What is Mesothelioma?Mesothelioma cancer can present with different symptoms based on where the tumors begin to grow. Doctors also classify mesothelioma based on its stage, which describes how far the tumors have spread throughout the body.Mesothelioma typically affects men ages 55 and over who have been exposed to asbestos-related jobs. It usually begins in the lungs or chest wall.SymptomsSymptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the site of the cancer and the location of the. Mesothelioma affects the pleura (a thin membrane that covers the chest cavity), peritoneum (a layer that surrounds the abdominal cavity) and the pericardium (a sac surrounding the heart). The symptoms also depend on the type of mesothelioma that a patient is suffering from. There are three types of mesothelioma - sarcomatoid epithelioid biphasic.Typically, the first symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath and fatigue. As the cancer grows, it will eventually affect other parts of your body. It may be spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs, abdomen or the skin. Other common symptoms include weight loss, fever and difficulty swallowing.If symptoms of this nature are evident patients should visit their doctor immediately. A mesothelioma specialist can assess the symptoms and conduct tests. These tests could include blood tests, imaging scans or a biopsy. The doctor will ask about asbestos exposure and will review the medical records of the patient. A chest X ray or CT scan can help identify the cause of certain mesothelioma-related symptoms, including a fluid buildup between the chest wall, lungs and pleural effusion.It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. The disease could be misdiagnosed by doctors for many years or even decades before an accurate diagnosis is made.The majority of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are diagnosed when their cancer has reached stage 3 or 4. A late diagnosis can be a serious issue regarding treatment options and the prognosis.Medication is prescribed to alleviate symptoms of mesothelioma like pain and swelling. Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen are frequently prescribed to treat severe pain.Some mesothelioma sufferers have found success with home treatments like yoga and acupuncture to ease pain and improve the quality of their lives, in addition to standard cancer treatment. Complementary techniques can also be used to improve the quality of life and boost energy levels, but they should not replace conventional treatment. A patient's doctor should be competent to recommend an appropriate therapy.DiagnosisWhen a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma doctors will use a mix of tests and information about the patient's past. They also look at the stage of the cancer which helps them decide on the best treatment.Doctors usually require imaging tests, such as the CT scan or X-ray. These images allow doctors to determine the size of the mass or tumor and whether it has spread. If mesothelioma is at an advanced stage doctors will drain the fluid that's accumulated around the abdomen or lungs. The fluid will be analyzed for indications of cancer.A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose mesothelioma. It is done when a small amount of tissue or fluid is removed from the affected area and examined under a microscope. Doctors may try needle biopsy before. They will insert needles into the chest or abdomen after numbing it with local anesthesia. They typically use live CT or ultrasound to help them insert the needle into the right spot.It isn't always easy for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma early because the cells may appear like healthy cells. However, researchers are trying to find ways to detect mesothelioma earlier.Certain blood tests can test for certain levels of proteins mesothelioma releases into its body. They are referred to as biomarkers. They can be used to indicate if the mesothelioma is likely to spread or expand rapidly.The doctors may also use imaging tests to determine if there is mesothelioma that is present elsewhere in the body, such as an PET scanner or a chest radiograph. They will also check the lymph nodes to determine if they've been affected by cancer, and whether it has been able to spread.If someone has mesothelioma which has spread to the lungs, they might undergo chemotherapy or surgery. These treatments can decrease the number of cancer cells and prevent them from growing again. In pleural mesothelioma, it is also possible to stop the accumulation of fluids by performing a procedure called a pleurodesis or by inserting a tube into the chest and draining it regularly at home (pleurocentesis). In the case of peritoneal peritoneal cancer patients can undergo surgical treatment or cytoreductive procedure with intraperitoneal heated chemotherapy.TreatmentThe treatment options for mesothelioma are based on the stage, type, and location of the cancer, and also the patient's overall health. The aim is to manage the symptoms and prolong life.The mesothelium is the thin layer of cells that covers and protects organs. The cancerous mesothelioma that is malignant can spread to other parts of the body. It can also cause irritation to the surrounding tissues and cause inflammation, which may be the first signs of mesothelioma.If the imaging tests indicate that it may be cancerous, a doctor will request mesothelioma samples to be taken. The procedure involves removing tiny pieces of tissue or fluid to examine under a microscope for mesothelioma. The biopsy is the sole method to determine if mesothelioma is present and it is crucial for patients to undergo this testing because it can be a life-saving procedure.A doctor will conduct a physical examination and will order imaging scans, like chest X-rays or computed Tomography (CT) scans. These tests look for changes in the lining of the lungs, which could include a thickening calcium deposits and fluid accumulation. They can also help diagnose mesothelioma.Doctors may undergo surgery to relieve breathlessness caused by fluid buildup in the pleura (pleural mesothelioma) or peritoneum (peritoneal mesothelioma). They may drain the fluid by tubes that are that is inserted into the chest cavity (pleurodesis) or the abdomen (pleurotomy). This procedure is usually performed in conjunction with other procedures to treat cancer and ease symptoms.Another option for treating mesothelioma is radiation therapy. The radiation is delivered to mesothelioma's cancerous cells by a doctor by using a machine that is outside the body. This can either destroy the cancerous cells or stop them from growing. They can employ a technique called brachytherapy, which involves inserting wires, catheters or radioactive seeds in the body near mesothelioma.When selecting a treatment the doctor will consider a patient's overall health and age. Younger and stronger patients are more likely to be successful than mesothelioma patients who are older because they are more likely to endure the more intense treatments.PrognosisThe prognosis of mesothelioma patients is highly dependent on the kind, location, and stage of the cancer at the time it was discovered, as well as the health of the patient overall and treatment options. Patients who undergo chemotherapy and surgery to reduce or eliminate tumors usually have a better outlook.Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium. It is a thin, tough membrane that line the cavities in internal organs like the chest cavity and abdominal cavity. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are the result of exposure to asbestos the mineral that is naturally occurring which was once utilized in a variety of industries. Patients who develop mesothelioma usually experience symptoms 20 to 40 years after exposure.It's important to diagnose mesothelioma as quickly as you can, because it is extremely rare. This will allow you to start treatment. A doctor can identify the disease by taking a sample of tissue and testing it for cancerous cells. A biopsy can be performed with a small needle or through surgery.After doctors have confirmed mesothelioma they can formulate an treatment plan that is unique to every patient. The treatment strategy they choose will depend on the type and stage of mesothelioma as well as how the cancerous tumors respond to treatments.Pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lungs is the most frequent type of mesothelioma. Asbestos sufferers who have this form of mesothelioma tend to have better outcomes than those with other types of mesothelioma.Peritoneal mesothelioma, the second most common mesothelioma type, affects the lining of the abdomen and is associated with poorer outcomes. People with mesothelioma of this type experience difficulty breathing and a higher chance of developing complications, such as a blockage in the small intestine or a accumulation of fluid within the peritoneum.Biphasic mesothelioma consists of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells, and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma patients. what mesothelioma of patients who suffer from this type of mesothelioma are dependent on the ratio between epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. The majority of cases of mesothelioma have epithelioid cancer cells that are more responsive to treatment.