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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, a cancerous condition caused by asbestos exposure, is a naturally occurring cancer. The disease usually develops over the course of decades after exposure. Doctors treat mesothelioma using radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. Treatment can help patients live longer. There are three types of mesothelioma. The stage and the type of cells that comprise the tumor affect the prognosis. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma can be described as a cancer that develops in the mesothelium, thin layer of tissue linings organs within the body. It is caused by asbestos, which is a grouping of fibrous minerals. The exposure to asbestos typically occurs when people swallow or inhale stray asbestos fibers. These asbestos particles adhere to the organ's linings and cause irritation. They can also cause tumors. The diagnosis of mesothelioma is able to be determined by doctors after they examine the tumors and take a tissue sample also called biopsy. Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of cells are found in the tumors. The three types are epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelial mesothelioma has the highest popular type, accounting for around 50 percent of all diagnoses. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is 10 percent of all cases, and has a worse prognosis than epithelial. Biphasic is a mesothelioma that is composed of epithelial as well as sarcomatoid cells and accounts for 30% to 40 percent of all diagnoses. The signs of mesothelioma could include breathing difficulties, chest pain or pain in the abdomen. These symptoms can be similar to other illnesses. It is important to consult your doctor immediately when you notice them. The treatment for mesothelioma could reduce symptoms, slow tumour growth and allow patients to live longer. Treatment options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Patients can also get palliative treatment, which helps control pain and discomfort. Doctors continue to investigate ways to treat mesothelioma, and how it grows. New treatments include immunotherapy which utilizes your body's immune system to fight cancer. This experimental treatment has shown promise in some mesothelioma cases. Patients can also try clinical trials, which are research studies of new treatments. Most often, mesothelioma patients get treated at specialist cancer centers where they have the opportunity to consult with doctors who are experienced in treating the disease. Diagnosis A mesothelioma diagnosis is the first step towards receiving treatment that can extend your life. Your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history to determine the type of mesothelioma you have. This is vital because the three primary mesothelioma cell types respond differently to treatment. The doctor may suggest an X-ray chest scan or CT scan as the first test. During this procedure, you lie on an X-ray table while the or CT machine produces a precise image of your chest as well as the organs surrounding it. Before the procedure, a small dose of dye, which is usually iodine is given. This makes the tissues in your abdomen or chest lighter and makes it easier to observe. You may be asked to take the test of breathing at this period of time. If these tests reveal a possible tumor or mass that is cancerous, your doctor may order a biopsy. A biopsy involves the removal of samples from the tumor or mass, either by surgery or by inserting a needle into the area. The specimen is then analyzed under a microscope to search for mesothelioma tumor cells. Our specialists can use ultrasound to identify enlarged lymph nodes, which could be mesothelioma. This procedure is called endobronchial ultrasound-guided aspiration, also known as EBNA. It is done on an outpatient basis, so you can return home the same day. A mesothelioma specialist will be required to determine your stage of mesothelioma. The stages are determined based on how far the cancer has spread, and what kind of mesothelioma type you have. Receiving a precise diagnosis by a mesothelioma doctor is the best way to make sure that you receive the proper treatment. Treatment The treatment plan for mesothelioma patients is determined by the severity of their disease and their overall health. Mesothelioma patients generally receive multimodal therapy which is a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The first step to treating mesothelioma includes a physical exam and telling your doctor about any asbestos exposures you have had in the past. Doctors may also request blood tests and imaging scans to detect mesothelioma and rule out any other ailments. These include CT (computerized tomography) scans; MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans and FDG-PET (fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography) scans; and mediastinoscopy (used to look at and sample lymph nodes in the chest cavity). Surgery is a viable option for the majority of pleural mysothelioma cases. A patient can undergo a minimally-invasive procedure called video-assisted surgery (VAT) or a CT-guided needle biopsy. Both surgeries can help reduce symptoms and increase the patient's life expectancy. Chemotherapy is a treatment that makes use of drugs to eliminate cancerous cells and stop them from growing. It is a common mesothelioma treatment and can help extend survival. clifton mesothelioma lawsuit is administered via intravenous (IV) drip or in pill form. Radiation is a mesothelioma therapy that shrinks tumors and kill cancer cells. It is used to treat pleural cancer at different stages, as well as to alleviate pain and extend the lifespan of patients. In the later stages of mesothelioma patients, doctors typically concentrate on reducing symptoms and prolonging the patient's life for as long as possible. This type of treatment is known as palliative care. Despite the low survival rate of mesothelioma, there are still many survivors. Stephen Jay Gould was diagnosed with Peritoneal Peritoneal Cancer in 1982. He lived for 20 years until he died of complications from a different illness. Symptoms Many people with mesothelioma have symptoms for months or even years before they are diagnosed. Early symptoms may be misinterpreted as other illnesses or overlooked. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult your doctor as soon as possible. The organs of your body are covered by mesothelium which is a type of layer. This layer keeps them from rubbing against one against one another. Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium cells which form the lining of several of your organs. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the lining surrounding your lungs, but it can also manifest in the lining of your heart (pericardium) or abdomen (peritoneum) and within the lining surrounding your testicles (tunica vaginalis). The initial symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, fatigue, and breathlessness. Mesothelioma can also cause fluid to build up inside the lungs and chest wall resulting in an edema called pleural. Pleural effusions can cause pressure on the lungs, causing coughing and difficulty breathing. Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting an examination. They may order chest Xrays to check for abnormalities like thickening of the lung's lining, or fluid accumulation on the chest wall. They may also request an MRI, CT scan or PET scan to take more detailed pictures of the lung or other tissues of your body. They can also make use of ultrasound-guided needles for draining fluid from the peritoneum and pleura. A biopsy can help determine the mesothelioma type that is forming the tumor, and how it is advancing. This will allow doctors to determine the best treatment options. Treatment, radiation, and surgery are the three types of mesothelioma therapies that are common. Prevention Mesothelioma can't be prevented but you can decrease your risk by keeping away from asbestos and from those with it. Exposure to asbestos may cause lung cancer or other illnesses that affect organ linings. There are many types of mesothelioma and some are more severe than others. Certain types of mesothelioma are easier to treat. Asbestos is made up of a group of minerals that have microscopic fibers. It was used in industrial and construction materials by companies who were not aware of the dangers. Veterans and blue-collar workers were the most exposed to asbestos. Asbestos has been found to be a danger and you shouldn't stay in an old factory or work there. If you have an history of exposure to asbestos, speak with your doctor about having regular screening. X-rays as well as CT or MRI scans can help spot issues with your lungs, or abdomen. A biopsy may also reveal a tumor in the chest or stomach. Doctors can examine tissue samples from this area to determine if you have mesothelioma. You could have pleural melanoma which affects the lung's lining. Other kinds include testicular, pericardial or peritoneal. It can take years for mesothelioma's development after exposure to asbestos. Even then, it's difficult to diagnose. It is often misdiagnosed with other conditions or illnesses like pneumonia, bronchitis or lung 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 treatment and a higher rate of survival. Genetic tests are used to identify those most likely to develop the disease.