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Lung Cancer Asbestos Mesothelioma The cancer caused by asbestos exposure can be a problem for the abdomen, lungs and the heart. Mesothelioma occurs in the lining around these organs. Mesothelioma symptoms can take between 10 – 50 years to develop and appear similar to illnesses that are less serious. This makes it difficult to diagnose. Doctors detect lung cancer based on the type and cell structure. There are two broad classifications of cancer that are small and non-small cell. Symptoms Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma develops in the linings that protect internal organs called the mesothelium. It is a virulent tumor that usually develops in the lungs, but can also grow in the lining of the abdomen, heart and testicles. After initial exposure, it can take a long time before symptoms show up. Asbestos is made up of an assortment of minerals that have microscopic fibers. These fibers can be inhaled, swallowed and bonded to organ linings. Most often, exposure to asbestos occurs when an individual works in a field that uses asbestos as a building material or insulation. Mesothelioma is a deadly disease that can affect construction workers, asbestos miners, and welders. Veterans exposed to asbestos in the military are also at risk of contracting the mesothelioma. The first step to recognize mesothelioma involves making an appointment with a doctor. During the appointment doctors will 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 their risk of developing mesothelioma. If mesothelioma has been suspected, doctors may order chest Xrays and CT scans in order to detect any abnormalities. X-rays may reveal calcium deposits in lungs, thickening in the lung lining, or the fluid between the lungs. A CT scan is a more sophisticated machine that takes a variety of X-rays, and combine them to produce images of the inside of the body. This can detect changes in the structure of the lungs or abdomen and aid in locating the tumor. A CT scan will also detect mesothelioma signs on the peritoneum or chest cavity the lining. It will also reveal whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A biopsy is taken to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of mesothelioma. VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgical) is a method used in some cases to perform a lung biopsy. This involves inserting a tube with an imaging device into the chest cavity. A sterilized talcum powder is in the chest cavity to cause inflammation that closes the chest area which allows doctors to remove samples of the lining. Diagnosis A mesothelioma diagnosis is dependent on the presence of symptoms medical history, as well as laboratory tests. Doctors compare cancerous cells elsewhere within the body with asbestos-related cells that are found in fluid or tissue samples. If mesothelioma is spreading to the lungs, the doctors will examine the affected area with CT scans or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET). Doctors can diagnose pleural msothelioma following taking a sample of liquid around the lungs or any other part of the chest wall that has been affected by mesothelioma. They also take a biopsy of tissue to look for mesothelioma and other cancer cells. A doctor may also order tests on blood to determine if the person has high levels of certain chemicals that suggest mesothelioma. Mesothelioma and lung cancer are alike in many ways, but lung cancer is a form of cancer that develops within the lungs, while mesothelioma is a cancer that is a cancer of the lining that surrounds the lungs. This means that the symptoms of mesothelioma could be confused with those of other diseases such as influenza or pneumonia. Mesothelioma symptoms may take up to 50 years to manifest 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 the symptoms of patients and the type of testing or procedure they should undergo. They can help patients find mesothelioma specialists to help them diagnose the disease. Researchers are developing new methods to help distinguish mesothelioma from other illnesses, such as identifying asbestos-related proteins in the body or measuring levels of hyaluronic acid in the joints and eyes. These tests can be used to identify the mesothelioma type, and to predict how it will respond to treatment. Notifying any unusual symptoms especially those that are associated with lung cancer or mesothelioma, to your doctor is very important. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure should visit their doctors frequently to undergo medical examinations. This will allow them to receive an early diagnosis of mesothelioma and increase the likelihood of receiving treatment that will extend their lives. To begin, contact the Mesothelioma Hope team today to speak with an experienced Patient Advocate. Treatment The kind of lung cancer mesothelioma a person has determines the treatment options available to them. Patients should discuss treatment options 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 are also able to treat mesothelioma with immunotherapy. This is an experimental treatment that utilizes targeted drugs to target specific cells in the body. Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma may manifest with a variety of symptoms, making it difficult to determine. The symptoms can be similar to other respiratory diseases or heart diseases. Asbestos patients should see an expert immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms. A biopsy can be performed by an expert doctor to determine if a patient is suffering from mesothelioma. The doctor will place a needle through the skin or cut an incision on the chest or abdomen to take out a small amount of tissue. This will be analyzed under microscopes to determine if the tissue is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is classified into two types: epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is more aggressive than sarcomatoid, but has a better outlook. A thoracoscopic biopsy accompanied by direct visualisation of the pleural tumors can improve the accuracy of diagnosis by as much as 25 percent. While mesothelioma and cancer of the lung are both cancers, they differ from each other. Lung cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the lungs, while mesothelioma occurs 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 lung cancer or mesothelioma should think about participating in clinical trials to test new treatments. This could result in better outcomes and a longer time of symptom-free living. birmingham asbestos attorneys to discuss the patient's goals and wishes with their doctors. Some patients might choose to take a risk in the hope of a better prognosis while others would rather be content for as long as is possible. These decisions should be taken in collaboration with the health care team. Prognosis Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is found in the mesothelium. It is a thin membrane that protects and covers certain organs, such as the lungs. It is often linked to asbestos exposure and takes between 10 and 50 years for symptoms to show up. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is getting the patient's medical history, which includes details about exposure to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray of the chest CT scan and an X-ray of the lung area. These tests may show changes in the lining of the lung, such as abnormal thickening or calcium deposits. They can also help doctors look for fluid buildup in the pleural cavity or the space between the lungs and chest wall. A doctor may also take a sample of tissue from around the lungs to check for mesothelioma cell. This is done through the procedure known as Thorcentesis. A doctor can perform this in a hospital in an outpatient clinic or at home. The sample is then examined by mesothelioma specialists. Doctors may also order blood tests to check for high levels of mesothelioma, which could indicate the disease. They may also wish to look at the lining of the lungs which is possible by a procedure known as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VAT). Asbestos sufferers should be aware that mesothelioma could be found in different parts of the body than the lungs. Mesothelioma, for example, can affect the tissues of the heart, abdomen and testicles. Mesothelioma can also form in the lining of the heart sac and is referred to as pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because it is not as prevalent as lung cancer and it is often mistaken for less serious illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. The disease can also progress quickly and is difficult to treat. Mesothelioma treatment options, like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, can enhance the prospects of patients. The mesothelioma prognosis is not set in stone. Some patients have survived longer than they thought.