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Mesothelioma
Most often, mesothelioma occurs in the linings of the lungs or stomach (peritoneum). Mesothelioma is more frequent in those who have been exposed to asbestos.
Doctors treat mesothelioma using radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy. They also attempt to manage symptoms and avoid complications. They can also utilize immunotherapy.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, is a form that develops when the cells that line organs in the human body grow. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the chest's lining cavity (pleura). Other kinds include peritoneal and testicular.
Mesothelioma begins when a cell experiences genetic changes, and then begins to multiply uncontrollably. The cancer cells can be spread throughout the body, eventually resulting in the formation of a tumor. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally is the most well identified cause of mesothelioma. People exposed to asbestos have the highest risk of developing this cancer. The exposure is linked to number of industries, including shipbuilding and manufacturing. People diagnosed with mesothelioma are typically older and were exposed to large quantities of asbestos for years before it was controlled.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may not be evident for a long time after exposure. The first signs are usually non-specific, such as fatigue and breathing problems. Patients eventually experience chest pain or a feeling of a splinting from the fluid that is circulating in the pleural cavity.
A medical history and physical examination are required to diagnose pleural mesothelioma. Doctors may also order laboratory tests such as imaging studies and blood tests to determine if a patient suffers from mesothelioma. Imaging tests include an CT or MRI scan of the chest that reveals lung lining and any fluid in the pleural cavity.
The most effective way to improve the prognosis of mesothelioma patients is early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Multimodal therapy is an option. This includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to treat cancer and to prevent recurrence.
Patients can lower their risk of complications by lifestyle changes and by choosing an expert in mesothelioma. Patients can also request access to clinical trials in order to benefit from new treatments.
Surgery is the most common treatment for mesothelioma. It can be used to remove the pleura and part of the diaphragm dependent on where the tumor is situated. After a surgery doctors can apply radiation therapy to avoid the occurrence of recurrences and to ease discomfort. Mesothelioma may spread to lymph nodes. This is why a specialized mesothelioma doctor is crucial.
Symptoms
Many of the early symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to common illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. In the end, people tend to ignore or misdiagnose them. As the disease progresses, it could lead to more severe signs and symptoms.
The kind and the location of a tumor will determine its symptoms. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent form that occurs in the tissues of the lungs or chest. It can cause chest and lung discomfort, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Other types of mesothelioma may occur in the testicles and abdomen. These tumors can cause abdominal pain, fluid accumulation and weight loss.
Industrial workers, construction workers and veterans should seek regular medical attention when they've been exposed to asbestos in their work. If they or a loved one experience symptoms of mesothelioma, a doctor can evaluate them and determine if exposure to asbestos is the primary cause.
The symptoms can vary between individuals. Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed after the disease has advanced. In order to make a diagnosis doctors may require a tissue sample or biopsy to look for cancer cells. They may also order imaging tests, like an CT scan or an MRI to pinpoint the cause of symptoms.
Since mesothelioma may cause lung changes, doctors may conduct a lung function test to assess breath capacity. They can also perform the procedure known as thoracentesis, to remove the accumulation of fluid around the lungs. This can ease pressure on the chest and aid in the diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Other tests can be utilized to test blood levels for asbestos-related chemical substances that are used to indicate the progress of mesothelioma. A pulmonologist could also take an chest radiograph to determine if fluid has built up in the lungs. The pulmonologist can also drain the fluid using a needle (called a pleural effusion) and then send it to a lab for it to be analyzed for mesothelioma cancer cells. Other tests, like an ultrasound or CT scan, may aid in determining the extent of the cancer.
Diagnosis
The most accurate way to determine if mesothelioma has been detected is through biopsy, which is when doctors remove fluid or tissue to be examined under a microscope. Doctors also employ other tests to confirm the diagnosis and figure out if the cancer has spread.
The mesothelioma disease isn't easy to identify. The symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases, and a lot of sufferers have months before they see a doctor. This means that by the time a mesothelioma is discovered, it may have already advanced to a later stage.
In the mesothelioma screening test doctors take an Xray of the abdomen or chest to check for lumps and swelling. If the results indicate that a patient might have mesothelioma in their body, they may recommend further tests to diagnose the disease. These may include a CT scan, PET scan or an MRI scan.
A CT scan is a 3D image of organs or other structures in the body, created by a computer and X rays. A color called contrast is often used to highlight the tissues and assist doctors detect any abnormalities. A CT scan can reveal whether mesothelioma is spreading to a specific part of the lungs or chest wall. It can also reveal the thickness of the tumor. The CT scan can reveal whether mesothelioma cancer has spread to the chest or abdomen.
MRIs and PET scans employ radio waves and magnetic fields to create detailed images of the internal structure of the body. Unlike CT scans and PET scans, MRIs do not use radiation.
Blood tests can be used to check for specific proteins in the blood that are associated with mesothelioma. One example is the Mesomark test, which tests for a protein called the soluble mesothelin-receptor protein (SMRP). If the concentration is high, it could be a sign of mesothelioma in the lining lining the lungs.
A mesothelioma biopsy is the most definitive method of determining if cancer cells are located in the pleural chest lining or abdominal lining. After local anesthesia has been used to numb the skin doctors can use a syringe to remove a small amount of tissue or fluid. Then, the tissue is examined under a microscope. This is possible through video-assisted surgical procedures, which include direct visualization of the pleura and biopsy, or by a CT scan-guided needle.
Treatment
Mesothelioma treatment varies depending on the type of mesothelioma that a person has and their overall health. People in better health and younger age tend to live longer with mesothelioma treatment. Mesothelioma specialists can offer advice on how best to manage mesothelioma, and assist patients in maximizing their quality of life.
The first step in mesothelioma therapy is to determine the type of cancer that the patient is suffering from. This is accomplished by analyzing their medical records, and asking them questions about their asbestos exposure and the family history of the disease.
There are three types of mesothelioma: epithelial mixed type and sarcomatoid, or biphasic mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma you have can also be determined by the location of tumors within your body, as well as whether or not they have metastasized to other parts of your body.
Certain patients with mesothelioma might require surgery as part of their treatment plan. The procedure can be minimally invasive, and involves inserting an incision into the abdomen or chest to collect a tissue sample to be tested. Patients who aren't suitable for open surgery could have an indwelling pleural drain that is inserted into their chest. This can be drained a couple of times per week.
In mesothelioma attorneys to surgery, mesothelioma treatment generally includes chemotherapy, radiation and, in some instances, immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a newer treatment option and involves injecting patients with immunosuppressive medicines to stop the body from attacking cancer cells.
Another treatment option is a combination of treatments, known as multimodality therapy. This method of treating cancer tackles it from multiple perspectives and increases the patient's chances of living longer.
An additional treatment option for certain mesothelioma patients is palliative care. Palliative care includes medications to manage pain, fatigue, nausea and breathing difficulties. A mesothelioma specialist can discuss palliative treatment strategies that are suited to the needs of the patient.
Those diagnosed with mesothelioma should speak with a mesothelioma specialist about research trials. Only by taking part in research trials can a patient learn about the latest mesothelioma treatments. Clinical trials for mesothelioma examine new medications in order to determine their efficacy in treating mesothelioma.