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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can be traced with exposure to asbestos the mineral that occurs naturally. The disease typically develops over the course of years after exposure. Doctors treat mesothelioma with chemotherapy radiation, surgery and chemotherapy. Treatment can help patients live longer. There are three kinds. The type of cells that forms the tumor and the stage of the tumor affects the prognosis. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue is the lining of organs within the body. It is caused by asbestos, a grouping of fibrous minerals. Asbestos exposure occurs when individuals swallow or inhale stray fibers. The asbestos particles stick to organ linings and can cause irritation, which then causes tumors. Mesothelioma is diagnosed when doctors look at these tumors and then take an in-depth sample of tissue known as a biopsy. Mesothelioma is classified based on what kind of cells are located in the tumors. The three types of mesothelioma are epithelial (also called sarcomatoid) triphasic, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Epithelial mesothelioma is responsible for around 50% of all diagnoses. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma accounts for 10 percent of cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelial mesothelioma. Biphasic mesothelioma is a mix of epithelial and sarcomatoid cells, and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all diagnoses. Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, abdominal pain and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are similar to those experienced by other conditions, and it is imperative to see an expert if you are suffering from these symptoms. Treatment for mesothelioma can improve symptoms, slow tumour growth and prolong the lives of patients. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Patients may also receive palliative care to help to manage discomfort and pain. Doctors are still researching ways to treat mesothelioma as well as how it grows. Immunotherapy is a brand new treatment that uses your own immune system to fight cancer. This experimental treatment has shown promise in some mesothelioma cases. Patients are also able to participate in clinical trials, which are research studies on new treatments. Patients suffering from mesothelioma are usually treated at cancer centers that have specialists who treat the condition. Diagnosis The first step to receiving treatment to prolong your life span is a mesothelioma-related diagnosis. Your doctor will analyze your medical history and symptoms to determine the type of mesothelioma that you have. This is vital because the three primary mesothelioma cells react differently to treatment. Your doctor may recommend an X-ray of the chest or CT scan as the initial test. During the test, you lay on a table while the X-ray machine or CT scan generates a clear image of your chest and the surrounding organs. Prior to the procedure, a small dose of dye, typically iodine, is given. This makes the tissues in your abdomen and chest lighter, which makes it easier to see. During this time, you could be asked to perform an air test. If these tests show the possibility of a tumor or a mass that could be cancerous, your physician may require biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a sample of the tumor or mass, either surgically or by inserting an instrument into the site. The sample is then tested under a microscope, looking for mesothelioma-like cells. Our doctors may employ ultrasound to find lymph nodes that are enlarged which could be mesothelioma. This procedure is known as endobronchial Ultrasonography-guided needle biopsy, or EBNA. It is performed on an outpatient basis, so you can return home the next day. A mesothelioma expert will also be able to determine the mesothelioma's stage. The stages are determined based on how far the cancer has spread and what kind of mesothelioma you are suffering from. A precise diagnosis from a mesothelioma expert is the best way to make sure that you receive the right treatment. Treatment A patient's mesothelioma treatment plan will depend on how far the disease has advanced and their overall health. Patients suffering from mesothelioma typically receive multimodal treatment, which includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The first step to treating mesothelioma involves an examination of the body and telling your doctor about any asbestos exposures you have experienced in the past. Doctors may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests to look for mesothelioma and to rule out other conditions. These include CT (computerized tomography) scans; MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans as well as FDG-PET (fluorodeoxyglucose Postron emission tomography) scans; and mediastinoscopy (used to examine and test lymph nodes within the chest cavity). The majority of mesothelioma-related pleural cases can be treated with surgery. A patient may undergo a minimally invasive procedure known as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VAT) or a CT-guided needle biopsy. Both surgeries can improve the life expectancy of a patient and reduce symptoms. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and prevent them from advancing. It is a standard treatment for mesothelioma and can prolong the survival of patients. It is administered via intravenous (IV) drip or in pill form. Radiation is a different mesothelioma treatment that can kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is used to treat pleural cancers at various stages, and also to ease pain and prolong the life of patients. In the latter stages of mesothelioma doctors usually concentrate on controlling symptoms and prolonging a patient's life for as long as they can. This type of treatment is known as palliative treatment. Despite the poor survival rate of mesothelioma, there's still many survivors. For instance, paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould, who was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 1982, remained alive for 20 years before he died due to complications from another disease. Symptoms Mesothelioma may cause symptoms for months or even years before a diagnosis is made. Early symptoms could be misinterpreted as other illnesses or ignored. If you experience any of these symptoms it is essential to consult your doctor right away. The organs of your body are protected by a layer called the mesothelium. This layer keeps them from colliding. Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium cells which form the lining of several of your organs. The lining that surrounds your lung is the most frequent place where mesothelioma begins. But, it can develop in the heart (pericardium) as well as in your abdomen (peritoneum) as well as the surrounding lining of your testicles (tunica vulginalis). The earliest symptoms of mesothelioma may include breathlessness or chest pain, as well as fatigue. Mesothelioma can also cause the accumulation of fluid in the lungs and chest wall and cause the formation of pleural effusion. A pleural effusion could put pressure on lungs, making coughing difficult and difficult breathing. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma by taking the medical history of the patient and doing an exam. They may order chest X-rays which can reveal signs of abnormalities such as thickening of the lung lining or fluid buildup in the chest wall. They can also request an MRI, CT scan or PET scan to take a closer look at your lung and other tissues of your body. They can also use ultrasound-guided needles in order to drain fluid from the peritoneum and pleura. A biopsy may help determine the type of mesothelioma cell that is forming the tumor, and how fast it is growing. This will allow doctors to decide on the best treatment options. Treatment, radiation, and surgery are the three kinds of mesothelioma therapies that are common. The following is a list of preventions. Mesothelioma is not preventable, but you can lower the risk by keeping away from asbestos and from those who suffer from it. Exposure to asbestos may cause lung cancer as well as other ailments that affect the linings of certain organs. There are many types of mesothelioma. georgia mesothelioma attorneys are more serious than others. Some types of mesothelioma are easier to treat. Asbestos is one of the minerals that have thin microscopic fibers. Manufacturers used it in construction and other industrial products, without knowing about its potential dangers. Veterans and blue-collar workers were particularly exposed to asbestos. Asbestos has been proven as a hazard, and you should not reside in a house or work in an old factory which has asbestos. Talk to your doctor about regular screenings if there is any previous history of asbestos exposure. X-rays, CT or MRI scanners will reveal any issues in your abdomen or lungs. A biopsy may also reveal cancer in the lining of your chest or stomach. Doctors can then test the tissue sample from that region to determine whether you have mesothelioma. There is a chance that you have pleural mesothelioma which affects your lung's lining. Other kinds include pericardial, testicular or the peritoneal. After exposure to asbestos, it can take many years before mesothelioma is diagnosed. Even then, it may be difficult to determine. It is often mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses or conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, or cancer. This can prevent you getting the correct treatment. Researchers are working to improve diagnosis, and are developing tests that detect mesothelioma sooner. This could lead to better treatments and a higher rate of survival. Genetic tests are used to identify those who are most likely to develop the disease.