What is Mesothelioma?
A rare cancer that forms in the thin layer of tissue that runs through several internal organs, such as the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen and the peritoneum. It can cause symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breathe and dry cough.
Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed by taking an in-situ sample of the tumor or mass, known as biopsy. Doctors can diagnose it using images obtained by an CT scan, X-ray or MRI.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease that affects organ linings within the body, is a cancer. It is typically caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma can cause pain, breathing problems, nausea and other signs throughout the body. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the type of cancer and the location of the cancer.
Mesothelioma isn’t easy to recognize because it displays similar symptoms to other diseases. The best way to determine whether you are suffering from mesothelioma is to visit your physician and provide a detailed history of exposure to asbestos. Your doctor will evaluate your health and recommend tests to look for mesothelioma. These could include a chest X-ray, CT scan or blood tests. It is possible to require a biopsy of your tissue to remove a tiny piece of tissue to examine under the microscope.
These tests will be used by your physician to determine the stage of mesothelioma. A higher staging number indicates that the cancer has progressed. There is no cure for most stages of mesothelioma, but treatment can help manage symptoms and prolong life.
Doctors classify mesothelioma into 3 types based on what tissues the cancer affects. About 50% of cases are epithelial. The two other types are biphasic and sarcomatoid mesothelioma. These kinds are associated with lower survival rates.
When a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma their doctor will talk about treatment options. These may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Some doctors also suggest multimodal therapy that is a mix of treatments.
For instance, pleural mesothelioma patients receive chemotherapy to shrink tumors before surgery. They may also undergo a procedure referred to as pleurodesis. This involves the use of an ingredient that causes the lung lining to become scarred and stick together, so fluid doesn’t build up in the lungs.
Talk to your doctor about ways to lessen stress and improve the quality of life for people suffering from mesothelioma. Many mesothelioma patients are overwhelmed by financial stress and taking care of loved family members. Exercise, meditation and other activities can help reduce stress. Patients can also get help from support groups or a mental health counselor.
Diagnosis
Doctors first diagnose mesothelioma through conducting a health history for a patient and conducting a physical exam. The doctor will inquire about the patient’s exposure to asbestos and any symptoms they might be experiencing. It is often difficult to determine mesothelioma’s diagnosis because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions.
The stage of mesothelioma is determined by a combination of tests when a doctor has diagnosed the disease. The stage of mesothelioma can help doctors plan the treatment and to predict the prognosis. A chest x-ray is the most common test for diagnosing mesothelioma. This will show whether the cancer has spread to the lungs. It may also show an increase in fluid or thickening of the pleura.
A blood test is often done to determine if mesothelioma cancer cells are producing certain markers. However, these blood tests aren’t perfect and could be misleading as mesothelioma cell lines can resemble normal cells.
If an imaging scan shows mesothelioma-like tumors or mass The doctor will generally request a biopsy. A small amount of tissue is taken from the affected area. A pathologist will look at a sample under a magnifying glass to determine the location, type and origin of mesothelioma.
The most prevalent mesothelioma type is epithelial, which creates a thin layer of cells that covers the lungs and chest wall. Around 50% of mesothelioma cases are epithelial. Other types include sarcomatoid biphasic and thicker cell masses. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is less common is more aggressive than epithelial Mesothelioma and has a less favorable prognosis.
In some cases, a biopsy is performed using a tube with cameras and tools that are able to reach the suspected area. In some cases, a surgeon makes an incision in order to collect an extract of tissue. The tissue will be sent to a lab to be tested for mesothelioma. During the biopsy, doctors will also collect a liquid sample from any areas where mesothelioma is present.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is a layer of cells that covers and protects organs throughout the body. The lining of the chest and abdominal cavities, also known as the pleura is commonly affected, but mesothelioma can also be found in the peritoneum or pericardium.
A mesothelioma specialist physician is recommended to anyone diagnosed with the disease. The first step is to conduct a physical exam of the affected area. Doctors will inquire about any previous asbestos exposure and may request imaging scans such as an CT scan or MRI. These tests help doctors spot possible signs of mesothelioma, and rule out other conditions such as lung cancer or pneumonia.
Doctors utilize these records and other medical records to determine if mesothelioma is creating symptoms and what kind of mesothelioma is it, like epithelial, sarcomatoid or biphasic. The doctors will also discuss the options for treatment available.
The type of mesothelioma a person is diagnosed with, the extent and location of the tumors, and other health factors can influence treatment. Mesothelioma is divided into stages based on how advanced the cancer is as well as whether it has spread beyond its original site.
Surgery can relieve a variety of symptoms, such as breathlessness caused by fluid buildup in the lung (pleural effusion) and chest pain. For pleural mesothelioma, surgeons can remove the fluid or carry out an operation called extrapleural pneumonectomy which involves the removal of part of the affected lung and pleura, several nearby lymph nodes, and the diaphragm or a portion of the lining surrounding the heart (pericardium).
Pleurodesis, a procedure that uses a chemical to mark the pleura, and make it stick to the lung, may alleviate symptoms for patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma. A tube may be placed inside the chest to drain fluid at home.
If the mesothelioma has not yet spreading, chemotherapy may be used to shrink tumors. This can prolong the survival. To treat patients holistically, chemotherapy is often combined with other treatment options such as radiation therapy or surgery. Palliative care can be helpful for those with mesothelioma. This can ease depression, fatigue and pain.
Prognosis
The prognosis of patients with a mesothelioma diagnosis will depend on both the type and the extent of the cancer. The rate of survival for mesothelioma is determined by four general stages.
what is mesothelioma caused by are diagnosed after the cancer has spread. Most often, pleural cancer affects the lung linings as well as the chest wall. The mesothelioma type typically causes symptoms such as difficulty breathing and chest pain. A buildup of fluid inside the lungs may also be a sign of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma located in the abdomen lining, referred to as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, has a different prognosis than mesothelioma of the pleural region. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common and is harder to treat than pleural mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma can be more difficult to treat than pleural melanoma.
Mesothelioma treatments are usually focused on reducing symptoms and prolonging the life of patients. Palliative care is the title of this treatment. Symptoms like pain can be managed through physical therapy and medication. The fluid can be removed from the chest to ease pressure on the lungs. Patients with mesothelioma that is in its final stage can undergo lung transplants to improve their health.
The outlook for mesothelioma patients can be affected by a person’s gender and age and general health. Men are more likely than women to get mesothelioma. However, both men and women can enjoy better odds of survival if they are treated by skilled mesothelioma specialists.
People with a poor prognosis tend to be older and have poorer overall health. Patients with these conditions are more at risk of developing mesothelioma, which has spread to other parts of the body. These patients may have difficulty breathing, or feel swelling and pain in areas of their body not affected by mesothelioma. Treatment options for these patients could include a combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. A mesothelioma specialist can help patients understand the prognosis of their condition and what to expect. Patients should be sure to discuss their asbestos exposure background with their physician.
