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What is Mesothelioma?

The diagnosis of Mesothelioma can be a devastating one. It's natural to feel shocked and confused. You may also be upset and angry.

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the pleura which surrounds the lungs and chest wall. This cancer causes fluid to build up in the lung and makes it difficult to breathe.

Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma. People at risk are those who have been exposed to asbestos, or who were living with someone who had asbestos exposure.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the tissues' lining, called the mesothelium. This lining wraps around and protects most of the organs in your body including your heart, chest and abdomen. It is composed of two layers that create a sac around inner layer of your body's organs, and it is separated by fluid to allow organs to move freely. Mesothelioma cancer cell growth can destroy the tissue around them. They can also spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.

The most at-risk population for developing mesothelioma is those who have been working with asbestos lawsuit. Asbestos workers are plumbers, electricians, welders, asbestos settlement miners and auto industry workers. Workers who live or work near asbestos plants like factories and power plants, are also at higher risk. Mesothelioma patients have typically been exposed to asbestos for between 20 and 60 years prior their illness manifests.

Pleural mesothelioma occurs most commonly in the lung lining. This kind of mesothelioma may cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss. It usually occurs in the lungs, but can also affect the stomach or heart. People with peritoneal mesothelioma a rare type of disease that affects the abdominal lining cavity, can experience discomfort in the belly and abdomen, as well as difficulty eating.

The pericardial mesothelioma and the tunica vaginalis are the two other forms of mesothelioma. Both of them are found in the tissue that covers the linings of the abdomen, chest or testicles. These mesothelioma types are usually not diagnosed and have a less survival rates than other types.

The prognosis of mesothelioma depends on the type, location and stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis as well as the general health condition. Some patients are treated successfully by undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Other patients with mesothelioma more advanced might be treated with experimental therapies like immunotherapy and gene therapy. In either scenario the treatment options available can significantly increase a person's longevity.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, usually occurs in the chest cavity or abdomen. The cancer is caused by asbestos, which was used in construction, shipbuilding and energy generation as well as home renovations up until it was banned in the year 1970. Exposure is primarily due to working in the asbestos industry, but people who have cleaned up work clothes with asbestos fibres or disturbed asbestos during home renovations also risk developing mesothelioma.

Most mesothelioma patients experience general symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, coughing that has a change in frequency or intensity, chest pain, and other such symptoms. Patients should always consult their physician if they experience any of these symptoms. Also, they should be sure to inform their doctor if they've been exposed to asbestos.

In pleural mesothelioma, symptoms often occur as a result of the tumor causing fluid accumulation within the space around the lungs. This build-up of fluid, also known as a "pleural effusion" can put pressure on the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. The amount of fluid in the pleural cavity can improve breathing difficulties.

Other signs of mesothelioma are an increase in temperature, night sweats and abdominal pain. The reason for the fever is the body's temperature increasing as it fights the disease. The night sweats are an ailment to the fever and an attempt by the body to reduce its temperature. These symptoms are all signs that the cancer is getting worse and is causing the body to stress.

Other symptoms of mesothelioma include fatigue, a swollen stomach and a difficulty walking. Mesothelioma can also affect the tissue that surrounds the heart, causing problems with breathing and chest pain. Mesothelioma can also form in the membrane that surrounds the testicles. This can cause swelling or the appearance of a lump.

Because mesothelioma can be so rare, it can be difficult to detect early. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be misinterpreted as other ailments, mesothelioma including pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can last for up to years before symptoms are identified.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma can be a difficult cancer. Doctors must rule out other health diseases that share similar symptoms before diagnosing mesothelioma. After they have completed this, they will be able to determine the best treatment option for you.

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and perform an exam. Your doctor might conduct blood tests to determine how well your organs function. One of these tests is the complete blood count (CBC) which examines the number of red and white blood cells, how your kidneys and liver are working, and other important information. These blood tests could detect mesothelioma, however it is difficult to detect them due to their similarity to normal cells.

If your doctor suspects you may have mesothelioma, they will likely order imaging to determine the amount and location of any fluids or growths in the lungs or abdomen. The most commonly used test is a chest xray. If this does not reveal any abnormalities, the doctor may order more detailed tests, like a CT or MRI.

These tests produce detailed images of the body through the combination of radio waves with powerful magnets. They can detect the presence of fluid or thickening of the pleura and peritoneum which could indicate mesothelioma. A CT scan can also reveal other health issues, such as pneumonia or a lung infection.

Doctors may be able to determine the type of mesothelioma that you have by examining a sample of your tissue taken during a biopsy. This is the only way to determine mesothelioma. These samples are examined under a magnifying lens to determine the type of mesothelioma, as well as the extent of the cancer's spread.

Some doctors may inject a dye into a vein or conduct other tests to determine the region in which the cancer is. This is known as staging the mesothelioma. This helps doctors determine how far the tumor has spread and its severity.

Treatment

Mesothelioma occurs in the cells that line the lungs and other organs. These cells can grow beyond their limits, and eventually form tumors (masses). The cancer spreads because cells don't respond to signals that prevent the growth of the cells too fast. It can also infiltrate blood vessels that supply oxygen to the lungs. This can result in breathing problems and a cough.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma by looking at an individual's symptoms and Mesothelioma previous exposure to asbestos. They may also request imaging tests and other laboratory tests to detect and detect tumors. Chest X-rays, for instance can be used to check lung changes, including the pleural thickening process and the development of pleural effusion (fluid build-up). They can also request CT scans, MRI and a PET scan to determine where the tumors are and to determine how much mesothelioma is spreading. They may also take fluid from the lungs (called a thoracentesis) to determine if mesothelioma is present and to relieve pressure on the lungs caused by the accumulation of fluid.

When mesothelioma is discovered doctors can determine the best treatment to manage the cancer. It is crucial to discuss your goals for treatment with a mesothelioma specialist. Some people prefer aggressive treatment to increase their chances of survival and prolong their lives, while others prefer a less aggressive approach to reduce side effects, such as pain and nausea.

The treatment options for mesothelioma are chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The kind of treatment a patient receives depends on the stage of mesothelioma and whether it is comprised of epithelioid or sarcomatoid cells. Epithelioid cells are easier to remove surgically, and they have a better prognosis than the sarcomatoid cells. Some patients are a mix of both types, and these patients usually have poorer outcomes than those with epithelioid mesothelioma only.

After completing treatment after treatment, it is essential to keep in touch with your mesothelioma physician regularly. This will help stop the cancer from recurring. Your mesothelioma treatment team will devise an updated plan in case it does recur.

Patients with mesothelioma may enroll in clinical trials to test new treatments. Clinical trials enable patients to be able to access cutting-edge treatments which have not yet been approved for use in general.