Mesothelioma TreatmentThe life expectancy of mesothelioma victims is dependent on the type of cancer, its location and its stage. Patients with epithelioid cancer cells have a better chance of survival.The type of cell can be identified through a biopsy taken from an abnormal growth within the lung or another affected area. The samples will be analyzed in an laboratory.DiagnosisDoctors will need to perform various tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is mesothelioma or subtypes of mesothelioma. They typically begin with a CT scan and chest X-ray to check for any masses or tumors in the abdomen or lungs. They may also order blood testing to identify biomarkers that could help doctors detect mesothelioma.After obtaining the results of these tests, doctors can go on to more advanced imaging techniques to further determine the cause of their diagnosis. They may use MRI or PET scans to look inside the body for any indications of mesothelioma, or other unusual growths. These tests can also reveal whether the cancer has spread beyond the initial tumor site and is a crucial factor for the development of a mesothelioma treatment.When a doctor suspects epithelioid-like mesothelioma they will typically send a biopsy sample to a mesothelioma expert for further tests. These experts can examine the sample under microscopes, looking for the characteristics that define this particular mesothelioma-specific type of cell.The cells could be poorly or well differentiated, meaning they are like the normal cells of the human body. The two most commonly encountered epithelioid mesothelioma types are tubulopapillary and acinar. The other four types are clear-cell, small-cell, deciduoid, and adenoid-cystic.It is important to identify the type of Mesothelioma the patient is suffering from, as it can affect their prognosis. Epithelioid Mesothelioma, for example has a lower chance of spreading to other regions of the body than other type of mesothelioma, making it more likely that patients will live longer.In addition, epithelioid cell lines respond better to chemotherapy and radiation than other mesothelioma types. Doctors might recommend a combination treatment for epithelioid patients suffering from mesothelioma. According to a report from a few years ago, this type of treatment could result in a three-year survival rate as high as 84 percent. But, the ideal mesothelioma treatment for each patient will depend on their location, their stage and subtype of the disease.TreatmentPatients with mesothelioma are offered various treatment options. Some of the most aggressive treatment options improve the life expectancy of patients while others help patients manage symptoms. The best treatment for each patient depends on their goals and the impact of their condition on their quality-of-life. Mesothelioma specialists can help patients decide the best treatment for them.Imaging tests are utilized by doctors to detect tumors or other abnormalities on the abdomen and chest. A biopsy is also possible, where a small amount of mesothelioma tissue is removed for testing. The biopsy is then sent to a pathologist who reviews it for the specific characteristics of mesothelioma cells types and subtypes.There are five mesothelioma cell types which include tubulopapillary (trabecular), trabecular micropapillary, solid, and the pleomorphic. Each group has its own cell type that affects the prognosis and treatment options. The mesothelioid epithelioid cell types of mes have the highest rate of survival among the different cell types. They are more resistant to treatment and grow less than sarcomatoid mesothelioma and biphasic cells.Mesothelioma is treated by radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Local chemotherapy is often recommended by doctors to minimize adverse effects. It restricts the drug only to a specific area of the body, like the abdomen or chest. Patients can also get immunotherapy drugs like Opdivo, Yervoy or Keytruda.Extrapleural pneumonectomy is the most effective surgery for mesothelioma. This involves the removal of all affected tissues and lung. Patients with advanced mesothelioma are able to be considered for pleurectomy as well as décortication (P/D). P/D is a less-invasive procedure than EPP since it only removes a small portion of the lung instead of the entire lung.In addition to surgery and chemotherapy doctors may also prescribe targeted radiotherapy which delivers high-energy Xrays to the area in which mesothelioma tumors are. They can also prescribe immunotherapy, which uses the body's own immune system to attack mesothelioma cancer cells.Although mesothelioma treatments aren't a cure, patients who have the epithelial cell type have a higher survival rate than those with sarcomatoid and biphasic cells. In a study of mesothelioma in the peritoneal region patients with epithelioid mesothelioma had an average survival time of 55 months.Side EffectsThe symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those of other diseases and are often difficult for doctors to determine. Patients must always report any history of asbestos exposure to their doctor. Mesothelioma is often diagnosed only after multiple tests and biopsy. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they'll request X-rays which use small amounts of radiation to create pictures of bones and soft tissues or CT scans to produce 3D images of the body. If the results show mesothelioma, the doctor will recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.The biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgeon will remove a small piece of tissue from a patient's affected lung or other part of the body. The biopsy will then be sent to a laboratory, where the cancer cells can be examined. The lab can also determine if the mesothelioma is epithelial, sarcomatoid or biphasic. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common, making up between 50 and 70 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses. These cells are rectangular and form in clusters that line the surfaces of organs and blood vessels. When these cells are exposed to asbestos, they mutate into mesothelioma cells and cause tumors. Epithelial cells tend to grow and spread more slowly than other mesothelioma cell types, but the mesothelioma can still be aggressive.Mesothelioma patients can qualify for clinical trials that are innovative and can enhance their quality of life and increase life expectancy. If a mesothelioma sufferer is a veteran, they should be sure to speak with their VA case manager about the medical and financial assistance available to them.Immunotherapy is a possibility for mesothelioma treatment in addition to radiation, surgery, and chemo. The drugs Opdivo(r) (nivolumab) and Yervoy(r) (ipilimumab) can boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. These immunotherapy treatments have shown promise in clinical trials for mesothelioma, and may be in a position to prolong a patient's survival. When combined with other treatments with other treatments, have improved the survival rates of patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural disease by 50%. Other immunotherapy treatments that are experimental help to slow the growth and spread of mesothelioma. This increases the odds of survival.PreventionMesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects mesothelium, which is the thin layer that covers certain organs. It is most often found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) or in the abdomen. It can also occur in the heart (peritoneal mesothelioma) or in the testes (testicular mesothelioma). Asbestos is a mineral naturally occurring that is used in a variety of products, including insulation, brakes, shingles and flooring. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled by workers who cut, break or otherwise damage these products. Asbestos exposure typically happens at work and it can take a long time before mesothelioma symptoms appear.The typical survival rate for patients suffering from the pleural mesothelioma is between 18 and 30 months. The mesothelioma type can influence a patient's treatment as well as prognosis. Epithelioid patients have a longer lifespan than those with biphasic and sarcomatoid cancers.It is possible to prevent mesothelioma by limiting exposure to asbestos. Asbestos patients should work with their employers to ensure safe working conditions and inquire with their physician about the risks of asbestos exposure. They should be screened for health issues regularly, including lung function tests and Xrays of the chest to check for any signs of potential problems.The most popular method to determine mesothelioma's diagnosis is using the combination of imaging tests and a tissue biopsy. It can be difficult to determine what type of mesothelioma that a person has, as the symptoms may not be apparent until late in the disease.Exposure to asbestos can cause various types of mesothelioma. Inhalation or consumption asbestos fibers can cause inflammation and DNA damage. This can lead to cancer development years afterward. Veterans are particularly at risk for mesothelioma as a result of extensive use of asbestos in the military and by companies that concealed the risks from the general public and veterans.Patients with mesothelioma signs should have an examination by a qualified doctor. Doctors can assist patients to identify possible signs and develop an appropriate mesothelioma therapy plan. Based on pleural mesothelioma alternative treatment of mesothelioma, the doctors may recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. They may also refer patients to mesothelioma specialists, and file VA benefits.