Mesothelioma Asbestosis
The symptoms of mesothelioma as well as asbestosis may be similar. This is due to the fact that both conditions are caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibers.
Patients with pleural mesothelioma may receive treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma show the extent of cancer's spread. Doctors employ staging to determine treatment options and the life potential.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-LEE-oh-muh) occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and protects internal organs. It is usually found in the linings of the lungs, the abdomen and chest cavity (pleura), although it can also affect membranes that surround the heart (pericardium) or abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is malignant, meaning it is able to expand and spread beyond the area of origin.
The first sign is usually a cough that does not produce the phlegm. Other symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue and weight loss. Some patients may experience lumps or swelling on the abdomen.
A patient's physician may recommend an expert if they're experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will perform several tests to determine if the symptoms are due to mesothelioma or another type of cancer. The imaging scanners are used to look inside abdominal organs, lungs or hearts and perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
In the case of pleural mesothelioma there are two major surgical options. Extrapleural pneumonectomy eliminates part of the lung affected, the diaphragm, and a portion lining the heart. A pleurectomy or pulmonary decortication eliminates only the pleura, not the whole lung. Chemotherapy and radiation are both options. The former directs high-energy X-rays at cancerous cells in order to destroy them, while the latter uses drugs like carboplatin and pemetrexed to kill cancerous cells or slow their growth.
Patients should inform their doctor about any previous asbestos exposure. This is important, as mesothelioma can develop in the years that follow the initial asbestos exposure. The doctor will also inquire about the frequency and duration of exposure as these can impact the development of symptoms.
If the GP suspects mesothelioma they will schedule for a CT scan to determine how the cancer has spread in the body. If the mesothelioma has spread to the lung, a bronchoscopy should be performed to check the airways of the lungs and lymph nodes. In some cases, a physician may suggest a PET-CT or a chest MRI scan to determine if the cancer has spread to your heart.
Diagnosis
The best method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is by collecting samples of fluid or tissue. The sample is used by doctors to check for cancerous cells that differ from normal ones. A biopsy can be carried out surgically or through the use of a needle. To detect mesothelioma in patients, doctors can use imaging tests, such as CT scans and x-rays. They can also conduct a positron-emission tomography scan (PET) which is used to identify cancerous cells.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to symptoms of other diseases making it difficult to diagnose. For example, the chest pain associated mesothelioma may be mistaken for lung cancer or heart disease. Additionally, the asbestos-related condition known as pleural effusion can be confused with pneumonia or bronchitis.
If doctors suspect a person has mesothelioma, they will inquire about their previous exposure to asbestos and their symptoms. The doctor will also conduct an examination of the body and inquire about the medical history of family members. The doctor will then order blood and urine tests to check for elevated levels of certain proteins. These tests can be performed in a hospital setting or at home.
These tests will help doctors determine how much asbestos is present in the body, as well as how well the organs are working. They will also inquire whether the patient has had any prior surgery. A chest x-ray and a CT scan are also done to look for signs of the mesothelioma, like a thickening or swelling of the membrane surrounding the lungs.
Doctors typically conduct an echocardiogram, a test which uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart, if they believe a person has pericardial cancer. In cases of pleural msothelioma an MRI scan could be beneficial because it gives detailed images of the soft tissues. A mediastinoscopy may be performed by inserting a tube containing an imager and a light into the chest in order to study and sample lymph nodes located near the center. This is particularly beneficial when mesothelioma is spreading to these areas.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a respiratory disease that is slow-moving. However there are treatments available that can help you manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Doctors may use medications, fluid drainage techniques or surgeries, or a combination of methods to alleviate fatigue and pain in the lung. Doctors can also assist patients deal with the loss of their normal energy levels and how that affects their daily routine.
The first step to treating mesothelioma involves determining if cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the best way to find out. The biopsy will take a small sample of mesothelium, and examine it under a microscope to determine whether there are any cancerous cells. A biopsy is typically performed via surgery, but doctors may also perform the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting an needle through the chest to take out fluid samples for testing.
Once the test results are available the surgeon could decide to remove any part of the body affected by the mesothelioma asbestosis. This is most often performed to treat pleural mesothelioma however, it can be performed to treat peritoneal mesothelioma as well. Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers are consumed and then stuck in the digestive tract.
After surgery, patients are able to take steps to increase their level of comfort. You can do this by taking naps in the morning, making trips to the market and other activities for when you feel better and performing light exercises. Patients can also inquire about clinical trials for treatment of mesothelioma by speaking with their health care provider. These trials are studies of new mesothelioma therapies that have not yet been approved by the FDA.
Other treatments, like radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, are available. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiation and immunotherapy enhance the body's natural defense system against cancer. Targeted therapy involves the use of specific drugs to combat the weaknesses of mesothelioma cancer cells. Since each patient and situation is different, it is important to discuss all treatment options with a mesothelioma doctor.
Prognosis
A prognosis is an estimate of how far mesothelioma has spread and what the best treatment options would be. It can also tell patients how long they should anticipate living after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is also a factor in their prognosis for mesothelioma. asbestos and peritoneal mesothelioma who are healthier and have more accurate blood tests, such as normal haemoglobin and higher white cell and platelet counts are likely to have a higher chance of surviving the cancer. They will also be better at enduring chemotherapy and surgery than people with less general health.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that is often a poor prognosis than other kinds of cancer. This is because it is often diagnosed later after the disease has already progressed. Mesothelioma is also a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. In certain cases, it can take decades from the point that asbestos exposure occurs to when the patient develops mesothelioma.
There are two main kinds of mesothelioma, pleural mesotheliom and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. Both are caused from asbestos exposure. It is a kind of cancer that affects mesothelial cells which cover most of the organs of the body's internal system.
If a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma of the pleural region, it affects the membrane that lines 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. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung problems like stiffness and scarring. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can occur at the same time.
Only those who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It typically develops on the chest wall and abdomen. It is not triggered by smoking and most people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos while they were working. People who have smoked or suffer from other conditions like heart disease or diabetes may be more likely to develop mesothelioma more than other people.
