What is Mesothelioma? A rare type of cancer that is found in the thin layer of tissue that runs through various organs of the internal system, including the lungs (pleura), abdomen and peritoneum. It can cause symptoms like chest discomfort, breathlessness and a dry cough. A biopsy is used to diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors can diagnose it using images taken with an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a condition that causes cancer that affects organ linings in the body, is a cancer. It is typically caused by exposure to asbestos. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma typically experience pain, breathing problems, nausea and other symptoms in various parts of the body. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the type and whereabouts of the cancer. It can be challenging for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma because the symptoms are similar to other types of cancer. Visit your doctor and tell him about your experience with asbestos exposure. Your doctor will then evaluate you and order testing to determine if you have mesothelioma. These tests may include the CT scan, X-rays of the chest or blood tests. You might need a biopsy of your tissue to remove a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Your doctor will then use these tests to determine the stage of your mesothelioma. A higher stage number means that the cancer has spread. There is no cure for most stages of mesothelioma however, treatment can to manage symptoms and prolong the life of patients. Mesothelioma is classified into three types by doctors based on the types of tissues that are affected. About 50% of cases are epithelial. The other two types are sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. These types are associated with lower survival rates. If a person has been diagnosed with mesothelioma by their doctor, they will discuss the options for treatment. These include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Some doctors also recommend multimodal therapy which is a combination of treatments. For instance, pleural mesothelioma patients receive chemotherapy to shrink tumors prior to surgery. They may also undergo a procedure referred to as pleurodesis. This involves the use of a chemical that causes the lung lining to become scarred and stick together, so fluid does not build up in the lung. Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce stress and improve the quality of life for people suffering from mesothelioma. Many mesothelioma sufferers experience many stressors in their lives, such as financial concerns and caring for loved relatives. They can try to reduce stress by exercising, meditation and other activities. Patients can also seek assistance from support groups and mental health counselors. Diagnosis Doctors first diagnose mesothelioma by taking a patient's health history and doing a physical examination. They will inquire with the patient about their exposure to asbestos and any symptoms they are experiencing, including shortness of breath. It is often difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other diseases. The stage of mesothelioma is determined by a combination tests after a doctor has identified the disease. The stage of mesothelioma allows doctors to plan treatment and determine prognosis. The most frequently used test to determine mesothelioma's stage is an x-ray of the chest. It will reveal if the cancer has spread to the lungs and could also reveal the presence of fluid or a thickening of the pleura (the membrane which surrounds the lungs). A blood test is frequently performed to determine if mesothelioma cancer cells are producing certain markers. These tests may be misleading and inaccurate, since mesothelioma could look like a normal cell. If an image scan indicates mesothelioma or a mass, the doctor will usually request a biopsy. This is the process of removing a tiny portion of the affected area. A pathologist will then examine the sample under a microscope in order to look for mesothelioma-like cells and determine their location, origin and kind. The most frequent type of mesothelioma is epithelial. It forms a thin layer of cells over the chest wall and lungs. It accounts for 50 percent of mesothelioma cases. Other types include sarcomatoid, biphasic, and larger cell masses. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma, although less prevalent is more invasive than epithelial Mesothelioma and has a lower prognosis. In some instances biopsies can be carried out using a tube with a camera and special instruments to reach the suspected region. In some cases, a surgeon makes an incision in order to collect a tissue sample. They will then send this to a lab to be examined for mesothelioma. During the biopsy, doctors will take a sample of liquid from any of the areas that are afflicted with mesothelioma. Treatment Mesothelioma is cancer that affects the mesothelium layer of cells that covers and protects organs throughout the body. Most commonly, the liner of the chest cavity as well as the abdominal cavity, also known as the pleura is affected. However, mesothelioma may also affect the peritoneum as well as the pericardium. A specialist mesothelioma doctor is recommended to anyone diagnosed with the disease. The first step in the process is to perform an examination of the affected area. Doctors will inquire about previous asbestos exposure, and may also order imaging scans like a CT scan or MRI. These tests help doctors spot possible signs of mesothelioma, and exclude other conditions such as lung cancer or pneumonia. Doctors use these records and other medical records to determine if mesothelioma is the cause of symptoms and what kind of mesothelioma it is, like epithelial, biphasic or sarcomatoid. Doctors will also talk about available treatment options. The type of mesothelioma a person is diagnosed with, the area and severity of the tumors, and other health factors can affect the treatment. Mesothelioma can be classified into different stages depending on the severity of the cancer and whether it has spread. Surgery can ease a range of symptoms, including breathing problems caused by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion) and pain in the chest. For pleural msothelioma, surgery is performed to drain the fluid, or an extrapleural pneumonectomy is performed. This involves removing parts of the pleura, lung and several nearby lymphnodes and lymph nodes, as well as the diaphragm and a portion of the pericardium or lining that surrounds the heart. Pleurodesis, a procedure in which the doctor employs a chemical to irritate the pleura and make it stick to the lung, may reduce symptoms for people with mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. A tube may also be put in the chest to drain fluids regularly at home. If mesothelioma isn't yet spreading, chemotherapy can be used to shrink tumors. This can extend the time to cure. To treat patients holistically, chemotherapy is usually used in conjunction with other treatments like surgery or radiation therapy. Palliative care can be helpful for those with mesothelioma. This can help with depression, fatigue, and pain. Prognosis The prognosis of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma will depend on both the type and the severity of the cancer. The survival rate of mesothelioma is determined by four different stages. The majority of mesothelioma cases can be diagnosed when the cancer has advanced. Most often this type of cancer affects the lung linings and the chest wall. The mesothelioma type typically results in symptoms like chest pain and breathing difficulties. Mesothelioma-related symptoms can also result in a buildup of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma located in the abdomen lining, referred to as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is a different type of cancer than mesothelioma pleural. Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which is less common than pleural Mesothelioma, is more difficult to treat. Mesothelioma found in the lining of the heart, called pericardial mesothelioma, is more difficult to treat. Treatment for mesothelioma is often focused on reducing symptoms and prolonging life span. This is referred to as palliative care. Pain and symptoms can be controlled with medication and physical therapy. The drainage of fluid from the chest to relieve pressure on the lungs. Mesothelioma patients who are in end-stage disease may receive treatments like a lung transplant to improve their quality of life. A person's age and gender as well as general health can have a major impact on their mesothelioma prognosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females however, both can be assured of a favorable outcome when treated by mesothelioma specialists. what is mesothelioma asbestos cancer with a lower prognosis tend to be older and less healthy. Patients with these conditions are more likely to have mesothelioma which has spread to other areas of the body. Patients with this condition may experience difficulty breathing, or feel swelling and pain in areas of their bodies that are not affected by mesothelioma. Treatment options for patients with this condition could include a combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Regardless of the treatment, a mesothelioma specialist can aid patients in understanding their prognosis and what to expect. Patients should be sure to discuss their asbestos exposure background with their doctor.
what is mesothelioma asbestos cancer
