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Mesothelioma Cases

A specialist should be consulted for anyone diagnosed mesothelioma. Depending on the location of the tumor and the extent to which it has spread, doctors can provide patients with a variety treatments.

Most mesothelioma cases occur in men and women who worked with asbestos-containing materials. This includes miners, asbestos workers railroad workers, auto repair technicians, and shipyard workers.

Diagnosis

A mesothelioma diagnosis requires an array of testing methods. Doctors review your medical history and perform a physical examination to check for signs. They can also use blood markers and imaging tests to determine mesothelioma. A tissue biopsy is the only way to make an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma however, it is usually not the first test that doctors conduct.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer in the pleura, which is the lining that surrounds the lungs and the chest cavity. Pleural effusion is the most frequent indication of cancers of the pleura. This is evident on the chest CT scan or X-ray. It also helps doctors determine the best location to biopsy.

To perform a mesothelioma biopsies, doctors can use a needle or surgery to remove a small amount of the affected tissues. The biopsy is then examined under microscopes to determine if the cells found in the sample are cancerous. The cells of mesothelioma are divided into three different types, depending on their appearance under the microscope. These are epithelioid (epidermoid) and the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) and mixed (biphasic).

Based on the type of mesothelioma you have and your symptoms, doctors might suggest a variety of scans or blood tests. A complete blood count (CBC) determines the level of white and red blood cells, as well as platelets. It can help doctors spot signs of mesothelioma, such as elevated levels of an enzyme known as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

An echocardiogram is a specialized form of ultrasound that shows how the heart functions. It is typically used to diagnose pericardial melanoma which affects the lining the heart.

A chest CT scan uses x-rays, a computer and a computer software to create an image of your lung. It can aid doctors in identifying mesothelioma cancers and measure the thickness of the tissue.

To diagnose pleural mesothelioma, a lung function or pulmonary function test may be necessary to determine how well the lungs function. A flexible tube known as a "bronchoscope" is placed into the mouth or throat and down the airway. The bronchoscope is equipped with a camera and may be connected to a huge monitor so that doctors can see the lungs as well as the surrounding area. The test usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes to complete.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the nature and location of the cancer. The majority of mesothelioma cases are pleural, meaning they grow in the lining around the lungs (pleura). About 10 percent of mesothelioma cases are peritoneal and originate in the lining of the abdomen. Both mesothelioma types can cause difficulty breathing and coughing, abdominal or chest pain, and fatigue.

Mesothelioma is a rare condition and many doctors may not be familiar of its symptoms and signs. Therefore, patients should bring a list of their symptoms to every appointment. They should also tell their doctor about any past exposure to asbestos. This will ensure that the patient receives an immediate diagnosis.

A doctor will start the process of diagnosing mesothelioma by asking about any asbestos exposure in the past and performing a physical examination. He or she will also recommend a chest Xray and CT scan to determine if there is mesothelioma and other issues around the lungs and chest wall. A blood test is ordered to determine the presence of antibodies that suggest mesothelioma or asbestos exposure.

A biopsy is performed after a mesothelioma diagnosis to examine tissue under a microscope and confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy can be done by VATS surgery (a minimally-invasive procedure) or with a CT guided needle aspiration.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include chest or back pain, difficulty breathing, and dry throat. These symptoms could be misinterpreted as flu, bronchitis, or lung cancer. A mesothelioma patient may also experience bloating and constipation, and an unidentified loss of weight. Peritoneal Mesothelioma can be characterized by abdominal pain. It can also cause swelling, a feeling of being full, mesothelioma or a blockage of the stomach. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a loss of appetite. Mesothelioma can trigger severe symptoms and even death, particularly if it is in an advanced stage. Early detection is important to receive a quick mesothelioma diagnosis, and to begin treatment as soon as you can. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact a mesothelioma specialist today.

Treatment

Treatment options for mesothelioma is dependent on the type and stage of cancer. Patients should choose mesothelioma specialists who are experienced with the disease and is able to discuss their treatment goals. This is known as shared decision-making.

A patient's doctor will first conduct imaging tests, which could include chest X-rays. These tests can reveal changes in the lung lining, such as thickening or the build-up of fluid. They can also determine if mesothelioma has spread other parts of the body. Other testing can include the use of a CT scan or an MRI and an PET (positron emission tomography) scan. Blood tests can detect high levels of certain chemicals related to mesothelioma.

When mesothelioma is identified, doctors will order a biopsy. A small sample of the lining is taken to be examined using a microscope. Doctors can collect an organ sample using VATS (video-assisted surgery using thoracoscopic instruments) which is a form of keyhole surgery, or by using a CT-guided core biopsy, that uses a needle that is guided by the images from the CT scan. A biopsy can be used to determine the type of cells in mesothelioma. This can affect the way in which the cancer responds. The mesothelioid cells of mesothelioma respond better to treatment than sarcomatoid or mixed cell types.

The most common mesothelioma treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These can improve the life expectancy of a patient by 30-40%. Doctors might recommend immunotherapy in certain instances. These drugs boost the patient's own immune system to fight cancer. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like chemotherapy and surgery.

Patients suffering from mesothelioma should take into consideration taking part in a clinical trial. This can lead to better and more experimental treatments. Researchers conduct these trials to find new ways to treat the disease and improve patients' lives.

Treatment for mesothelioma that is advanced aims to reduce symptoms, and ensure they are under control. The symptoms may include breathlessness, pain, and swelling. Breathing problems can be alleviated by surgical procedures like drainage of the pleura. For people who cannot undergo surgery, a home treatment such as TTFields might be suggested.

Prognosis

When doctors determine the stage of a person's mesothelioma they can formulate better treatment plans. The prognosis is determined by the kind of cancer and its location, as well as the part of the body affected and the overall health of the patient. Patients with advanced mesothelioma could be able to live for less than one year after being diagnosed. Treatments can prolong survival.

Mesothelioma is caused when asbestos fibers that are loose and mesothelioma sharp irritate the lining in the lungs or abdomen. The cancer can form as a single tumor, or it may grow and reaches nearby tissues. In advanced stages, mesothelioma could cause fluid accumulation in the stomach or chest cavity which can cause a cough or other respiratory issues, and abdominal pain swelling and weight loss.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma with a combination of procedures and tests. They may perform a physical exam, take a sample of a mesothelioma cancer for testing and review a person's medical history. Mesothelioma patients typically have a history involving asbestos exposure, which is a major risk factor for this condition.

The most reliable method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to perform a biopsy which is the process of removing tissue or fluid from a mesothelioma and examine it for malignant cells. Doctors also examine blood samples to see whether the mesothelioma contains different types of cells. The most common cells are epithelioid, which respond well to treatment. Sarcomatoid cell, which appears in less cases is more difficult to treat.

When diagnosing pleural mesothelioma, doctors may be able to treat the buildup of fluid in the chest cavity by performing a procedure called a pleurodesis. This involves the use of an agent to damage the lung lining and stop the accumulation of fluid. They can also drain the fluid with a tube in the chest.

Doctors can't accurately predict the life expectancy of peritoneal mesothelioma patients, since this form of cancer usually develops in the the abdominal cavity. The prognosis for peritoneal cancer is much better than that of other types because it responds well to treatment and is less likely to spread.