Mesothelioma Asbestosis
The symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis may be similar. Both conditions are caused from exposure to asbestos fibers as well as dust.
Patients with mesothelioma pleural can undergo treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma show the extent of the cancer's spread. Doctors use staging to determine the best treatment options and life expectancies.
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 and chest cavity (pleura) however, it can also affect the membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or around the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma is malignant, meaning it is likely to expand and spread beyond the site of origin.
The first symptom is typically a cough that doesn't produce the phlegm. Other symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness and weight loss. In some instances patients, they experience lumps or swelling in their abdomen.
If a patient experiences these symptoms, their doctor may refer them for specialized treatment. The specialist will run a series tests to determine if the symptoms are due to mesothelioma or a different cancer. The imaging scanners are used to see inside stomachs, lungs, or heart and will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis.
In the case of pleural msothelioma there are two main surgical options. A pneumonectomy that is extrapleural removes part of the lung affected, the diaphragm, and a portion lining the heart. A pleurectomy or pulmonary decortication only removes the pleura, not the whole lung. Other types of treatment include chemotherapy and radiation. The former uses X-rays that are high-energy towards cancerous cells to kill them, and the latter makes use of drugs such as pemetrexed and carboplatin to kill cancerous cells or slow their growth.
Patients should tell their doctor about any history of asbestos exposure. This is important, as mesothelioma can develop within a period of time of up to 20 years following the initial asbestos exposure. The doctor will inquire about the frequency of exposure as well as the duration of the exposure, as these variables may impact the development symptoms.
If your GP suspects you have mesothelioma they will order an CT scan in order to determine how much the cancer has spread across the body. If mesothelioma has spread to the lung, they will carry out a bronchoscopy to examine the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In certain cases, a physician may suggest a PET-CT or chest MRI scan to determine if the cancer has developed to the heart.
Diagnosis
The most reliable method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to collect a tissue or fluid sample. Doctors use this sample to look for cancerous cells, which are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be done surgically or through the use of needles. Doctors can also use imaging tests, like x-rays and CT scans to identify mesothelioma. They can also conduct an positron emission tomography (PET) scan, which is used to identify cancerous cells that have been spreading.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to symptoms of other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose. For instance, the chest pain associated mesothelioma could be misinterpreted as heart disease or lung cancer. In addition, the asbestos-related condition known as pleural effusion may be mistaken for pneumonia or bronchitis.
If doctors suspect that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma they will ask about the patient's prior exposure to asbestos, and the symptoms. The doctor will also perform a physical examination and ask about the medical history of relatives. The doctor will request blood and urine testing to check for elevated levels. These tests can be conducted in a hospital setting or at home.
These tests help doctors determine how much asbestos is in the body, as well as how the organs are functioning. They will also inquire if the patient had undergone any prior surgery. A chest xray and CT scan will also be done to look for signs of mesothelioma like a thickening or swelling of the membrane that surrounds the lungs.
If doctors suspect pericardial Mesothelioma they usually conduct an echocardiogram. This is a test that makes use of sound waves to create an image of the heart. A MRI scan might be useful in cases of pleural mesothelioma since it provides detailed images of soft tissues. They can also perform a mediastinoscopy, which involves placing a tube equipped with cameras and a light inside the chest to look at and sample lymph nodes near the middle of the chest. This is especially beneficial when mesothelioma is spreading to these areas.
Treatment
Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-paced respiratory disease, however there are treatments to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. To ease discomfort and fatigue doctors can employ medications, fluid draining techniques, or surgery. Doctors can also assist patients deal with the loss of normal energy levels and how it affects their daily routine.
The first step to treat mesothelioma involves determining if cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the most effective method to determine. During the biopsy, doctors take a small portion of mesothelium and look at it under a microscope to see whether there are any cancerous cells. A biopsy is typically done through surgery, but doctors can also perform the procedure known as thoracentesis. This involves inserting a needle in the chest cavity to take an amount of fluid to test.
Once the test results are back, a surgeon may decide to remove any parts of the body that have been affected by the mesothelioma asbestosis. This is typically performed for pleural mesothelioma but it can be done to treat peritoneal mesothelioma as well. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lining (pleura) of the lung. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled and lodged in the digestive tract.
After surgery, patients can take steps to improve their level of comfort. These include taking naps earlier in the day, planning excursions to the mall and other activities when they are feeling stronger and taking part in moderate exercise to reduce fatigue. Patients can also inquire about clinical trials that are being conducted for the treatment of mesothelioma with their healthcare provider. These trials are studies on new mesothelioma treatment options which aren't yet approved by the FDA.
Other treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, may be available. The use of radiation and immunotherapy is to strengthen the body's natural defense systems against cancer. Targeted therapy involves using specific drugs to target weaknesses in mesothelioma cells. Because each patient and case is unique, it is important to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma expert.
Prognosis
A prognosis can be described as a rough estimate of the extent to which a mesothelioma spreads and what treatment options are available. It also informs patients how long they should expect to live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient can be an important factor in the likelihood of them surviving mesothelioma. People who are fitter and have higher blood tests like a normal level of haemoglobin and higher platelet and white cells counts will have a better chance of beating mesothelioma. They will also be better in their ability to handle chemotherapy and surgeries than those who have lower general health.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that is aggressive that often has a worse prognosis than other forms of cancer. This is mainly because it is often diagnosed later after the disease has already spread. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be compared to many other diseases making it difficult to identify. In certain cases it can take a long time from the moment asbestos exposure occurs to when the patient develops mesothelioma.
There are two major types of mesothelioma: pleural mesotheliom and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. Both are triggered by asbestos exposure. This cancer affects the mesothelial tissue that covers the majority of the internal organs in the body.
When a person has mesothelioma of the pleural region, it affects the membrane that surrounds the chest cavity (pleura). It can also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the testicles' lining (testicular mesothelioma).
Asbestosis does not have the same symptoms as mesothelioma. asbestos mesothelioma cancer to asbestos can cause lung issues including scarring and stiffness. It is possible to contract both asbestosis and mesothelioma simultaneously.
Only people who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It usually develops in the chest's lining, abdomen and other organs. It is not a result of smoking, and a majority of those who suffer from mesothelioma are exposed to asbestos while at work. Smokers and those who have other illnesses like diabetes or heart disease could be more likely to develop mesothelioma over others.