Lung Cancer Asbestos Mesothelioma
Cancers caused by asbestos exposure may affect the lungs and heart. Mesothelioma is found in the lining around these organs.
The signs of mesothelioma may develop over a period of 10 to 50 years, and appear similar to those of less serious illnesses. This delay makes it difficult to identify.
huntsville asbestos attorneys diagnose lung cancer by examining the type of cancer and its cell structure. There are two broad classifications of cancer that are small and non-small cell.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer, is found in the linings that protect internal organs, referred to as the mesothelium. It is an aggressive tumor that usually develops in the lungs but can also develop in the lining of the heart, abdomen and testicles. It can take years from initial exposure to onset of symptoms. Asbestos is a class of minerals with micro-sized fibers that can be swallowed or inhaled and adhere to the linings of organs. Exposure to asbestos most often happens when a person works in an industry that utilizes asbestos as an insulation or building material. Construction workers, asbestos miners shipyard workers, welders and automotive workers are at high risk of developing mesothelioma. Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their military service are also at risk.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma involves making an appointment with a doctor. During the appointment doctors ask patients to explain any symptoms they may be experiencing. They will also check the medical history of the patient to determine if they suffer from any conditions that would increase their risk of mesothelioma.
If mesothelioma has been identified, doctors may request blood tests and chest X-rays or CT scans to detect any abnormalities. X-rays can reveal calcium deposits in the lungs, as well as thickening of the lung lining, or fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall. A CT scan is a more advanced device that combines several X-rays into a picture of the inside of your body. This can detect changes in the structure, the lungs or abdomen, and help doctors locate the tumor.
A CT scan will also show mesothelioma-related signs on the chest cavity the lining. It will also reveal if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
A biopsy is taken to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of mesothelioma. In some instances lung biopsy may be performed using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). This involves inserting a tube that contains a camera into 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
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be determined by the 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 parts of the body. If the mesothelioma is located in the lung, doctors may also look at the lung area with CT scans and FDG-positron emission tomography (PET).
Doctors detect pleural mesothelioma through taking a sample from the lungs or other areas of the chest wall where mesothelioma has spread. They also take a biopsy of tissue to look for mesothelioma and other cancerous cells. A doctor may also order tests on blood to determine whether the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that suggest mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma and lung cancer are alike in many ways, however mesothelioma is a disease that affects the lining of the lungs, while lung cancer is a disease that affects the lung. This difference means that the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma could be misinterpreted as signs of other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma symptoms may take up to 50 years before they appear so patients are advised to report any unusual symptoms.
A mesothelioma specialist can help patients determine if their symptoms are linked to asbestos exposure. They can also discuss the symptoms and what types of testing or procedures they should be undergoing. They can even help patients find mesothelioma specialists to assist them in determining the cause.
Researchers are working on new methods to help tell mesothelioma from other illnesses, such as the identification of asbestos-related proteins within the body or measuring levels of hyaluronic acids in joints and eyes. These tests could be used to identify the mesothelioma kind and determine the way it will respond to treatment.
Reporting any unusual symptoms, particularly those that are associated with mesothelioma or lung cancer to your doctor is very important. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure should see their doctors frequently for medical examinations. This will allow them to receive an early diagnosis of mesothelioma and increase the odds of receiving treatment that can extend their lives. To get started, call the Mesothelioma Hope team today to talk to a knowledgeable Patient Advocate.
Treatment
The type of lung cancer mesothelioma the patient has determines the treatment options available to him or her. Patients should discuss their treatment options with a doctor. Many patients prefer to undergo active treatment, which can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, in order to improve their prognosis. Doctors can also treat mesothelioma by using immunotherapy. This is a new treatment that utilizes specific drugs to target specific cells within the body.
Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma may present with a range of symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other respiratory illnesses or heart diseases. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult your physician immediately.
A biopsy may be conducted by an expert doctor to determine if the patient is suffering from mesothelioma. The doctor will insert a needle through the skin or cut an incision on the abdomen or chest in order to remove some tissue. The tissue will then be examined under microscopes to determine if the tissue is mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can be divided into two types: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a better prognosis than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid which is more aggressive. A thoracoscopic biopsy accompanied by direct visualization of the pleural nodules can increase diagnostic accuracy by as much as 25%.
Although mesothelioma as well as lung cancer are both cancers, they are different from one another. Lung cancer is a disease that affects 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 cancer of the lung or Mesothelioma may want to consider taking part in clinical trials that test new treatments. This could lead to better outcomes and a longer period of symptom-free living. It is important for patients to discuss their wishes and goals with their doctors. Some patients might opt to take a risk for the possibility of a better prognosis while others prefer to be content for as long as is possible. These choices should be made in collaboration with the health care team.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the mesothelium. It is a thin membrane that protects certain organs, including the lungs. It is often caused by asbestos exposure and takes between 10 and 50 years for symptoms to appear.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma involves obtaining a patient's health history, which includes information regarding asbestos exposure. The doctor will also perform an X-ray of the chest CT scan and an X-ray of the lung region. These tests could reveal changes in the lung's lining and may reveal abnormal thickening 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 take tissue from the lungs and analyze it for mesothelioma. This is done by the procedure known as Thorcentesis. A doctor can carry out this procedure in a hospital in an outpatient clinic or at home. The sample is then examined by a mesothelioma specialist.
Doctors will also order blood tests in order to check for high levels that could indicate mesothelioma. They may also want a look at the lung lining, which is done by the procedure called video-assisted surgery (VAT).
Asbestos patients must be aware that it is possible for mesothelioma grow in other parts of the body that are not the lungs. Mesothelioma for instance, can affect the tissues of the abdomen, the heart, and testicles. Mesothelioma also can form in the lining of the heart sac, which is known as pericardial mesothelioma.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because it is less prevalent than lung cancer and may be mistaken with less serious diseases like the flu or pneumonia. The disease can also develop quickly and is difficult to treat.
Mesothelioma treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, may improve the chances of survival for patients. The mesothelioma prognosis is not fixed in stone. Some patients have lived longer than expected.