What is Mesothelioma?

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be overwhelming. It's normal to feel overwhelmed, confused, and upset.

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the pleura which surrounds the lungs and chest wall. The cancer causes the accumulation of fluid in the lungs which makes it difficult for the patient to breathe.

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Anyone who has worked with asbestos or lived with someone who did are at risk.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelioma cancerous form develops on the lining mesothelium, or the lining. This liner protects your chest, abdomen, and heart as well as the majority of your other organs. It is composed of two layers that create the sac, which covers the inner layer and organs in your body. The fluid that flows between the layers allows organs to move around freely. Mesothelioma cancer cells develop into malignant or cancerous, and grow into and destroy surrounding tissue. They may also spread to other parts of your body (metastasize).

The most at-risk group to develop mesothelioma is those who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos-related workers include plumbers electricians, Asbestos Settlement welders, asbestos miners and auto industry workers. People who lived or worked near asbestos-containing facilities, such as factories and power plants are also at a higher risk. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed in those who have been exposed to asbestos between 20 and 60 years before the disease manifests.

Pleural mesothelioma is most often found in the lung lining. This type of mesothelioma may cause chest pain, breathing difficulties and weight loss. It usually occurs in the lungs, but it can also affect the stomach or heart. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be a rare type of the disease that affects the lining of the abdominal cavity. It can cause pain and difficulty eating.

Other types of mesothelioma are mesothelioma of the pericardial and tunica vaginal both of which are found in the tissue that covers the tissue of the abdomen, chest or testicles, respectively. These mesothelioma types are not often diagnosed and have a less survival rates than other forms.

The mesothelioma prognosis is contingent on the type and location of the cancer, the stage at diagnosis and the general health of the patient. Some patients can be successfully treated by undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Others with more advanced mesothelioma may receive experimental treatments like immunotherapy and gene therapy. In any situation the treatment options available can significantly improve a person's life expectancy.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is most often found in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity. The cancer is caused by asbestos, which was utilized in shipbuilding, construction as well as energy generation and home renovations until it was banned in the year 1970. Exposure to asbestos is primarily resulted from working in the asbestos Settlement-related field. However, those who have had to wash work clothes with asbestos settlement fibers or disturbed asbestos when renovating their homes are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

The majority of patients with mesothelioma experience general symptoms such as tiredness as well as weight loss and coughing that alters in pattern or intensity, and chest pain. Patients should always consult with their doctor if they experience any of these symptoms. Also, they should be sure to inform their doctor if they have been exposed to asbestos.

In pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms typically occur as a result of the tumor asbestos settlement causing fluid accumulation in the space around the lung. This build-up of fluid, also called a "pleural effusion" is a source of pressure on the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. The amount of fluid within the pleural cavity is important in decreasing breathlessness.

Other signs of mesothelioma are a fever, night sweats, and abdominal pain. The body's temperature increases as it fights against the disease. This is what causes the fever. The night sweats are a response to the fever and a strategy by the body to cool down. These symptoms are signs that cancer is advancing and is causing stress to the body.

Other signs of mesothelioma can include fatigue, stomach swelling and a difficulty walking. Mesothelioma can also affect the tissue surrounding the heart, causing difficulty breathing and chest pain. Mesothelioma can also develop in the membrane that surrounds the testicles. This can result in swelling or the appearance of a lump.

Mesothelioma can be difficult identify early because it is so rare. The signs of mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses and even pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma may take as long as years before symptoms are detected.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a gruelling cancer. Before diagnosing mesothelioma by doctors, they must determine if there are any other conditions with similar symptoms. Once they have done this, they are able to determine the best treatment for you.

The first step to mesothelioma diagnosis is to see your doctor inquire about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. Your doctor might order blood tests to see how well your organs work. One of these tests is a complete blood count (CBC) that examines the number of white and red blood cells, how well your liver and kidneys are functioning, as well as other important information. Mesothelioma-related cells are frequently seen in these blood tests, but they are difficult to identify because they appear like normal cells.

If your doctor suspects mesothelioma is the cause, they may order an imaging to determine the extent and location of any fluids or growths around the abdomen or lungs. The most commonly used test is a chest x-ray. If the test does not detect any abnormalities, the doctor may recommend more specific tests, such as a CT or MRI.

These tests offer high-resolution images of the body by a combination of magnetic fields and radio waves to produce precise images. They can detect the presence of fluid or thickening of the peritoneum and pleura which can indicate mesothelioma. A CT scan can also reveal other health issues like pneumonia or lung infections.

A biopsy can give doctors an idea of the type of cancer you have. This is the only way to determine mesothelioma. The samples are then examined under microscopes to determine the mesothelioma's type of cell, and how far the cancer has spread.

Some doctors may inject dye into a vein or conduct other tests, to determine the area of the cancer. This is known as staging mesothelioma. It helps doctors determine how much the tumor has spread and its severity.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lung's cells and organs. The cells can expand beyond their limits, and eventually form tumors (masses). The cancer spreads to surrounding tissues because the cells don't respond to signals that prevent them from growing too quickly. It can also invade the blood vessels that carry oxygen to the lungs. This can result in breathing problems and a cough.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma based on the patient's symptoms and his the history of exposure to asbestos. They may also order imaging tests as well as other tests to help identify tumors. Chest X-rays, for example, are a way to examine lung changes, including pleural thickening and the development of pleural effusion (fluid build-up). They may also recommend CT scanning as well as an MRI or PET scan to see the location of tumors and determine how far mesothelioma spreads. They can also collect fluid from the lung (called a Thoracentesis) to determine if mesothelioma is present and reduce pressure on the lungs caused by fluid accumulation.

Once mesothelioma is diagnosed doctors can determine the best treatment to treat the disease. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with a mesothelioma expert. Some people want aggressive treatment in order to prolong their lives and increase their chances of survival, while others are comfortable with an approach that is less intensive to decrease nausea, pain and other adverse effects.

Mesothelioma treatment options include radiation, surgery and chemotherapy. The type of treatment that one receives is determined by the stage of their mesothelioma, and whether or not it is composed of sarcomatoid or epithelioid cells. Epithelioid cells are simpler to remove through surgery, and they are more likely to be successful than the sarcomatoid cells. Some patients are affected by a combination of both types and have an even worse outcome than those who have only epithelioid cancer.

It is important to visit your mesothelioma doctor regularly after the treatment. This can keep the cancer from recurring. If it occurs again in the future, your mesothelioma specialists will develop a new treatment strategy.

Some patients with mesothelioma are enrolled in clinical trials to try new treatments. Clinical trials give people access to cutting-edge treatments that are not yet approved for general use.