Mesothelioma
Cancers start when the DNA of a cell undergoes changes (mutations) that permit it to multiply out of control. The mutations can cause cells to grow into tumors that grow throughout the body.
Mesothelioma is a group of cancers that affect the mesothelium - the thin layer of tissue that lines and covers some organs. The most prevalent type, pleural mesothelioma, is found in the lungs.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma occurs when cancer cells develop in the mesothelium. This membrane covers the majority of organs within the body, including the lungs, the heart and stomach. It is composed of 2 layers: the inner layer wraps around each organ, and the outer layer creates an organ sac that stores fluid. Mesothelioma typically begins in the organ's lining, however, it may extend to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes and
mesothelioma bones.
Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma vary according to the location of the tumor and how far it has grown. Many people with pleural mesothelioma experience symptoms that are related to the chest area and back, including pain in the chest or back, difficulty breathing and an unproven loss of weight.
A person might suffer from abdominal pain, dry cough, or a fever as well. The chest pain that accompanies mesothelioma is often caused by the tumor pushing against nerves and other organs within the chest. This can cause inflammation and make breathing difficult. Mesothelioma that has spread to the lungs or the ribs could also cause pain in these places.
In rare cases, mesothelioma can recur after treatment. Mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases and may remain within the body. For this reason, it is crucial for those who have been exposed to
asbestos to tell their doctor about any past history of asbestos exposure and request the referral to a mesothelioma specialist.
Mesothelioma is a serious condition, but it can be treated. The cancerous tissue can be removed surgically, and chemotherapy can be used to reduce or eliminate cancerous cells. These treatments can prolong a patient's lifespan and improve their quality of life. A person with peritoneal mesothelioma will likely receive a combination of surgery chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery to treat the cancer. They may also require a peritoneal drain to help keep abdominal fluid from accumulating and cause pain. In some cases doctors may suggest palliative treatment to improve the quality of life for patients while treating their condition. These services could include home health care, such as assisting with daily activities and providing powerful painkillers.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a challenging disease to identify. Doctors can recognize the signs and conduct a physical examination, but mesothelioma requires more sophisticated tests. The most important test for diagnosing mesothelioma is a biopsy. This procedure is used to collect tissues or fluids for examination under a microscope. Doctors can also make use of a variety of imaging tests, like chest X-ray, CT scan and MRI. These tests are used to detect abnormalities or lumps in the body.
The first step in the diagnostic process is an X-ray or CT scan of the affected area. These tests give doctors an image of the lung or stomach to check for abnormal growths. Depending on the results, doctors can then perform more specialized tests to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A doctor may also test for mesothelioma in a blood sample. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be difficult to differentiate from normal cells, and mesothelioma specialists often request a series of blood tests to monitor the progression of the cancer and its response to treatment. The CA 125 test and the Mesomark are two of the most frequently requested blood tests.
Getting the right diagnosis is essential for finding the best mesothelioma treatment plan. A mesothelioma specialist can recommend the most effective treatment plan for the patient's needs.
In some cases doctors may decide to perform an operation to ensure a mesothelioma is diagnosed correctly. In this procedure, physicians make an incision on the abdomen or chest, and then remove a small amount of tumor to test. If the results of a biopsy reveal that a patient is suffering from malignant mesothelioma, a doctor can determine the type of cell and the extent to which the cancer has taken over.
A surgical biopsy can also be used to determine if a mesothelioma has a mixed type one, which is the most risky and has a poorer prognosis. In a mixed mesothelioma, the tumor has epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. The sarcomatoid tumors are more difficult to remove via surgery and are generally more aggressive, leading to less favorable outcomes for patients. Patients will often receive an array of treatments to treat their cancer and improve the likelihood of surviving.
Treatment
The treatment options for mesothelioma rely on your medical history and the stage of cancer.
Mesothelioma can be in its earliest stages (Stages I and II) or advanced (Stage III or IV). Your doctor will determine the stage of mesothelioma after taking a look at the results of the tests you have had. These tests will inform you whether the cancer has spread into other parts of your body.
X-rays, CT scans and MRIs give doctors detailed information about your organs and tissues. The information can help them identify the signs of mesothelioma or other ailments, such as lung damage. Your doctor may also perform urine and blood tests to check for possible mesothelioma symptoms.
A biopsy is a process in which fluid or tissue are removed from your body to test for mesothelioma. The samples are examined under a microscope for indications of cancer. A biopsy can be done in several ways, including a needle biopsy or an open biopsy.
If mesothelioma is already spreading it is possible to treat it with chemotherapy and surgery. the most commonly used treatment options. Chemotherapy drugs kill cancerous cells and prevent the growth of cancerous cells. A combination of pemetrexed and cisplatin is the first-line therapy for pleural mesothelioma. Doctors may inject chemotherapy directly into the chest cavity to treat pleural mesothelioma, or inject it into the abdomen for peritoneal mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma patients often experience discomfort due to their tumors and from their chemotherapy or surgeries. The use of pain medication can relieve the discomfort. Many mesothelioma treatment centers have dietitians on staff to assist you control your nutrition prior to, during and after treatment.
For patients with late-stage mesothelioma the palliative treatment may help reduce discomfort. This may include physical therapy to aid you in moving around more comfortably and reduce pain caused by mesothelioma. It may also include a variety of medications, including topical or oral pain relievers and steroids to reduce inflammation.
It is essential to know as much as you can about mesothelioma as well as the treatment options. This will help you ask questions and make informed choices. You can also benefit from a community of family members and friends to assist you in managing your daily life and cope with the illness.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the cells that comprise the mesothelium. The mesothelium membrane protects and covers different organs of the body, including the lungs and chest cavity. It has two layers - the first layer wraps around organs while the outer layer creates an organ sac. The fluid in the mesothelium assists organs in moving more easily. Mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor which means that the cells can grow and cause damage to the surrounding tissue. They can also grow, or metastasize and spread to other parts of the body. A benign, or non-cancerous, tumour is a group of cells that are not able to grow.