Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma affects the organ linings throughout the body. It is most commonly seen to be found in the lungs, however it can also affect the peritoneum, testis and peritoneum.

People who are exposed to asbestos in work environments like shipbuilding, smelting, milling power plants, construction and even power mills are at risk for mesothelioma. Early diagnosis can improve the chances of survival.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mesothelioma differ based on the kind of mesothelioma as well as the place it is found within the body. Mesothelioma typically occurs in the layer (pleura) of the lungs. It can also occur in the peritoneum, the layer that covers the organs of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma), and around the testicles.

The symptoms of mesothelioma in the early stages can be mild and frequently mistaken for other illnesses. Because of this, mesothelioma can lead to late diagnosis. It can take between 20 and 50 years for exposure to asbestos to develop mesothelioma, and the cancer typically doesn't manifest until it's at an advanced stage.

Patients with mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing other types of cancer. Mesothelioma can also cause breathlessness, fatigue, and pain. Palliative treatment can improve a patient's quality-of-life and control their symptoms.

A doctor will conduct tests on a patient with mesothelioma in order to determine how the cancer affects them and how far it has spread. This could involve a physical exam or blood test, as well as imaging tests like an X-ray of the chest or CT scan. The doctor can also conduct the procedure of a biopsy, which is taking a small amount of tissue to examine under the microscope.

When mesothelioma has been diagnosed the treatment strategy will depend on where the tumour is and whether it has spread. If the mesothelioma is spreading to the pleura for instance, doctors may undergo a pleurodesis procedure in order to prevent fluid accumulation. In this procedure doctors inject a sterile solution of talcum powder into the pleural cavity. This causes inflammation, which seals the area and helps stop the accumulation of fluid again.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds the majority of internal organs. The cancer begins in mesothelium cells. Cancer cells will grow and destroy surrounding tissues in a person suffering from malignant mesothelioma. The cancer may also move into the bloodstream and attack other areas of the body. This is known as metastasis.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory diseases. Oncologists and primary care physicians who do not specialize in mesothelioma are often mistakenly identifying the disease as a less severe illness or a different type of cancer. Mesothelioma specialists utilize a range of tests to confirm a diagnosis.

X-rays or CT scans are useful in identifying mesothelioma tumors in the abdominal cavity, or in the lungs. These diagnostic tools allow doctors to view tissues from various angles, and to identify the right areas for biopsy. They can also order an MRI that makes use of magnetic fields and radio waves to create high-resolution images of the body's tissues and bones. Doctors may also order an chest MRI to see whether mesothelioma is spreading from the pleural cavity and has spread to other parts of the chest wall or diaphragm.

The peritoneum is comprised of two layers. These are the linings that cover the surfaces of organs like the bowel, the liver and the Ovaries. When a person has mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, fluid collects in the space between the two layers. This fluid, called ascites, causes weight loss and fatigue. It also makes it difficult to breathe. The fluid can be stopped from resurfacing by an operation or by placing a tube in the abdomen to eliminate it at home.

A fine needle aspiration biopsy may be done to get a sample of the mesothelioma. A thin, flexible tube that is fitted with an ultrasound device is placed into the mouth or down the throat by a doctor. The doctor administers sedation and then uses the tool to examine and identify any enlarged lymph nodes in the airways. A doctor inserts a needle in the enlarged node through the bronchoscope to collect an in-situ sample.

A pathologist may use mesothelioma cell lines to diagnose the disease. The cells are examined under microscope. Under the microscope, mesothelioma cells appear like other kinds of cancer. The pathologist will also use other tests in the laboratory to look for mesothelioma in the biopsies. Other tests include tests in the blood that measure levels of Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptides which are elevated in people suffering from mesothelioma.

Treatment

When someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma, they are typically referred specialists to undergo further tests and treatments. The cancer is often discovered in an advanced stage. The type of mesothelioma and whether or it has spread will determine the best treatment options available.

Mesothelioma affects the linings of certain organs. The cancer cells grow abnormal and multiply out of control, causing tumors to form. In some instances, tumours may spread from their original location to invade other parts of the body. These secondary tumors, called metastases, are an extremely common occurrence.

Treatment options can vary depending on the stage and type of mesothelioma and also the individual's health and age. Mesothelioma is treated surgically or non-surgically. Surgery is the most common treatment. In the majority of instances, surgeons remove fluids from the lung lining (pleura) to improve breathing and relieve pain in the chest. The surgeon may also prescribe strong painkillers to ease symptoms.

If a patient is suitable for VATS or open surgery, an indwelling pleural drainage can be fitted which will be drained 1-2 times a week, depending on the speed at which the fluid builds up. Certain patients may also be prescribed palliative care to help relieve symptoms, including fatigue, pain and difficulty sleeping.

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will inquire about the family history of mesothelioma litigation (click through the next page) or asbestos. This is because people who have a family history of asbestos exposure are more likely to develop the disease on their own.

A doctor will take an examination of the body and order imaging tests, like X-rays or CT scans, to look at the abdomen and lungs. They will reveal any lumps and inflammation, and aid doctors in deciding the most appropriate biopsy procedure. A biopsy is a tissue sample that is sent to a laboratory for testing.

There are three major types epithelial (also known as sarcomatoid) biphasic, epithelial, and sarcomatoid. Epidermal mesothelioma cells are the most common and grow and spread faster. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cell lines do not develop as quickly and are less invasive. Biphasic Mesothelioma consists of a mixture between epithelial cells and sarcomatoid. Mesothelioma research currently focuses on finding better ways of diagnosing mesothelioma earlier. One possibility is to make use of a blood test for measuring mesothelioma-related markers.

Prognosis

When diagnosed with a serious illness patients naturally ask "how long do I have to live?" This is not an easy question for doctors to answer because every patient's situation is unique and is based on a variety of factors. When mesothelioma is the cause the prognosis depends on how advanced the cancer is and what type of treatment plan is employed and if the cancer has spread from its primary location to other parts of the body.

Doctors utilize a variety tools to determine the stage of mesothelioma including x-rays, Mesothelioma litigation CT scans, and laboratory tests. When determining the prognosis for mesothelioma, doctors also consider the patient's age and general health. The prognosis of mesothelioma can be improved by patients who are younger who are healthier and are more able to take more intense treatments, such as surgery. The type of cells in the mesothelioma can affect a person's prognosis. The epithelioid cell subtype of mesothelioma has better outcomes than mesothelioma cells of the biphasic or sarcomato.

If the pleural mesothelioma is advanced, doctors may recommend surgery to remove the affected lung or chest wall. This procedure is known as extrapleural pneumonectomy. In certain instances doctors will employ a different surgical technique called pleurectomy or Talc pleurectomy. This procedure involves the removal of the pleura and surrounding tissues.

For patients with mesothelioma peritoneal, doctors typically employ a system of staging to determine the extent of the cancer. The better the outlook for mesothelioma the better the PCI score.

Patients who have mesothelioma that combine chemotherapy and surgery have a better chance of living longer than those who receive only standard treatment. Many patients have surpassed their doctor's expectations and become long-term survivors.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos, it's crucial to see a mesothelioma expert to get the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Mayo Clinic specialists have extensive experience in treating this rare illness. They can help you determine the options that are available to you. To get started, schedule an appointment online or call 1-800-689-5799.