What is Mesothelioma?
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be overwhelming. It's normal for people to be stunned, angry and confused.
Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the pleura, which surrounds the lungs and chest wall. This cancer causes a buildup of fluid in the lungs and makes breathing difficult.
Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma. People who worked with asbestos or lived with someone who did are at risk.
What is mesothelioma?
The mesothelioma cancerous form forms on the lining of the tissue, also known as mesothelium. The mesothelium lining covers and protects the majority of organs of your body including your chest, heart and abdomen. It is comprised of two layers, which form a sac, which surrounds the organs within your body. The fluid that flows between the layers allows organs to move freely. Mesothelioma cells become malignant, or cancerous, and expand into and destroy nearby tissues. They can also expand (metastasize) to other areas of the body.
Those who are most at risk of developing mesothelioma are those that have been exposed to
asbestos while at work. Asbestos workers include builders plumbers, electricians, welders, asbestos miners, auto industry workers, and many more. People who lived or
asbestos worked near asbestos plants, such as factories and power plants are also at a higher risk. People diagnosed with mesothelioma have been exposed to
asbestos settlement for
asbestos between 20 and 60 years before their disease manifests.
Pleural mesothelioma is most often found in the lining of the lungs. This mesothelioma type can cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, and weight loss. It typically affects the lungs, however it could also affect other organs such as the heart and stomach. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma a rare type of disease that affects the lining of the abdominal cavity, may suffer from discomfort in the belly and abdomen, and difficulty eating.
Other types of mesothelioma are pericardial and tunica vaginalis mesothelioma and tunica vaginalis mesothelioma, both of which are in the tissue that covers the lining of the abdomen, chest or testicles,. These types of mesothelioma typically go undiagnosed, and they have lower survival rates than other forms of the disease.
The mesothelioma treatment options depend on the type and location of the cancer and the stage at which it was diagnosed and the general health of the patient. Certain patients are successfully treated by undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Others who have advanced mesothelioma can receive experimental treatments, such as immunotherapy or gene therapy. In any case, treatment options can increase the life expectancy of a patient.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, usually occurs in the linings of the chest cavity or abdomen. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a heat and fire-resistant mineral that was used in construction, insulation ships power generation, as well as home renovations prior to being banned in the 1970s. The exposure is mostly due to working in the asbestos industry, however, people who have cleaned their the workwear with asbestos fibres or disturbed asbestos in home renovations may also be at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Most mesothelioma patients experience general symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, coughing that has changes in frequency or intensity, chest pain and the list goes on. Patients should always consult with their physician if they experience any of these symptoms. Also, they should be sure to tell their doctor if they've been exposed to asbestos.
In pleural asbestosis, symptoms are usually caused by the tumor that causes fluid to build up in the area around the lung. The build-up of fluid, which is known as a "pleural effusion" can put pressure on the lungs, making breathing difficult. The amount of fluid within the pleural cavity is important in the reduction of breathlessness.
Other signs of mesothelioma are a fever, night sweats and abdominal pain. The body's temperature increases as it fights against the disease. This causes the fever. The body tries to reduce its temperature by producing night sweats as a response to the temperature. These symptoms are all indications that the cancer is growing worse and causing the body to stress.
Other symptoms of mesothelioma include fatigue, stomach swelling and a difficulty walking. Mesothelioma may also affect the tissue around the heart which can cause chest pain and breathing difficulties. Mesothelioma can also form in the membrane that covers the testicles. This can cause swelling or a lump.
Since mesothelioma is a rare disease it can be difficult to detect early. The symptoms of mesothelioma are comparable to those of other ailments and may be mistaken for pneumonia or flu. As a result, mesothelioma symptoms can take months to years to show before they can be properly diagnosed.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Before diagnosing mesothelioma, doctors need to rule out any other conditions that have similar symptoms. After they have completed this, they will be able to determine the best treatment for you.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and perform an examination. Your doctor can request blood tests to determine how well your organs work. One such test is a complete blood count (CBC) which examines the number of red and white blood cells, how well your liver and kidneys are functioning, as well as other vital information. These blood tests can reveal mesothelioma, but it's difficult to recognize them because they look similar to normal cells.
If your doctor suspects that you have mesothelioma they will likely order imaging tests to determine the location and size of any growth or fluid around the abdomen or lungs. A chest x-ray is the most common test, but if this does not show any abnormalities, doctors may request more thorough tests, such as a CT scan or an MRI.
These tests produce detailed pictures of the body by combining radio waves with powerful magnets. They can detect the presence of fluid or thickening of the peritoneum or pleura which can indicate mesothelioma. A CT scan can reveal other health issues, such as lung infections or pneumonia.
A biopsy can provide doctors with a better idea about the type of cancer you are suffering from. This is the only sure way to diagnose mesothelioma. The samples are then examined under microscopes to determine the mesothelioma's type of cell, and how far the cancer has been able to spread.
Some doctors may inject dye into veins or perform other tests to identify the region in which the cancer is. This is known as mesothelioma staging, and it aids doctors in determining how far the cancer has been able to spread.
Treatment
Mesothelioma occurs in the cells that line the lung and other organs. The cells can expand out of control, forming tumors (masses). The cancer spreads because cells aren't able to respond to signals that stop the growth of the cells too fast. It can also invade the blood vessels that supply oxygen to the lung. This can cause breathing difficulties and a cough.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma based on the patient's symptoms and his history of asbestos exposure. They may also order imaging tests and other lab tests to help find and detect tumors. Chest Xrays, for instance, can be used to look for lung conditions, such as the thickening of the pleura and pleural effusion (fluid build-up). They can also request CT scanning or an MRI or a PET scan to determine the location of the tumors as well as determine how far mesothelioma spreads. They can also collect fluid from the lung (called a Thoracentesis) to determine if mesothelioma is present and to relieve pressure on the lung caused by the accumulation of fluid.