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broken arrow asbestos law firm of asbestosis and mesothelioma may be similar. This is because both conditions are caused by exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. People who have pleural mesothelioma may receive treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. The four stages of mesothelioma show the extent of the cancer's spread. Doctors use staging in order 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 typically found in the lung linings, chest cavity and abdomen (pleura) however, it may also affect the membranes that line the heart (pericardium) or the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is malignant, which means it has the potential to expand and spread beyond the location of origin. The first symptom is often a cough that does not produce Phlegm. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue and weight loss. Some patients may notice lumps or swelling on their abdomen. A patient's doctor can recommend a specialist if they are experiencing these symptoms. The specialist will run a series of tests to check if mesothelioma or other cancers are the cause. Imaging scans are used to look inside the abdomen, lungs or heart and take an examination 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, including the diaphragm and a section of the heart's lining. A pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication only removes the pleura, not the whole lung. Other types of treatment include radiation and chemotherapy. The former directs high-energy X-rays at cancerous cells in order to destroy them, and the latter uses drugs like pemetrexed and carboplatin to kill cancerous cells or slow their growth. Patients should inform their doctor when they've been exposed to asbestos. This is important because mesothelioma is a cancer that can be diagnosed as early as 20 years after the initial exposure. The doctor will ask about the frequency of exposure as well as the duration of exposure, since these factors could influence the symptoms of development. If the GP suspects mesothelioma, they'll arrange for a CT scan to determine how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. If mesothelioma has spread to the lungs, they will also perform a bronchoscopy look at the lungs' airways and lymph nodes. In certain instances, the doctor may also suggest a chest MRI or PET-CT scan to determine whether the cancer has developed into the heart. Diagnosis The best way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma involves taking samples of tissue or fluid. Doctors will use this sample to identify cancerous cells that are different from normal cells. A biopsy can be done surgically or by inserting needles. To detect mesothelioma in patients, doctors may use imaging tests, such as CT scans and x-rays. They may also do the positron emission (PET) scan, which is used to identify cancerous cells that have expanded. The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to symptoms of other diseases making it difficult to identify. For instance the chest pain that occurs with mesothelioma can be mistaken for heart disease or lung cancer. In addition, the asbestos-related condition known as pleural effusion can be confused with pneumonia or bronchitis. If a doctor suspects that a patient has mesothelioma, they will ask them about their past exposure to asbestos and their symptoms. They will also perform a physical exam and collect a medical history of the medical history of the patient's family. The doctor will order urine and blood tests to check for elevated levels. These tests can be done in the hospital or even at home. These tests can aid doctors in determining how much asbestos is in the body and how the organs are functioning. They also need to know if the patient has had any prior surgeries. A chest xray and CT scan are also taken to check for signs of mesothelioma such as a thickening of the lining around the lungs. Doctors usually conduct an echocardiogram, which makes use of sound waves to create a picture of the heart if they believe that a person has pericardial mesothelioma. In cases of pleural msothelioma an MRI scan could be beneficial because it gives detailed images of the soft tissues. Mediastinoscopy is a procedure that can be done by inserting a tube containing cameras and a light inside the chest to examine and sample the lymph nodes that are located close to the center. This is especially helpful in cases where mesothelioma has spread to these areas. Treatment Mesothelioma asbestosis is a slow-moving respiratory disease, but there are treatment options that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. To relieve the pain and fatigue in the lung doctors can employ drugs, techniques for draining fluids, or surgery. Doctors can also help patients cope with fatigue and how it affects their daily lives. The first step to treating mesothelioma involves determining if cancerous cells are present. A biopsy is the best way to find out. When they perform a biopsy, physicians will take a small piece of mesothelium for examination under a microscope. They are looking for cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually performed via surgery, but doctors can also carry out the thoracentesis procedure. This involves inserting an needle into the chest to collect samples of fluid for testing. A surgeon might decide, once test results have been received, to remove any affected parts of the body. This is typically done for pleural but may be performed to treat asbestosis that is peritoneal or peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs (pleura). Peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers are consumed and then trapped in the digestive tract. Patients can take steps following surgery to increase their comfort. These include taking napping earlier in the day, planning trips to the shops and other activities when they feel stronger and taking part in light exercises to lessen fatigue. Patients may also inquire with their physician about clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments. These trials involve studies of new mesothelioma therapies that are not yet approved by the FDA. Other treatments are also available, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as immunotherapy. Radiation and immunotherapy are used to strengthen the body's natural defence systems against cancer. Targeted therapy is the use of specific drugs to combat weaknesses in mesothelioma cells. Each patient's case is individual. It is essential to discuss with a mesothelioma expert all possible treatment options. 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 expect to live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. The general health of a patient is also an important factor in the prognosis of mesothelioma. Healthier patients with more accurate blood tests, like normal haemoglobin levels and higher white cell and platelet counts will have a better chance of beating the cancer. They will also be more able to tolerate chemo and surgery than those with poorer general health. Mesothelioma can be described as a highly aggressive cancer that is often a poor prognosis than other kinds of cancer. This is mainly because it is often diagnosed much later, after the cancer has already progressed. The symptoms of mesothelioma are the same as many other diseases which makes it difficult to identify. In certain cases, it could take years for someone to develop mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos. There are two types of mesothelioma, namely pleural and peritoneal. Both are triggered by exposure to asbestos. It is a kind of cancer that affects mesothelial cells which cover most of the organs of the body's internal system. The cancerous cells that cause pleural mesothelioma affect the membrane that lines the chest cavity. It may also affect the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium) or the membrane around the testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestosis is not a form of mesothelioma, but it does have similar symptoms to those of mesothelioma. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, and it can cause lung problems, including the development of scarring and stiffness of the lungs. It is possible to contract mesothelioma and asbestosis at the same time. Only those who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. It typically occurs on the chest lining and abdomen. It isn't caused by smoking, and a majority of those with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos while at work. Smokers and people with other diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes are more likely to develop the disease.