Is Mesothelioma a Cancer?The Pleura is the main place where mesothelioma begins. It can also begin in the peritoneum, which is a layer of tissue covering organs in your abdomen.Doctors can detect mesothelioma by taking samples of tissue or fluid from the tumor. They then examine the cells under a microscope to determine if they are cancerous.What is Mesothelioma?Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissue of the chest, abdomen, and heart. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause cell mutations. These mutations can lead to tumor growth and mesothelioma cancerous cells spreading throughout the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma forms are the types that are pleural and peritoneal.Symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss. The symptoms may vary based on where the mesothelioma is located and the type it is. Fluid buildup in the chest cavity can cause breathlessness in people who suffer from pleural mesothelioma. This can be eliminated using a procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). People with peritoneal msothelioma can feel abdominal or stomach discomfort and fatigue. They may also experience an overall feeling of fullness.The diagnosis of mesothelioma is often determined by medical history and physical exam. Doctors will ask the patient about any symptoms they may have and their exposure to asbestos in the past. They will also order imaging tests to evaluate the tumor or fluid around it. These tests can include X-rays, CT scans, and PET or MRI scans. Doctors will test the blood of the patient to determine if certain proteins can indicate mesothelioma.Doctors will take into consideration the type of cells found in the tumor, as well as the speed of its spread. The majority of mesotheliomas comprise epithelioid cell, which is easier to remove by surgery. These cells have a better outlook than sarcomatoid ones, which are more aggressive and spread faster. Between 20 and 30 percent of mesotheliomas are combined of these two cell types.Because mesothelioma can be so rare, it can be difficult for doctors to identify it. It is often mistakenly diagnosed as other illnesses like pneumonia or lung cancer. A mesothelioma misdiagnosis can delay treatment and decrease the quality of life of a patient. It is therefore important to consult a doctor on a mesothelioma diagnose, such as an Oncologist. A specialist will be able determine the best treatment options in case the mesothelioma is already spreading.What are the symptoms?The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary by stage and type. Patients with mesothelioma may feel fatigue, abdominal pain, or abdominal pain. Other symptoms include swelling of the neck or chest and difficulty breathing caused by fluid buildup on the chest wall or in the lungs (pleural effusion).Patients should seek medical attention as soon as they notice symptoms. Doctors may conduct a physical examination and assess the patient's history of exposure to asbestos. They can then refer the patient to a mesothelioma specialist.X-rays and CT scans are the most common diagnostic tools used to detect mesothelioma-related signs. They can detect a tumor in the pleura or a cavity in the chest wall. These tests can also detect fluid accumulation between the chest wall and lungs which is typically associated with mesothelioma of the pleural region.Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize, as its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. As such, patients are not diagnosed until mesothelioma has advanced to a more advanced stage. The process of diagnosis can take up to one year from the time of first onset.The initial diagnosis of mesothelioma is determined by the symptoms, history of asbestos exposure and the results from imaging and blood tests. To confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis, doctors will need to conduct an examination of the affected tissue. This is done by inserting an needle into the affected tissue to take the sample for analysis.Doctors can use these samples to determine the cell type that causes mesothelioma and how quickly it spreads throughout the body. Tumors are made up of epithelial, sarcomatoid or an amalgam of both. The type of cell determines the speed at which mesothelioma is spread to other parts of your body, like the lymph nodes as well as the heart.In addition to these test procedures, patients who are suspected of mesothelioma may require physical therapy and other treatments to help manage their condition. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma should be referred to a mental health professional to address the psychological effects of the disease and to locate support groups.What are the causes of mesothelioma?Scientists aren't sure of the exact cause of mesothelioma but they do know that asbestos is the most prevalent cause. Asbestos is comprised of fibrous minerals which are utilized in a variety of ways in the construction industry and manufacturing industries. Workers in blue-collar jobs in the 1930s through the early 1980s were exposed in huge quantities to asbestos at their workplaces, without being aware of its dangers. Asbestos fibers can lodge in the linings of internal organs like the lungs, abdomen, and pericardium. Mesothelioma occurs when these cells multiply uncontrollably and develop tumors.Doctors do not offer any screening tests for mesothelioma. However, they can determine the presence of the disease based on a number of tests. This includes imaging scans of the abdomen or chest which may reveal fluid accumulation or a mass or lump. Doctors also will do biopsy, which involves inserting a needle into mesothelioma to remove cells that can be examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.Other tests can be performed to determine the stage of cancer according to the extent of cancer's spread and the area affected. These tests can include CT scans, PET scans, MRIs, echocardiograms (which evaluate the structure of your heart) and mediastinoscopy.If you have symptoms that may indicate mesothelioma it is crucial to consult your doctor. A thorough physical exam and reviewing your work history can help determine if you have been exposed asbestos. Your doctor will take a mesothelioma diagnose seriously and refer you to an expert for further testing.Because mesothelioma is rare it is often misdiagnosed early. This can lead to delays in seeking treatment and may cause the disease to progress faster. mesothelioma cancer claims is essential to seek an opinion from a different doctor, especially when smoking is a major issue. A reputable mesothelioma doctor can ensure you receive the most effective treatment available and provide you with an optimistic outlook.What are the treatments for mesothelioma?A person diagnosed with mesothelioma is offered many treatment options. The type of treatment determined by a variety of aspects, including the stage of the cancer as well as the extent of its spread. The goal is to improve the patient's quality of life, alleviate symptoms and stop the cancer from recurring.Doctors make use of a combination of physical exams, medical tests and imaging scans to determine whether mesothelioma is causing the symptoms and signs of a person. In many instances, doctors must order a biopsy to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose. A biopsy is the removal of tissue or fluids from the tumor to be examined under microscope.Asbestos victims may qualify for financial assistance to pay for mesothelioma treatments. Asbestos victims should speak with a mesothelioma expert and receive the correct diagnosis of mesothelioma to increase their chances of receiving proper treatment. Incorrect diagnosis of mesothelioma may delay treatment and give cancer time to develop.Surgery for mesothelioma that affects the lungs is typically done to alleviate breathlessness and other signs caused by this cancer. For example, doctors may perform a pleural pneumonectomy to remove the affected lung as well as the lining of the chest cavity and the diaphragm. They can also perform pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication in order to eliminate as much mesothelioma possible.Doctors may drain fluid from the abdominal cavity of those with peritoneal msothelioma by inserting a tube into the abdomen. Radiation therapy is an option to shrink tumors. Chemotherapy is a popular treatment for mesothelioma that can be used in combination with other treatments.The research continues to explore ways to identify mesothelioma a more early stage. One method under study uses blood tests to determine the levels of a substance released by mesothelioma cells into the bloodstream. This could help doctors recognize the disease earlier and could save lives. Patients suffering from mesothelioma should speak to their physicians about participating in a mesothelioma clinical trial that helps to develop new treatments that can prolong survival times. The mesothelioma community offers support for patients as well as their loved ones including local support groups and lodging programs for the families of ill patients, mesothelioma information call centers, and rides to treatment.