mesothelioma. The more normal one's haemoglobin levels, platelet and white blood cells counts are the better their chances of survival. Mesothelioma can be treated if it isn't in an advanced stage. This can be done through chemo, radiation therapy, or surgery. These treatments can make cancer cells less likely to multiply and spread. However, these treatments will not treat cancer. Many mesothelioma survivors have surpassed their initial prognoses. Some mesothelioma victims have lived for years or even a decade, after their diagnosis. For instance the paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould survived his mesothelioma peritoneal for over 20 years. He eventually died of cancer that was not related to mesothelioma.