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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the linings of protection around organs, such as the abdomen and chest. It is most often caused through exposure to asbestos, particularly for those who work in industries or construction. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to a good prognosis. Patients with mesothelioma have better outcomes when they are diagnosed prior to the time the disease has spread. Causes Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the tissue that lines the chest and abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma is most often found in the tissues surrounding the lungs stomach, intestines, and lungs. However, it can also manifest in other tissues, such as the tissue that surrounds the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) and the testicles (tunica vaginalis mesothelioma). Mesothelioma's most common cause is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is one of the minerals that contain tiny microscopic fibers. Asbestos was once widely used in many industries, including construction, shipbuilding and insulation. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma-related symptoms for up to 40 years after the last exposure. The most commonly reported symptom is difficulty breathing. This is due to the buildup of fluid within the space between the lungs and the chest wall. Doctors can diagnose the illness by reviewing a patient's medical records and performing diagnostic tests. They will determine if there is any evidence of exposure to asbestos, and then examine the patient's Xrays and computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A biopsy is a method of diagnosing the presence of pleural msothelioma. In the course of the test, doctors will collect a small amount of tissue from the affected area to examine under a microscope. A biopsy can be done using two methods that include VATS (Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery), a type of keyhole surgery; or using a needle that is inserted via a CT scan. The symptoms and signs of mesothelioma are comparable to those of other illnesses making it difficult to identify. This is why it's so important to see a doctor when you experience any symptoms that make you nervous. When mesothelioma is diagnosed, it's often in an advanced stage. This means that treatment options will be limited. phoenix mesothelioma lawyer of patients with mesothelioma of their lung die from complications of the disease. This includes pneumonia and respiratory failure. Patients with mesothelioma that affects other organs, like pericardial mesothelioma or tunica vaginalis may suffer complications that affect the bowel and heart. Symptoms Many of the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those of other conditions or illnesses, so it can be difficult for doctors to establish an accurate diagnosis. They may begin by asking patients about their experiences of exposure to asbestos. They might also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for problems with the lungs and chest. A biopsy is usually the next step. It is where doctors take a small portion of mesothelioma tissue for testing. A biopsy can be used to determine if the cancer cells are malignant. The lining of the lungs is affected by pleural mesothelioma which can cause pain and shortness in breath that becomes worse over time. The accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion) can contribute to these symptoms too. Other signs of pleural mesothelioma are bloody coughing, abdominal swelling weight loss, fatigue and difficulty breathing. Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which is not as frequent, can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea fatigue, fever and abdominal pain. Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis area is uncommon and can cause testicular pain as well as a lump on the scrotum and loss of appetite. Doctors will treat mesothelioma when it has spread to other regions of the body. They will use various treatments and tests. They can use chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy to destroy or stop the growth of mesothelioma. These treatments can be given in a hospital, at home, or through a clinic. A biopsy can assist doctors determine the type of mesothelioma that a patient has. There are three main mesothelioma types: epithelioid (most common) and the sarcomatoid (second most prevalent) and biphasic. The most commonly used mesothelioma type is epithelioid. They grow more slowly than other cancerous cells and can be treated more easily. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is harder to treat and can quickly spread. If you notice any signs that are not normal, you should seek immediate treatment. It is vital that they seek treatment as soon as they experience any symptoms. An incorrect diagnosis can stop them from receiving the appropriate treatment and give cancer more time. The odds of a person suffering from mesothelioma surviving longer are better when they receive a more aggressive treatment. Diagnosis It is often difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as it is a rare form of cancer. It could take doctors weeks or even months to determine if a patient has an illness that requires treatment. The doctor will inquire about the patient's asbestos exposure and when the symptoms began. The doctor may also request an imaging scan. These tests can reveal areas of the lungs or chest cavity that may be problematic. The main test for diagnosing mesothelioma involves a biopsy which involves taking a sample of the tumor and examining it under a microscope. The specialist doctor will be able to determine if it's mesothelioma and the type of mesothelioma it is. There are three kinds of mesothelioma: epithelioid (sarcomatoid), epithelioid ( (biphasic). The type of the cell is important as it influences how easy the tumor is to treat. Epithelioid cells are among the most common, found in around 70% of mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid cancer cells are similar to the ones found in fibrous tissue. They are found in 30% of mesothelioma cases. The most hazardous mesothelioma type, called mixed mesothelioma is when it contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cancer cells. A blood test can be used to determine if levels of osteopontin, fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related proteins are elevated in the body. These substances are more prevalent in mesothelioma patients than in other people. However, the results of these tests cannot confirm or disprove the diagnosis of mesothelioma. If a mesothelioma-related diagnosis is made, the doctor might also ask for additional tests to work out how far the cancer has spread and how it is affecting the patient's overall health. For instance lung function tests will demonstrate how the lungs are functioning and assist doctors in deciding if surgery is an option. Other tests include a CT scan or MRI. PET-CT scans combine an CT scan with a positron emissions tomography scanner, which aids doctors determine if the cancer has taken hold and where it's located. A doctor can also request an ultrasound to assess for fluid accumulation around the heart. Treatment Patients with mesothelioma should discover the best treatment option for their diagnosis. Treatment options include radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. To receive the best possible treatment, patients must work together with a medical team at a mesothelioma treatment center that is experienced in their local area. Doctors are able to diagnose Mesothelioma using physical examinations, laboratory tests and imaging scans. A patient could be referred for more in-depth testing or treatment options, such as a biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a tiny piece of tissue to be examined under a microscope. Mesothelioma, a tumor which occurs in the mesothelium (a protective layer of cells that covers organs on the chest and abdomen), is a cancer. It can spread into the bloodstream and then spread to other parts in the body that could cause serious complications. In addition to a biopsied, doctors can also perform an CT scan of the chest or abdomen. These imaging tests are used to look for signs of mesothelioma as well as other illnesses. They can also reveal how the tumor is affecting surrounding organs, like how a mesothelioma in the lungs can affect the heart and intestines. Blood tests can identify mesothelioma through the detection of a substance that is present in blood. However, these tests are not always reliable and cannot substitute for mesothelioma biopsies. The early detection of mesothelioma crucial to increase survival rates. There are three types of mesothelioma according to the type of cells that are created. Epithelioid mesothelioma is most frequent and responds well to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma and biphasic are less responsive to treatments and have a less favorable prognosis. Malignant pleural mesothelioma forms in the lung's lining known as the pleura. Pleural mesothelioma can be treated by a doctor with chemotherapy or surgery. Two surgeries are offered for mesothelioma of this kind extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy with pericardiectomy (P/D). Doctors may also employ hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy, also known as HIOC to lower the chance that cancer will come back after surgery. In HIOC doctors inject cancer-fighting agents directly into the area of surgery. Then, they roll the patient backwards and forwards to bathe the area in hot chemotherapy fluids.