Mesothelioma Cases
A specialist should be consulted for anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma. Doctors are able to provide a range of treatment options based on the location and size of the tumor.
Most mesothelioma cases occur in men and women who worked with asbestos-containing materials. This includes miners, asbestos workers, railroad, auto repair and shipyard workers.
Diagnosis
A series of tests are necessary to determine if you have mesothelioma. Doctors examine your medical history and conduct a physical exam to check for signs. They also run tests of imaging and blood tests to diagnose mesothelioma. The only way to identify mesothelioma is by the procedure of a tissue biopsy, however it's not the only test doctors conduct.
The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in the pleura, or lining of the lungs and chest cavity. The most frequently reported sign of mesothelioma in the pleura is the presence of fluids in the chest cavity, known as pleural effusion. This can be seen on a chest X-ray or CT scan. It can help doctors work out where to biopsy the affected region.
A biopsy of mesothelioma can be performed by a physician by using a needle or via surgery. The biopsy is then examined under a microscope to determine whether the cells are cancerous. Mesothelioma can be classified into three types according to how the cells appear under a microscope: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and mixed (biphasic) mesothelioma.
Based on your symptoms and the type of mesothelioma you have, your doctor may recommend various blood tests or imaging scans. A complete blood count (CBC) is a test that measures red and white blood cell levels, as well platelets, is an effective test. It can help doctors detect mesothelioma signs, for example, increased levels of an enzyme known as Lactate Dehydrogenase.
An echocardiogram is a specialized form of ultrasound that shows how well the heart works. This is often used to detect pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the lining the heart.
A chest CT scan makes use of x-rays, computers and a computer program to create a picture of your lungs. It can help doctors spot mesothelioma tumors and determine how the thickness of the tissue is.
To diagnose pleural mesothelioma a lung function test or pulmonary function test may be necessary to determine how well the lungs work. A flexible tube called a "bronchoscope" is inserted into the throat or mouth and then down the airway. The bronchoscope comes with a camera and can be connected to a huge monitor to allow doctors to observe the lungs and the surrounding area. The test can take between 30 minutes and 60 minutes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location and kind of cancer it is. The majority of mesothelioma cases are pleural meaning they grow within the lining of the lung (pleura). About 10% of mesothelioma cases are peritoneal and originate in the lining of the abdomen. Both types of mesothelioma can cause fatigue, chest pain, abdominal or chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
Mesothelioma is a rare disease and many doctors aren't familiar with its signs and symptoms. Patients should bring a thorough list of symptoms to every appointment and inform the doctor of any asbestos exposure history. This will ensure that the patient receives a timely diagnosis.
A doctor will start with a diagnosis of mesothelioma asking about asbestos exposure prior to the diagnosis and conducting a physical exam. He or she will also request a chest X-ray and CT scan to determine if there is mesothelioma and other issues around the chest wall and lungs. A blood test can also be required to determine the presence of antibodies that could indicate asbestos or mesothelioma exposure.
Once mesothelioma has been diagnosed and a biopsy is carried out to examine the tissues under a microscope and confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy can be carried out using VATS surgery (a minimally-invasive procedure) or by a CT guided needle aspiration.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest or back discomfort, breathing difficulties and dry throat. These symptoms could be misinterpreted as flu, bronchitis, pneumonia or lung cancer. Additionally mesothelioma patients can feel constipated, bloated and an unproven loss of weight. Peritoneal
mesothelioma Case symptoms include abdominal pain and abdomen, swelling and a feeling of fullness or a blockage in the stomach. Other symptoms that can occur include an appetite loss, fever and tiredness. Mesothelioma can trigger severe symptoms and even death, particularly if it is at an advanced stage. Early detection is crucial to getting a quick mesothelioma diagnosis and undergoing treatment as soon as you can. Consult a mesothelioma doctor for advice if you or someone you love has experienced symptoms of mesothelioma.
Treatment
The
mesothelioma attorneys treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Patients should select a mesothelioma specialist who is experienced with the disease and can discuss their needs for treatment. This is known as shared decision-making.
Chest Xrays are often the first imaging test the doctor of a patient orders. These tests can reveal changes to the lining of the lungs, such as thickening and fluid buildup. They can also reveal whether the mesothelioma has spread to other organs. Other testing can include an CT scan as well as an MRI and a PET (positron emission tomography) scan. Tests for blood can also identify high levels of certain chemicals that are linked to mesothelioma.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed doctors will request an examination. This is the process of removing one small portion of the lining to examine under microscope for mesothelioma cell. Doctors can take a tissue sample using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) which is a form of keyhole surgery, or through a CT-guided core biopsy, which uses a needle guided by images from the CT scan. A biopsy can be used to determine the type of cells in mesothelioma. This will affect the way that cancer responds. Epithelioid mesothelioma cells respond the best to treatment, while mixed cell and sarcomatoid types are not.
The most common
mesothelioma claim treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. These treatments can extend a patient's lifespan by 30-40 percent. Doctors may recommend immunotherapy in some cases. These drugs encourage the body's immune system to fight the cancer. These medications can be used with other treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery.
Mesothelioma patients should consider joining a clinical trial, because it could lead to more effective and novel treatments. Researchers conduct these trials to find new ways to treat the disease and improve patients' lives.
Treatment for advanced mesothelioma seeks to lessen symptoms and ensure they are under control. The symptoms may include breathlessness, pain, and swelling. Breathing difficulties can be helped by surgical procedures like drainage of the pleura. If you are not able to undergo surgery, an at-home treatment like TTFields could be recommended.
Prognosis
Doctors can better plan treatment when they know the stage of mesothelioma. The prognosis will depend on the type and location of the cancer, the part of the body it affects and the general condition of a patient's health. Patients with more advanced mesothelioma might live for less than one year after diagnosis, but treatments can extend survival.
Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos's brittle, loose fibers irritate the linings of the abdomen or lungs. The cancer may form as a single tumor, or it can grow and spreads to other tissues. In advanced stages, mesothelioma can cause fluid accumulation in the stomach or chest cavity, leading to a cough or other respiratory issues and abdominal pain, swelling and weight loss.