Mesothelioma Cases

Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma must seek out an expert. Based on the location of the tumor and how much it has spread, doctors are able to provide patients with a variety treatments.

Men and women who have worked with asbestos are most likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes asbestos workers, miners railway workers, auto repair and shipyard workers.

Diagnosis

A combination of tests is necessary to determine if you have mesothelioma. Doctors look at your medical history and do an examination to look for signs. They may also use blood markers and imaging tests to determine mesothelioma. The only way to identify mesothelioma is by the procedure of a tissue biopsy, however this is not always the first test that doctors conduct.

Mesothelioma is most common in the pleura, which is the lung lining, and chest cavity. Pleural effusion is the most commonly seen indication of cancers of the pleura. It can be observed on chest X-rays or CT scan and helps doctors work out where to biopsy the affected region.

A biopsy of mesothelioma can be taken by a doctor using a needle, or by surgery. The biopsy is then examined under microscope to determine whether the cells present in the sample are cancerous. Mesothelioma can be divided into three types based on the way the cells appear under microscopes: epithelioid sarcomatoid, and mixed (biphasic) mesothelioma.

Based on the type of mesothelioma and your symptoms, doctors may recommend a range of tests for asbestos blood or imaging scanners. A complete blood count (CBC) determines the level of white and red blood cells, as well as platelets. It can help doctors detect signs of mesothelioma such as the presence of elevated levels of an enzyme known as Lactate Dehydrogenase.

A specialized form ultrasound, an echocardiogram displays the heart's performance. It is used to detect pericardial msothelioma that can affect the lining around 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 tumors and determine the thickness of tissues.

A pleural mesothelioma diagnosis may require lung function tests or pulmonary function tests to determine how well the lungs are working. A flexible tube called a "bronchoscope" is placed into the mouth or throat and down the airway. The bronchoscope is equipped with a camera at the end and connects to an enormous screen so that doctors can see the lungs and the surrounding areas. The test usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes to perform.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the nature and location of the cancer. Most mesothelioma cancers are pleural (meaning they develop in the lining of lungs). About 10 percent of mesothelioma patients are peritoneal and originate in the lining of the abdomen. Both mesothelioma types cause breathing difficulties, coughing, abdominal or chest pain, and fatigue.

Mesothelioma is a rare illness and many doctors may not be familiar with its symptoms and signs. Patients should bring a detailed list of symptoms to every appointment and inform the doctor of any asbestos exposure history. This will ensure that the patient receives a prompt diagnosis.

A doctor will typically begin the mesothelioma treatment by asking about asbestos exposure in the past and conducting a physical examination. He or she will also order a chest X-ray and CT scan to check for mesothelioma and other issues around the chest wall and lungs. A blood test can also be required to determine the presence of antibodies that could indicate mesothelioma or asbestos exposure.

If mesothelioma is identified, a biopsy will be performed to examine tissue under a microscope and confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy can be carried out by VATS surgery (a minimally-invasive procedure) or by a CT guided needle aspiration.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include chest or back pain, difficulty breathing, and dry throat. These symptoms are often misinterpreted as pneumonia, bronchitis or flu. In addition, a mesothelioma patient may suffer from constipation, bloating and unexplained weight loss. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include abdominal pain and abdomen, swelling and an feeling of fullness or an obstruction in the stomach. Other symptoms that can occur include nausea, fever and fatigue. Mesothelioma can cause grave symptoms and even death, especially when it is at an advanced stage. Early detection is key to getting a quick mesothelioma diagnosis and starting treatment as soon as you are able to. If you or a loved one is suffering from mesothelioma symptoms consult a mesothelioma doctor today.

Treatment

Treatment options for mesothelioma are dependent on the type and stage of cancer. Patients should choose mesothelioma experts who are familiar with the disease and can discuss their needs for treatment. This is known as shared decision making.

The doctor of the patient will conduct imaging tests, which could include chest X-rays. These tests can reveal changes to the lung's lining like thickening, and fluid buildup. They can also tell if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other regions of the body. Other testing can include the use of a CT scan, an MRI and an PET (positron emission tomography) scan. Blood tests can detect high levels of certain chemical linked to mesothelioma.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed, doctors will order an invasive biopsy. This involves removing one small portion of the lining to look at under microscopes to look for mesothelioma-like cells. Doctors can take the tissue sample with VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery), a type of keyhole surgery, or by using CT-guided core biopsies, that uses a needle that is guided by images of the CT scan. A biopsy can be used to determine the type of cell present in mesothelioma. This can affect the way in which the cancer responds. Epithelioid cells of mesothelioma law respond better to treatment than mixed or sarcomatoid cell types.

The most common treatments for mesothelioma include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. These treatments can extend the life expectancy of patients by 30-40%. In some cases, doctors may recommend immunotherapy. These drugs encourage the patient's immune system to fight cancer. These drugs can be combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery.

Mesothelioma patients must always think about taking part in a clinical trial as this can result in more effective and novel treatments. These trials are conducted by researchers to find new ways to treat mesothelioma and improve the quality of life of patients.

For people suffering from advanced mesothelioma purpose of treatment is to minimize symptoms and keep them under control. These symptoms include breathing problems, pain, and swelling. Surgery, like the pleural drain, may aid in breathing problems. The TTFields home treatment that may be recommended for people who are unable to undergo surgery.

Prognosis

When doctors determine the stage of someone's mesothelioma, they are able to make better treatment plans. The prognosis depends on the type of cancer it is located in, the part of the body affected and the overall health of the patient. Patients with mesothelioma that is more advanced could live less than a year after diagnosis, however treatments can extend the life of patients.

Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers that are loose and sharp cause irritation to the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Cancer can develop as a single tumor or spread to adjacent tissues as it grows. In its advanced stages, mesothelioma may cause fluid to build up in the chest cavity and stomach which can cause a cough as well as other respiratory issues abdominal pain, swelling and weight loss.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using a combination procedures and tests. They may perform a physical exam, take an in-situ sample of a mesothelioma tumour for testing, and look over a person's medical history. Mesothelioma patients often have a history of asbestos exposure which is a significant risk factor for the condition.

A biopsy is the most reliable method of confirming mesothelioma. It is the process of removing tissues or fluids from a mesothelioma with cancer and examines them for malignant cells. Doctors analyze blood samples to determine whether mesothelioma has different kinds of cancerous cells. The most common epithelioid cells respond well to treatment. Sarcomatoid cell, which appears in less cases is more difficult to treat.

When a patient is diagnosed with pleural msothelioma, doctors may treat the buildup of fluid in the chest cavity using the procedure known as pleurodesis. This involves using a chemical to scar the lung lining and stop the growth of fluid. They can also drain the fluid by using a tube in the chest.

Doctors are unable to accurately predict the life expectancy of patients with peritoneal cancer because this type of cancer is found on the abdomen's lining. But, peritoneal mesothelioma does respond well to treatment and has a better prognosis than other types of mesothelioma that tend to spread more quickly.