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Lung Cancer Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancers caused by asbestos exposure can cause heart and lung damage. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the lining surrounding these organs. Mesothelioma symptoms can take 10 50 to 50 years to develop and appear similar to less serious illnesses. This latency period makes it difficult to determine the cause. Doctors diagnose lung cancer based on its type and cell structure. There are two broad classifications of cancer: small cell and non-small cell. Symptoms Mesothelioma of the lungs is found in the linings that protect internal organs, called the mesothelium. It is a tumor that is aggressive that typically forms in the lungs, but can also grow in the lining of the abdomen, the heart and testicles. After initial exposure, it could take a long time before symptoms show up. Asbestos is a class of minerals that have microscopic fibers that can be inhaled or swallowed and adhere to the linings of organs. Asbestos is the most frequently exposed to when a person is working in an industry that uses it as insulation or a building material. Construction workers, asbestos miners, shipyard workers, welders and automotive workers are at high risk of developing mesothelioma. Veterans exposed to asbestos during the military are also at risk of developing the disease. The first step to diagnose 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 check a patient's medical history to see if they have any conditions that would increase their risk of developing mesothelioma. If mesothelioma is suspected, doctors may order chest X-rays and CT scans to detect any abnormalities. X-rays may reveal calcium deposits in the lungs and a thickening of the lung lining, or fluid between the lungs. A CT scan is a more advanced device that combines several X-rays to produce an image of the inside of your body. Tallahassee asbestos lawyers can reveal any changes in the structure of the abdomen or lungs and aid doctors in locating the tumor. A CT scan can also reveal signs of mesothelioma on the peritoneum or chest cavity lining. It will also reveal if the tumor has spread to other regions of the body. A biopsy is done to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of mesothelioma. In some cases the lung biopsy can be done by VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). This involves inserting a tube with a camera into the chest. The chest cavity is then injected with sterile talcum in order to cause inflammation. This will close the area and allow doctors to take samples. Diagnosis A diagnosis of mesothelioma is made dependent on the presence of symptoms medical history and laboratory tests. Doctors evaluate cancer cells elsewhere in the body with asbestos-related cells that are discovered in tissue or fluid samples. If mesothelioma has regressed to the lungs, doctors can examine the area using CT scans or FDG-positron emissions tomography (PET). Doctors detect pleural mesothelioma through taking a sample of the fluid from around the lungs or other areas of the chest wall where mesothelioma is spreading. They can also conduct a tissue biopsy to test for cancer cells or mesothelioma. A doctor can also request blood tests to determine if a person has elevated levels of certain chemicals that may be indicative of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma and lung cancer are alike in a number of ways however, lung cancer is a cancer that develops within the lungs, while mesothelioma is a cancer that affects a lining surrounding the lung. This means that signs and symptoms of mesothelioma could be mistaken for those of other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. In addition, mesothelioma can take 10 – 50 years to manifest symptoms and patients should report any unusual symptoms to their doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help patients determine if their symptoms may be caused by asbestos exposure. They can also talk about their symptoms and what types of tests or procedures they should be undergoing. They can also help patients locate mesothelioma specialists who can help them make a diagnosis. Researchers are in the process of developing new methods to differentiate mesothelioma from other diseases. For instance they can detect asbestos-related proteins, or determine the levels of hyaluronic acids in the eyes and joints. These tests could be used to determine the mesothelioma type and predict how it will react to treatment. It is essential to notify any unusual symptoms to your doctor particularly if they are linked to mesothelioma or lung cancer. People with a history of asbestos exposure should see their physicians regularly for medical examinations. This can help them get an early diagnosis of mesothelioma and increase the likelihood of receiving treatment that can extend their lives. Contact the Mesothelioma Hope Team today to speak with a seasoned Patient Advocate. Treatment The type of lung cancer mesothelioma that a patient is able to determine the treatment options available to them. Patients should discuss their treatment options with a physician. To improve their prognosis, many patients choose to undergo active treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Doctors can also treat mesothelioma using immunotherapy. This is a new treatment that utilizes specific drugs to target specific cells within the body. Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma could manifest with a variety of symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other respiratory illnesses or heart diseases. Asbestos victims should contact a doctor right away when they experience any of the following symptoms. A doctor can determine if a patient suffers from mesothelioma by performing a biopsy. The doctor will place a needle through the skin, or cut an incision on the chest or abdomen in order to remove some of the tissue. This will be analyzed under microscope to determine if the tissue is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is 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 direct visualization of pleural tumors could improve the accuracy of diagnosis up to 25 percent. While mesothelioma and cancer of the lung are both cancers, they are distinct from one another. 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 recently been diagnosed with lung cancer or mesothelioma should consider participating in clinical trials that test new treatments. This could result in better outcomes and a longer period of symptom-free living. It is crucial to discuss the patient's goals and aspirations with their physicians. Some patients may choose to take a risk in the hope of a better outcome, while others would rather be comfortable for as long as they can. These choices should be made in conjunction with the health care team. Prognosis Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, occurs in the mesothelium. It is a thin membrane which protects organs like the lungs. It is typically linked to asbestos exposure, and symptoms can develop between 10 and fifty years after the exposure. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma involves obtaining the patient's medical history, including details about asbestos exposure. Doctors also will take an X-ray of the chest and an CT scan of the lung region. These tests may show changes in the lining of the lung, such as abnormal thickening or calcium deposits. They can also help doctors search for the presence of fluid in the pleural space or the space between the lungs and the chest wall. A doctor will also collect an x-ray of the tissues around the lungs to test for mesothelioma cells. This is accomplished through a procedure known as Thorcentesis. A doctor can carry out this procedure in a hospital setting in an outpatient clinic or at home. The sample is then examined by a mesothelioma specialist. Additionally, doctors often request blood tests to look for the presence of certain chemicals that could indicate mesothelioma. They might also require to examine the lung lining and this is accomplished through an operation called video-assisted surgical (VAT). Asbestos patients must be aware that mesothelioma could be found in different areas of the body other than the lungs. For instance, mesothelioma could affect the lining of the abdomen and the testicles, as well as the heart. Mesothelioma can also form in the sac lining of the heart and is referred to as pericardial mesothelioma. It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because it is less prevalent than lung cancer, and can be mistaken for less serious illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. The disease can also develop quickly and is difficult to treat. Mesothelioma treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, may improve the prognosis of patients. Mesothelioma treatment options aren't written in stone however, and patients with mesothelioma have been known to live longer than they expected.