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largo asbestos law firm of mesothelioma and asbestosis may be similar. This is due to the fact that both conditions are caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. Pleural mesothelioma can be treated with chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma reveal the extent of the cancer's spread. Doctors utilize staging to determine the treatment options and expectations for life. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It is most commonly found in the lung lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura) however it can also be found in the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma can be malignant. This means it has the ability to expand and spread beyond the original site. The first symptom of a non-phlegmatic snore is common. Other symptoms include breathlessness, weight loss and fatigue. In some cases patients, there is lumps or swelling in their abdomen. If a patient experiences these symptoms, their doctor might refer them to a specialist for treatment. The specialist will run a series tests to determine if the symptoms are caused by mesothelioma or a different cancer. They will use imaging scanners to see inside lungs, abdomens or hearts and will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis. When it comes to pleural mesothelioma, doctors have two main surgical options that include an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) that removes the cancer and a part of the affected lung, the diaphragm, and a small portion of the lining the heart; and a pleurectomy with pulmonary decortication (P/D), which removes the pleura, but not the entire lung that is affected. Chemotherapy and radiation are both options. The first makes use of high-energy X rays to destroy cancer cells, while the second uses drugs such as carboplatin or pemetrexed to eliminate cancerous cells or stop their growth. Patients must inform their physician whether they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This is vital because mesothelioma is a cancer that can grow up to 20 years after initial exposure. The doctor will ask about the frequency of exposure as well as the duration of the exposure, since these factors can influence the development of symptoms. If your GP suspects you have mesothelioma, they'll order an CT scan to determine how much the cancer spreads throughout the body. If mesothelioma has spread to the lung, they'll carry out a bronchoscopy to examine the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In certain instances the doctor may recommend a chest MRI or PET-CT scan to determine if the cancer has been able to spread to the heart. Diagnosis The most effective method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is by collecting samples of tissue or fluid. This sample is used by doctors to check for cancerous cells that are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be done surgically or by inserting needles. Doctors can also perform imaging tests, such as x-rays and CT scans to detect mesothelioma. They may also do an positron-emission tomography (PET) scan (PET) which is used to detect cancerous cells. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be similar to symptoms of other conditions, making it difficult to identify. The chest pain that is associated with mesothelioma could be mistaken as a heart disease or lung cancer. Pleural effusion, which is a condition caused by asbestos can be misinterpreted as pneumonia or bronchitis. If doctors suspect that a patient has mesothelioma they will ask about the patient's prior exposure to asbestos, as well as their symptoms. They will also conduct a physical exam and record the medical history of the family member. The doctor will request blood and urine testing to check for elevated levels. These tests can be performed in a hospital setting or at home. These tests aid doctors in determining the amount of asbestos is present in the body, and how well the organs are working. They also need to be aware of whether the patient has had any previous surgeries. A CT scan and chest x-ray will be taken to determine the presence of mesothelioma. Doctors typically conduct an echocardiogram, which utilizes sound waves to produce a picture of the heart, in case they suspect that a patient has pericardial cancer. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, an MRI scan could be beneficial since it provides precise images of the soft tissues. It is also possible to perform mediastinoscopy, which entails placing a tube with an imager and a light inside the chest to look at and sample lymph nodes close to the center of the chest. This is particularly helpful if the mesothelioma has spread to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma is a respiratory disease that is slow-moving. However there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. To alleviate fatigue and lung pain, doctors can use medications, fluid draining techniques or surgery. Doctors can also assist patients deal with the loss of their normal levels of energy and how this affects their daily routine. The first step in treating mesothelioma involves determining if cancerous cells are present. The most effective method to determine this is to take the procedure of a biopsy. In a biopsy, doctors will take a small portion of mesothelium for examination under the microscope. They will look for cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually done by surgery, however, doctors can also perform the procedure known as thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle through the chest to collect samples of fluid to test. A surgeon might decide, after the results of the test have been obtained to remove any affected parts of the body. This is typically done for pleural mesothelioma, but it is sometimes used to treat peritoneal cancer as well. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are ingested and become lodged in the digestive tract. After surgery, patients are able to take steps to increase their comfort. This can be done by taking breaks in the morning, planning trips to the store and other activities when you are feeling better and performing light exercises. Patients may also inquire about clinical trials for the treatment of mesothelioma with a medical professional. These trials focus on new mesothelioma treatment options that haven't yet been approved by FDA. Other treatments, like radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, may be available. Radiation and immunotherapy are used to strengthen the body's natural defence mechanisms against cancer. Targeted therapy is the use of specific drugs to combat weaknesses in mesothelioma cancer cells. Because each patient and case is unique, it is important to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma specialist. Prognosis A prognosis is a measure of how far mesothelioma is spreading and what the best treatment options would be. It also indicates how long patients can expect to endure mesothelioma. The general health of a patient can be an important factor in the likelihood of them surviving mesothelioma. People who are healthier and have higher blood tests, like normal haemoglobin and higher platelet and white cell counts are likely to have a higher chance of being able to beat the cancer. They also will be more tolerant of the effects of chemotherapy and surgery better than those with lower general health. Mesothelioma can be described as a highly aggressive cancer that is often a poor prognosis than other forms of cancer. This is partly because it is often diagnosed later when the cancer has already spread. The symptoms of mesothelioma are the same as many other diseases, making it difficult to diagnose. In certain cases it can take a long time from the time that asbestos exposure occurs to when the patient develops mesothelioma. There are two major types of mesothelioma; pleural mesothelioma and mesothelioma peritoneal. Both are the result of exposure to asbestos. The mesothelial tissues that cover the majority of internal organs of the body. The cancerous cells that cause mesothelioma pleural affect the membrane that line the chest cavity. It can also affect membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) as well as those around the testicles. Asbestosis does not exhibit the same symptoms as mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems such as stiffness and scarring. It is possible to contract both asbestosis and mesothelioma at the same time. Only people who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It usually develops in the chest lining stomach, abdomen and other organs. It is not triggered by smoking, and the majority of people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos when they worked. Smokers or suffer from other diseases such as heart disease or diabetes may be more likely to develop mesothelioma over others.