Lung Cancer Asbestos MesotheliomaCancer caused by asbestos exposure can affect the abdomen, lungs and heart. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the lining surrounding these organs.The signs of mesothelioma may appear over 10 to 50 years, and look similar to those of less serious diseases. This latency period makes it difficult to determine the cause.Doctors detect lung cancer based on the kind and the structure of the cell. Cancer is classified into two types: small cell cancer and non-small cells.Signs and symptomsMesothelioma of the lungs is found in the protective linings of internal organs, referred to as the mesothelium. It is an aggressive tumor that usually develops in the lungs, but can also form in the lining of the abdomen, heart and testicles. From initial exposure, it may take years before symptoms appear. Asbestos is a class of minerals with thin micro-sized fibers that can be swallowed or inhaled and cling to the linings of organs. Most often, exposure to asbestos occurs when an individual works in a field that uses asbestos as an insulation material or as a building material. Construction workers, asbestos miners, shipyard workers, welders and automotive workers are at risk of being at risk of developing mesothelioma. Veterans exposed to asbestos while in the military are also at risk of developing the mesothelioma.The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to schedule an appointment with a doctor. During this visit doctors will inquire with patients about any symptoms they are experiencing. They will also examine the medical records of the patient to determine if they have any conditions that may increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma.If mesothelioma is suspected doctors may request blood tests and chest X-rays or CT scans to identify any abnormalities. X-rays can reveal calcium deposits in the lungs, as well as thickening of the lung lining or fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall. A CT scan is a more sophisticated device that takes multiple X-rays and blends them to create images of the inside of the body. It can reveal changes in the structure or the lungs or abdomen and help doctors find the tumor.A CT scan may also search for signs of mesothelioma in the the chest cavity or peritoneum. It is also a method to determine whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.A biopsy is taken to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of mesothelioma. In some instances, a lung biopsy can be done using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). This involves inserting a tube using cameras through the chest. A sterilized talcum powder is injected into the chest cavity, causing inflammation that seals the area which allows doctors to remove samples of the lining.DiagnosisThe diagnosis of mesothelioma is based on the symptoms, medical history, and laboratory tests. Doctors evaluate cancer cells elsewhere in the body with asbestos-related cells found in tissue or fluid samples. If the mesothelioma occurs in the lung, doctors may also examine the lung area using CT scans and FDG-positron emission tomography (PET).Doctors detect pleural mesothelioma through taking a sample of the fluid from around the lungs or other areas of the chest wall where mesothelioma has spread. They also take a biopsy of tissue to check for mesothelioma or other cancerous cells. A doctor can also order blood tests to determine if the person has high levels of certain chemicals that could indicate mesothelioma.The two cancers are similar in many respects, but lung cancer is a type of cancer that develops within the lungs, while mesothelioma is a cancer that is a cancer of the lining that surrounds the lung. This means that signs and symptoms of mesothelioma can be mistaken for those of other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma symptoms can take up to 50 years before they appear and patients should report any unusual symptoms.A mesothelioma expert can help patients determine whether their symptoms are linked to asbestos exposure. They can also talk about their symptoms and the types of tests or procedures they need to be undergoing. They can assist patients in finding mesothelioma specialists who can aid in diagnosing the disease.Researchers are developing new methods to aid in identifying mesothelioma from other illnesses by finding asbestos-related proteins in the body or analyzing levels of hyaluronic acid in the eyes and joints. These tests can be used for identifying the mesothelioma's type and the way it will react.Notifying any unusual symptoms, particularly those that are connected with mesothelioma or lung cancer, to your doctor is important. 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 likelihood of receiving treatment that extends their lifespans. Contact the Mesothelioma Hope Team today to talk to a knowledgeable Patient Advocate.TreatmentThe type of mesothelioma lung cancer the patient has determines the treatment options available to him or her. Patients should discuss the available treatment options with a doctor. To improve their odds of success many patients opt to undergo active treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The doctors also treat mesothelioma using immunotherapy, which is a type of experimental therapy that utilizes targeted drugs to target specific cells in the body.Lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma may present with a range of symptoms that make it difficult to determine. Most of the time, the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other respiratory illnesses or even heart diseases. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to speak with your doctor immediately. mesothelioma asbestos may be conducted by an expert doctor to determine if the patient has mesothelioma. The doctor will insert a needle through the skin or cut an incision on the abdomen or chest to remove some of the tissue. The tissue will be examined under a microscope in order to determine if the tissue is mesothelioma.Mesothelioma can be classified into two types: epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a better prognosis than sarcomatoid mesothelioma, which is more aggressive. A thoracoscopic biopsy that allows direct visualisation of the pleural tumors can increase diagnostic accuracy by as much as 25 percent.Both mesothelioma and lung cancer are both cancers. However, they're not the same. Lung cancer is a disease that affects the lung. Mesothelioma develops in the linings of organs such as the lungs and heart. Exposure to asbestos can cause both cancers.Asbestos workers who have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer should consider taking part in clinical trials to test new treatments. This could lead to better results and a longer time of symptom free living. However, it is crucial for patients to discuss their goals and wishes with their physicians. Some patients may choose to suffer side effects in order to improve their prognosis. Others would prefer to remain comfortable as long as they can. These decisions should be made in collaboration with a health care team.PrognosisMesothelioma can be described as a cancer that is found in the mesothelium. It is a thin membrane that protects and covers certain organs, such as the lungs. It is often caused by asbestos exposure and symptoms can manifest between 10 and 50 years after the exposure.The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to get the patient's medical history, including details about asbestos exposure. Doctors may also conduct an X-ray of the chest as well as a CT scan of the lung region. These tests can reveal changes in the lining of the lung, such as abnormal thickening or calcium deposits. They can also help doctors search for the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity or the space between the lungs and the chest wall.A doctor will also take a sample of tissue from around the lungs in order to test for mesothelioma cancer cells. This is done by the procedure known as thoracentesis. A doctor can perform this in a hospital in an outpatient clinic or at home. A mesothelioma expert examines the sample.In addition, doctors frequently order blood tests to check for the presence of certain chemicals that could indicate mesothelioma. They might also require a look at the lung lining, which is done by an operation called video-assisted surgery (VAT).Asbestos patients must be aware that mesothelioma could develop in other parts of the body, other than the lungs. For instance, mesothelioma may affect the abdominal lining, heart and testicles. The heart's lining is also prone to mesothelioma. This is known as pericardial pericardioma.It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since it is less common than lung cancer, and can be mistaken for less serious illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. The disease can also progress quickly and is difficult to treat.Doctors can improve patients' prognoses through mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and immunotherapy. The outlook for mesothelioma patients is not fixed in stone. Some patients have survived longer than they thought.