Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer MesotheliomaA lung cancer diagnosis can be a frightening and confusing. It is essential to understand that mesothelioma and cancer of the lung are distinct diseases, however they have the same cause, asbestos exposure.Mesothelioma can develop on the linings of organs, such as the chest cavity, lungs and diaphragm. It may also grow in the linings of the abdomen, the heart and tests.SymptomsCancer can develop on the lining of the lungs as well as the chest, abdomen and the heart. It's the result of asbestos exposure. The majority of people who have mesothelioma were exposed to this mineral at a work site or in a mine, construction site or shipyard. Mesothelioma usually isn't diagnosed until years after exposure to asbestos. It may also take a long time for symptoms to manifest.The most common occurrence of asbestos exposure is mesothelioma symptoms between 10 and 50 years after the initial exposure. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers that are swallowed or inhaled may remain dormant for a long time before the first signs of mesothelioma appear up. Mesothelioma can be detected late when it has expanded to other organs and tissues.The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptom is difficulty breathing. This is because the lining of the lungs (pleura) becomes thicker or stiffer, and this makes it more difficult to take in oxygen. The deficiency of oxygen causes fatigue, which can become an issue as mesothelioma progresses.Other mesothelioma symptoms include pain in the chest or abdomen as well as a persistent cough and weight loss, difficulty swallowing and nausea. These symptoms may also be caused by other illnesses and you should consult your doctor if they occur. It's also crucial to inform your doctor know of any prior exposure to asbestos.The location and type mesothelioma can influence the symptoms of lung cancer. The lining of the lungs can be affected by pleural mesothelioma, and the lining in the abdomen or stomach (peritoneum) is affected by the peritoneal.There are two types: sarcomatoid and epithelioid. The epithelioid type is generally more tolerant to treatment than sarcomatoid mesothelioma.Patients should be aware the fact that mesothelioma can be a cancer that is fatal. It is crucial to have regular checkups, and to inform your doctor if you've been exposed to asbestos. Your doctor may then recommend tests to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and recommend appropriate treatment.DiagnosisPatients should first consult their doctor to tell them about any asbestos exposures they have had in the past. Patients should also inform their doctor if any symptoms of mesothelioma appear, such as shortness in breath, bloody coughing, or weight loss.Doctors will then conduct a thorough physical examination to determine the severity of their symptoms and whether they are associated with mesothelioma. X-rays may reveal lung changes such as pleural thickness or pleural fluid build-up (fluid accumulation) that are common among patients with mesothelioma. The doctors may also order additional imaging tests, such as CT scans and MRIs. These imaging tests help doctors to identify tumors and determine whether they've been able to spread.It is important to get an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma order to receive the most effective possible treatment. Many misdiagnoses have led mesothelioma patients to delay treatment and allow the cancer to grow. It is essential to seek a second opinion even if a specialist initially believes that the patient's symptoms don't have anything to do with mesothelioma.Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium. This thin membrane lines the body's cavities which includes the chest cavity as well as the abdomen. Three out of four mesothelioma cases start in the chest cavity, but it can also occur in the abdominal cavity as well as around the heart.Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs. The majority of symptoms like chest pain and difficulty breathing occur in this. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma are often exposed to asbestos in jobs like shipbuilding and construction. This form of mesothelioma occurs more common in men than women and typically occurs in people who are older than 65.Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, which affects your lining of your abdomen and pericardial which affects the heart. They are less prevalent, however they are still a risk to those who have been exposed to asbestos for a long period of time.TreatmentMesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, which protects and surrounds certain internal organs, including the lungs and abdomen. There are many types of mesothelioma. The most popular is pleural mesothelioma. It occurs in the lung linings and the diaphragm (which separates the chest and abdomen). It may also be found in the linings of the stomach and the heart (peritoneal mesothelioma of the peritoneal region).Mesothelioma typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos. This is a class of minerals with tiny microscopic fibres that were widely used in building and other construction until it was banned in 1999. Exposure was usually in the workplace, and workers may have swallowed or inhaled the tiny fibres. These fibres are found in ceiling tiles, floor tiles, roofing sheets, insulation and ceiling tiles.Doctors diagnose asbestos mesothelioma by taking a fluid sample and running tests to determine whether cancerous cells are present. They may also employ CT scans and X-rays in order to locate the cancer. Further tests can be performed to determine if mesothelioma is spreading. mesothelioma fluid in lungs include PET scans that use positron emission or scans. A small amount of radioactive compound is injected into the body, and photographs of the affected area are taken. These scans pinpoint the where the most active cancerous cells.If the cancer is in advanced surgeons might be capable of removing the affected lungs and its surrounding tissue. It's not guaranteed to cure the disease, but it can alleviate symptoms and prolong the life span.If mesothelioma is not removed, the treatment is to control symptoms and stop the progression of disease. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are all options for treatment. Doctors can combine the two treatments by administering chemotherapy prior to or following surgery, or using radiotherapy as part of the surgical procedure known as pleurectomy. Participating in a clinical trial of a new treatment being evaluated could also be a possibility.PrognosisThe prognosis for lung cancer asbestos mesothelioma depends on the nature and location of the tumor, as well as the patient's age and medical history. Mesothelioma can develop in the thin layer of protective tissue lining various internal organs, and most often the lung (pleural mesothelioma), but it can also be found in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testicles (malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneal region). Both mesothelioma as well as lung cancer have some common symptoms, such as shortness-of-breath, chest pain, fatigue, a cough and weight loss. Mesothelioma is mostly caused by asbestos exposure.Mesothelioma can be difficult diagnose because early symptoms like fatigue, chest pain and breathing difficulties are similar to those experienced by other illnesses. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs years after asbestos exposure and requires specialized testing to detect.Doctors will combine X-rays, CT scans and fluid samples to identify the tumor. They can also determine whether the tumor has spread. A biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis. This is done by looking at the cells under the aid of a microscope.Scientists have developed the Mesomark blood test, which detects a chemical released by mesothelioma cancer cells. It is believed that this test could help in identifying the disease earlier. This could lead to more effective treatment for patients.After mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor may recommend different treatments to shrink the tumor size and relieve pain and other symptoms. This includes radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.In certain cases, the tumor will be removed surgically, but in the majority of cases, mesothelioma cannot be treated and the goal of treatment is to control the symptoms and prolong life as long as it is possible.The most common mesothelioma type - mesothelioma of the pleural region - is the most difficult to treat and has a less favorable prognosis. You can determine your mesothelioma-related risk by visiting a specialist at an accredited center and discussing your history of exposure to asbestos.