Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is associated with exposure to asbestos which is a mineral that occurs naturally. The disease is usually diagnosed decades after exposure.
Doctors treat mesothelioma using chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Treatment can help patients live longer.
There are three types of mesothelioma. The type of cell is responsible for the tumor and the stage of the tumor affects the prognosis.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma can be described as a cancer that forms in the mesothelium, thin layer of tissue that lines internal organs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a class of fibrous minerals.
Asbestos exposure occurs when individuals take in or breathe in stray fibers. These asbestos particles adhere to the linings of organs they irritate and cause tumors. Mesothelioma is diagnosed when doctors look at the tumors and collect a sample of tissue, called biopsy. Mesothelioma is classified by type based on the type of cells seen in the tumours. The three types are epithelial biphasic and sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelial mesothelioma is the most frequent type that accounts for about 50% of all diagnoses. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for 10 percent of all cases, and has a worse prognosis than the epithelial form. Biphasic mesothelioma consists of epithelial cells and sarcomatoid. It accounts for 30-40% of all diagnoses.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as pain in the abdomen. These symptoms can be similar to other conditions. It is crucial to see a doctor right away if you experience them.
The treatment for mesothelioma could help alleviate symptoms, slow tumor growth and allow patients to live longer. Treatment options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Palliative treatment is available to patients and can help reduce discomfort and pain.
Doctors continue to explore ways to treat mesothelioma, and how it expands. The latest treatments include immunotherapy, which uses your body's own immune system to fight cancer. This is an experimental treatment that has shown promise for some mesothelioma patients. Patients can also try clinical trials, which are studies of new treatments. Patients with mesothelioma tend to be treated at cancer centers with specialized physicians who treat this condition.
Diagnosis
A mesothelioma diagnosis is the first step to receiving treatment that can extend your life span. Your doctor will begin the process by examining your health history and symptoms before determining what type of mesothelioma in your body. This is vital because the three primary mesothelioma cell types respond differently to treatment.
The first test your doctor may order is chest X-rays or CT scan. During this procedure, you lie on tables while the Xray or CT machine produces a precise image of your chest and the organs around it. A small dose of dye, most often iodine is typically administered prior to the procedure. The dye makes the tissue in your abdomen and chest lighter, which makes it easier to see. You may also be asked to take breath tests during this time.
If these tests show a possible tumor or mass that is cancerous, your doctor could order the procedure of a biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a sample of the mass or tumor, either surgically or by inserting needles into the area. The specimen is then examined under a microscope to search for mesothelioma-like cells.
In some instances our specialists utilize ultrasound to identify lymph nodes with enlarged lymphatic vessels that could be mesothelioma. This procedure is called endobronchial ultrasound-guided aspiration, also known as EBNA. It is performed on an outpatient basis, so you are able to go home the same day.
A mesothelioma doctor will also be required to determine your mesothelioma's stage. The stages are determined by the extent to which the cancer has spread and which mesothelioma type it is. A mesothelioma specialist will give you a precise diagnosis to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.
Treatment
A patient's mesothelioma treatment plan depends on how much the disease has progressed and their overall health. Mesothelioma patients typically undergo multimodal therapy which is a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.
The first step in treating mesothelioma involves undergoing a physical examination and telling the doctor about any past exposure to asbestos. Doctors also conduct imaging scans and blood tests to determine if mesothelioma is present and rule out any other ailments. These include CT (computerized Tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic-resonance imaging) scans, FDG-PET scans (fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography) and mediastinoscopy.
Surgery is an option for the majority of pleural mesothelioma cases. Patients can undergo a minimally-invasive procedure referred to as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VAT) or a CT-guided needle biopsy. Both surgeries can help reduce symptoms and improve the lifespan of patients.
Chemotherapy is a method of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancerous cells and stop them from growing. It is a common mesothelioma therapy and can extend the duration of survival. It can be administered via intravenous drip (IV) or pill form.
Radiation is a different mesothelioma treatment which can kill cancerous cells and shrink tumors. It can be administered at various stages of pleural mesothelioma, as well as to relieve pain and allow patients to live longer.
In the final stages of mesothelioma treatment doctors focus on controlling symptoms to prolong a patient's lifespan as much as possible. nevada mesothelioma lawsuit is a term used to describe the goal for this type of treatment. Despite the low rate of survival of mesothelioma cancer, there are still many survivors. Stephen Jay Gould was diagnosed with cancer of the peritoneal peritoneal area in 1982. He lived another 20 years before he passed away of complications from another illness.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma can trigger symptoms for months or even years before it is diagnosed. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments or overlooked. If you experience any of these symptoms it is crucial that you consult your physician immediately.
Your body's organs are wrapped in a layer of tissue called the mesothelium. This layer protects them from rubbing together. Mesothelioma affects mesothelium cells that form the lining of many of your organs. The lining of your lung is the most commonly site where mesothelioma starts. But, it can be found in your heart (pericardium), abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining around your testicles (tunica vulginalis).
The first symptoms of mesothelioma may include breathlessness, chest pain and fatigue. Mesothelioma can also cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs and chest wall leading to an edema called pleural. A pleural effusion could put pressure on the lungs, which can cause coughing and breathing difficulties.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma after conducting a thorough medical exam and taking the patient's medical history. They may order chest X-rays which may reveal abnormalities such as thickening of the lung lining or a buildup of fluid in the chest wall. You can also request an CT scan, MRI or PET scan to get a better look at your lungs and other tissues. They may also eliminate any fluid that has accumulated in the pleura or peritoneum by using an ultrasound-guided needle aspiration procedure.
A biopsy can identify which kind of mesothelioma cells are creating the tumor and the way they grow. This can help doctors determine the best treatment options. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are the three main types of mesothelioma therapies that are common.
Prevention
Mesothelioma is not preventable, but you can reduce your chance of developing it by avoiding people who are exposed to asbestos, and avoiding it. Exposure to asbestos can lead to lung cancer and other illnesses that affect organ linings. There are many kinds of mesothelioma and some are more serious than others. Some types of mesothelioma are easier to treat.
Asbestos is made up of a group of minerals that have microscopic fibers. Manufacturers employed asbestos in the construction industry and other products without being aware of its dangers. Workers and veterans in blue collar jobs were the most susceptible to asbestos. Asbestos has been proven to be dangerous and you shouldn't be living in an old factory or work in it.
If you have a history of exposure to asbestos or asbestos-related diseases, speak with your physician about getting regular screening. X-rays and CT or MRI scans can reveal problems with your lungs and abdomen. A biopsy can reveal cancerous tissue in the lining of your stomach or chest. Doctors will test samples of tissue from this area to determine if you're suffering from mesothelioma. You may have pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of your lungs. Other types include pericardial, testicular or peritoneal.
After asbestos exposure, it can take many years before mesothelioma is diagnosed. Even so, it can be difficult to recognize. It's often misdiagnosed as a condition or illness such as lung cancer, pneumonia, or bronchitis. This could prevent you from receiving the right treatment. Researchers are working to improve diagnosis and creating tests that detect mesothelioma sooner. This could lead to better treatments and a higher survival rate. Genetic testing is used to determine those most likely to develop the disease.