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Lung Cancer Mesothelioma

Although they share similar symptoms mesothelioma and lung cancer are two distinct diseases. Mesothelioma occurs in the membrane that covers organs and structures, including the lungs.

Doctors use fluid samples taken from pleural space and CT scans to diagnose mesothelioma. They may also perform lung biopsy or a VATS procedure which uses keyhole surgery for removal of tissues.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma, a rare cancerous condition, develops in the thin layer that protects your internal organs. The most frequent kind, pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining of your lungs (pleura). The cancer is caused by asbestos fibers inhaled into the lung. This causes irritation and scarring.

The initial signs of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, trouble breathing and dry cough. These symptoms are similar to other lung conditions, so mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed until it reaches the stage of late.

As the mesothelioma advances patients suffer from fatigue, weight gain, nausea, and fever. Other symptoms like swelling of the face or arms and lumps on the chest could be indicative of mesothelioma. In the latter stages of mesothelioma patients may experience night sweats and anemia.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma by taking a patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. They also perform imaging tests to detect tumors or other indications of mesothelioma. In some instances, doctors will place a tube into the chest to drain the fluid. They may also request a blood tests to assess the levels that are higher in mesothelioma patients. These biomarkers are used to help identify mesothelioma cancer cells from lung cancer cells.

Diagnosis

When mesothelioma is diagnosed typically, it's at a late stage. It is often difficult for doctors to distinguish from other lung diseases. The two diseases share similar symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pressure and a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). A lot of doctors do not recognize mesothelioma prior to it having advanced or reaches a late stage.

Mesothelioma is classified by its location, with pleural melanoma found in the lung's lining. Other less frequent types are the peritoneal, which occurs in the linings of the abdomen and testicular.

In mesothelioma the cells transform into tumors and spread to the surrounding tissues. Mesothelioma is more aggressive than other lung cancers. In a biopsy, doctors take a tissue sample and looks for mesothelial cells under microscope. This information allows doctors to determine if someone has lung cancer lawsuit from smoking cancer or mesothelioma.

A blood test can identify if the patient suffers from mesothelioma. It checks for soluble mesothelin related peptides. This protein is released into bloodstreams by mesothelial cell. This protein can be present in the bloodstream for many years before mesothelioma is discovered through imaging tests or biopsy. Additionally, doctors can check the chest X-ray for evidence of asbestos exposure like calcium deposits or thickening of the pleura. Doctors can also remove fluid from the pleural cavity with needles to look for cancerous cells (thoracentesis).

Treatment

Patients suffering from mesothelioma of the lung have a variety of treatment options. Treatments are determined by the kind of cancer, its location in the body, and the severity of the disease. Doctors also consider a patient's overall health and medical history before deciding on an treatment plan.

Doctors make use of a variety tests to diagnose mesothelioma, including chest Xrays, computerized scans and other imaging studies. They may also recommend a biopsy -- the removal of a tiny amount of tissue for testing. They will conduct a lung function test and the blood test to look for biomarkers that may indicate mesothelioma.

The three forms of malignant mesothelioma are based on the appearance of cells under microscope. The three types are epithelioid sarcomatoid mixed. Each of these categories has different survival rates and treatment options.

Mesothelioma is often diagnosed in the advanced stage when it is difficult to treat with surgery. Doctors focus on treating symptoms to provide the most comfort possible for patients. Palliative care is the term used to describe this kind of treatment.

Patients with mesothelioma could also be interested in participating in a clinical study. These studies can improve existing treatment options as well as develop new ones. A mesothelioma doctor can discuss the options for treatment with patients and help them identify the right study for them.

Prognosis

The rate of survival for malignant mesothelioma varies depending on the nature of the tumor and the stage it is at when it is diagnosed. Other factors include the general health of the patient and the treatment method selected. The process of metastasis can cause mesothelioma cells to spread to other areas. It may also return following treatment.

The mesothelium is a membrane that forms a barrier to many cavities within the body. It typically occurs in the linings of the lungs, but it can also develop around the abdomen or around the heart.

Lung cancer mesothelioma may cause symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. The symptoms could be similar to those of other diseases. It is crucial to see a doctor when you are concerned.

Tests can help in diagnosing mesothelioma. A doctor can request an CT scan or Lung Cancer Lawsuit From Smoking an MRI in order to check for changes in the lungs like pleural thicknessening or pleural effusion. This is a accumulation of fluid. They may also perform a positron-emission tomography scan (PET). This test involves injecting a radioactive substance which is absorbed by cancerous cells. The doctors then can see areas with the most cancerous tissue the form of a PET image.

Patients with mesothelioma could opt to take part in a clinical study. These studies are designed to improve the effectiveness of existing treatments and lung cancer lawsuit from smoking introduce new ones.