by Tina Samuels

Created on: August 04, 2009

Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer specifically caused by direct contact with asbestos. It will affect the lungs and can spread into the abdomen. There are some noted deaths from the disease, like Steve McQueen and rocker Warren Zevon. While this lung cancer is not directly associated with smoking, smoking does increase the chances of getting mesothelioma if the smoker is around the asbestos.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

It is important to remember that signs and symptoms of mesothelioma could not occur until decades after the asbestos exposure.

Fever

Jaundice

Blood clots

Organ bleeds, and organ edema

Early Pleura Affected Signs:

These are the symptoms that show that the cancer is still in the pleural area of the lung and probably hasn't progressed into the abdomen.

Fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath

Chest pain

Coughing, wheezing, coughing up blood

Later Stage Abdomen Tumor Signs:

These are the signs that show that the cancer has probably spread into the abdomen and has progressed further than the pleura of the lungs.

Weight loss

Bowel difficulties

Stomach mass and pain

If any of these signs of asbestos related lung cancer are present, see a healthcare provider immediately for screening. The earlier that it is found, the better the chances for survival and higher quality of life.

Treatment of Mesothelioma

Treatment options include surgical options, radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. Talking with a medical profession can give a wider range of options with those that are specifically for the stage of cancer that the mesothelioma has progressed to.

Best option choice in studies seems to be chemotherapy yet has side effects like nausea and vomiting. However, studies have shown an improved quality of life and increase in lung function after chemotherapy treatments with mesothelioma patients.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be done with a coronal section CT scan where the doctors are able to see the fluid build up in the lungs. While symptoms can point to many other conditions than just mesothelioma or lung cancers, having a patient history of being around asbestos will typically let the doctor start searching for this type of cancer. Chest x-rays and lung function tests can also show signs of fluid and pleural thickening.

There is a procedure that once fluid is seen can biopsy the tissue to check for cancer cells. There are different ways to obtain the biopsy tissue, through thoracoscopy or laparoscopy. Either way, lab analysis of the cells can determine whether they are malignant lung cancer or not.

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