Lung Cancer Asbestos MesotheliomaCancers caused by asbestos exposure may affect the lungs and the heart. Mesothelioma occurs in the lining that surrounds these organs.Mesothelioma symptoms can take between 10 - 50 years to develop and appear like other less serious diseases. This latency period makes it challenging to diagnose.Doctors detect lung cancer based on the kind and the structure of the cell. Cancer is classified into two types which are small cell cancer and non-small cells.Signs and symptomsLung cancer asbestos mesothelioma develops in the protective linings of internal organs known as the mesothelium. It is an aggressive tumor that typically forms in the lungs, but can also develop in the lining of the abdomen, heart and testicles. From the moment of exposure, it can take years before symptoms appear. Asbestos is a class of minerals with microscopic fibers that can be inhaled or swallowed and cling to organ linings. The most frequent exposure to asbestos happens when a person works in a field that uses asbestos as an insulation or building material. Mesothelioma is a serious disease that can affect construction workers, asbestos miners, and welding professionals. Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their military service are also at high risk.To be able to diagnose mesothelioma you must first schedule an appointment with your physician. During the appointment doctors will ask patients to explain any symptoms they may be experiencing. They will also examine the patient's medical records to determine if there are any conditions that may increase their chance of developing mesothelioma.If mesothelioma is suspected, doctors may order chest X-rays as well as CT scans in order to identify any abnormalities. mesothelioma asbestos lawsuit -rays can show calcium deposits in the lungs, thickening of the lung lining or fluid in the lung space and the chest wall. A CT scan is a more sophisticated machine that blends multiple X-rays into a picture of the inside of your body. This can detect changes in the structure of the lungs or abdomen, and help doctors locate the tumor.A CT scan can also reveal mesothelioma-related signs on the peritoneum or chest cavity the lining. It is also a method to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.A biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the stage of mesothelioma. In some instances, a lung biopsy can be carried out by VATS (video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure). This involves inserting a tube equipped with cameras through the chest. The chest cavity is injected with a sterile talcum to cause inflammation. This closes the area and allows doctors to take samples.DiagnosisThe diagnosis of mesothelioma can be determined by the symptoms, medical history and laboratory tests. Doctors look for asbestos-related cells in tissue or fluid samples and compare them to cancer cells found in different parts of the body. If mesothelioma is spreading to the lungs, the doctors can examine the area using CT scans or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET).Doctors diagnose pleural mesothelioma by taking a sample of the fluid from around the lungs or other areas of the chest wall where mesothelioma has mutated. They may also perform an organ biopsy to look for cancer cells or mesothelioma. A doctor can also order tests on blood to determine whether the patient has high levels of certain chemicals that suggest mesothelioma.Mesothelioma and lung cancer are alike in many ways however, lung cancer is a type of cancer that is found in the lungs, while mesothelioma is a cancer that affects a lining surrounding the lung. This means that the symptoms of mesothelioma can be mistaken with those of other diseases like pneumonia or influenza. In addition, mesothelioma can take between 10 and 50 years to show symptoms therefore, patients must report any unusual symptoms to their doctor.A mesothelioma specialist can help patients determine whether their symptoms are caused by asbestos exposure. They can also talk about their symptoms and what types of testing or procedures they should be undergoing. They can even help patients locate mesothelioma specialists who can aid in the diagnosis.Researchers are in the process of developing new methods to distinguish mesothelioma from other cancers. For example they can determine asbestos-related proteins, or determine the levels of hyaluronic acids in the joints and eyes. These tests can be used for identifying the type of mesothelioma and predicting the way it will react.It is essential to notify any unusual symptoms to your doctor particularly when they are related to mesothelioma or lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure should see their doctor on a regular basis for medical examinations. This will allow them to receive an early diagnosis of mesothelioma and increase the odds of receiving treatment that will extend their lifespans. Contact the Mesothelioma Hope Team today to speak to an experienced Patient Advocate.TreatmentTreatment options are determined by the type of lung cancer or mesothelioma that a patient has. Patients should discuss the options for treatment with their doctor. To improve their odds of success most patients opt to undergo active treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Doctors are also able to treat mesothelioma with immunotherapy. This is an experimental treatment that makes use of specific drugs to target specific cells in the body.Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma could manifest with a variety of symptoms which makes it difficult to diagnose. The symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other respiratory illnesses or even heart diseases. Asbestos sufferers should consult an expert immediately in the event of any of the following symptoms.A doctor can determine if a patient suffers from mesothelioma by performing an in-person biopsy. The doctor will place a needle through the skin, or cut an incision on the chest or abdomen to remove some of the tissue. The tissue will be examined under a microscope to determine if it is mesothelioma.Mesothelioma can be classified into two types: epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more likely to have prognosis than sarcomatoid mesothelioma, which is more aggressive. A thoracoscopic biopsy that allows direct visualization of pleural nodules can improve diagnostic accuracy by up to 25%.Both mesothelioma, and lung cancer, are both cancers. However, they are not the same. Lung cancer occurs inside the lungs. Mesothelioma can develop in the linings of organs such as the lungs and heart. Exposure to asbestos can cause both cancers.Asbestos workers who were recently diagnosed with cancer of the lung or Mesothelioma may want to consider taking part in clinical trials to test new treatments. This could result in better outcomes and a longer time of symptom-free living. However, it is crucial for patients to discuss their goals and wishes with their doctors. Some patients might opt to take a risk to have the chance of an improved prognosis, while others prefer to remain at ease for as long as is possible. These decisions should be taken in collaboration with the health care team.PrognosisMesothelioma, which is a type of cancer, develops in the mesothelium. This is a thin, transparent membrane that covers and protects organs such as the lung. It is typically caused by asbestos exposure and takes between 10 and 50 years for the symptoms to manifest.The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is getting the patient's medical history, which includes details regarding asbestos exposure. The doctor will also conduct a chest CT scan and an X-ray of the lung region. These tests can reveal changes to the lining of the lung, like abnormal thickness or calcium deposits. These tests can also be used to test for accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, or the space between lungs and the chest wall.A doctor will also take a sample of tissue from around the lungs in order to test for mesothelioma cell. This is accomplished through the procedure known as Thorcentesis. A doctor can perform this in a hospital or outpatient clinic, or at home. The sample is then examined by a mesothelioma specialist.Doctors may also order blood tests to determine if there are high levels of mesothelioma that could indicate it. They may also wish to look at the lining of the lungs which can be accomplished by a procedure known as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VAT).Asbestos sufferers must be aware that it is possible for mesothelioma to develop in areas of the body that are not the lungs. For instance, mesothelioma may affect the abdominal lining and the testicles, as well. The heart's lining is also susceptible to mesothelioma. It is also known as pericardial pericardioma.Mesothelioma can be hard to recognize because it's not as prevalent as lung cancer, and it can easily be mistaken for less serious diseases like the flu or pneumonia. The disease can also progress quickly and is difficult to treat.Doctors can improve patients' prognoses by treating mesothelioma, which includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Mesothelioma treatment options aren't written in stone, however, and people who suffer from mesothelioma are known to live longer than anticipated.