Mesothelioma - What is it?Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that occurs when the cells that line the lining of organs, such as the lungs, stomach or heart begin to grow out of control. The primary cause of mesothelioma lies in asbestos exposure.Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma typically undergo treatment to manage symptoms and prolong their lives for as long as is possible. Treatment options depend on the stage of mesothelioma and cell type as well as the overall health of the patient.SymptomsPatients with mesothelioma are likely to experience symptoms like persistent cough, weight loss, fatigue and chest pain. Depending on the site of the cancer and how widely it has spread, patients may also suffer abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms.Pleural mesothelioma is a disease that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). It is most commonly located in the pleura but it can also develop in other organs with similar linings, such as the stomach and the heart.The exposure to asbestos is the most well-known reason for mesothelioma. Many people with this disease were exposed to this mineral naturally occurring in the workplace. The asbestos fibers in the air can stick to organ linings if inhaled or consumed. This can lead to abnormal cell development over time. The tumors that form as result of this process could be either benign or malignant.In the beginning there are instances when people suffering from asbestosis pleural do not exhibit any symptoms. In these instances doctors usually detect the disease using imaging tests, blood tests and a biopsy.X-rays can show lung changes, like an enlarged pleura or an accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. A doctor may also employ CT scans, MRIs and positron emission tomography (PET) scans to look for mesothelioma and assess how far the cancer has spread. The results of blood tests can help doctors determine if someone has high levels of proteins that are linked to mesothelioma. These include fibulin-3. mesothelin related peptides in soluble form and fibulin-3.If a doctor suspects a person has pleural mesothelioma, they will use a procedure called thoracentesis to remove fluid from the lungs and take samples for further testing. This minimally-invasive procedure can alleviate pressure on the chest, and increase comfort.For some pleural mesothelioma patients, doctors will use an alternative that is more durable to prevent the reaccumulation and re-accumulation of lungs-related fluid known as pleurodesis. This is accomplished by injecting a fluid-suppressing drug such as talc into the space between the lungs that is called the pleural. In more severe cases, the doctor might recommend a pleural catheter that is implanted to remove fluid at home on a regular schedule.DiagnosisA precise mesothelioma diagnosis is the first step to receiving treatment. Doctors employ a variety of methods to determine whether patients have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. This includes the use of blood tests as well as imaging tests and surgical procedures.The most commonly observed sign of mesothelioma is a swell of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). To identify this, doctors will make use of a needle to get an in-situ sample of the fluid for testing. They can also request an CT scan, MRI scan or positron-emission tomography (PET) to determine whether the cancer has mutated.Mesothelioma is usually discovered when it is in its advanced stages, meaning it has spread beyond the area where it began to form. Doctors have devised a novel test that can detect mesothelioma long before symptoms appear. The test detects elevated levels of a biomarker known as mesothelin-related peptides, which is released by mesothelioma cancer cells.If mesothelioma is in the advanced stages, doctors will perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. They may also perform lung biopsy, which involves inserting a tube with a camera through the mouth and into the lungs, to see if there is any tumor or other abnormality.Laparoscopy is a different surgical procedure that can be utilized to diagnose mesothelioma. This procedure involves inserting a tube with camera into the stomach through a small abdominal incision. The doctor will then collect tissue samples and ease any pain that is caused by mesothelioma in the peritoneum using the cytoreductive surgery, which is accompanied by intraperitoneal heated therapy.A minimally invasive surgical procedure to identify mesothelioma is an endoscopic ultrasound, which includes the use of a thoracoscopic biopsy. This is accomplished by inserting a tubing that includes an ultrasound device at the end through the mouth or the throat while under sedation. This can help doctors identify lymph nodes that are enlarged and determine whether mesothelioma is spreading to these areas. The doctor may also employ a procedure called an endobronchial ultrasound guided needle aspiration to test for mesothelioma in the airways of the lung. This involves placing a flexible, long tube with an ultrasound device on the end and into your lungs while you breathe in and out.TreatmentIn many instances mesothelioma treatment can extend the lifespan of patients. The prognosis is contingent on the mesothelioma type and its stage, as well as the patient's overall health.Mesothelioma is caused by breathing asbestos fibers. They are then transported into the lungs, where they cause irritation to the pleura creating cancerous cells. Those cancer cells can then spread to other parts of the body, and continue to grow and develop. In some instances, the mesothelioma can cause fluid to build up inside the chest.Dyspnea and the accumulation of fluid around the lungs can lead to breathing difficulties or pain for certain people. In other instances mesothelioma can be present without a sign of symptoms.The tumors may be difficult to identify because they appear like other cancers. Doctors don't always detect them. Misdiagnosis can lead to more severe complications and give the cancer time to spread and grow.If mesothelioma has been identified, doctors order tests to confirm the diagnosis. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs are all used to create detailed images. A biopsy may also be done to detect mesothelioma. These cells are then examined with a microscope to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma.The biopsy will reveal which cell type makes mesothelioma, which can help determine a treatment strategy. Epithelioid mesothelioma has the highest rate of common, and these cells tend to grow slower and are less difficult to treat. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma spreads and grows faster. The sarcomatoid cells are harder to treat than epithelioid mesothelioid cells, which may explain why this kind of tumor is more invasive and has worse outcomes than epithelioid mesothelioma.A thoracentesis can also be procedure where a sample of fluid is taken from the area around the lungs to be tested by doctors. A thoracentesis can be used to look for cancerous cells as well as for the accumulation of fluid which could cause difficulty breathing.In a few instances doctors can remove the mesothelioma during surgery and treat a patient. In most cases, surgery can only help alleviate some symptoms and make mesothelioma less likely to return.PrognosisThe prognosis for mesothelioma is based on the extent to which the cancer has spread and a person's overall health. Mesothelioma can affect the chest wall, lungs abdomen, or pericardium (the thin membrane surrounding the heart). Three out of four cases begin in the lung. The other mesothelioma types are found in the peritoneum or the pleura. Mesothelioma is most often seen in those who have been exposed to asbestos during their work.A physical exam and blood tests are typically the first steps to diagnose mesothelioma. The doctor will go over the medical history of the patient to determine if there are any symptoms and possible factors that raise the risk of mesothelioma like exposure to asbestos.Doctors may also do an imaging scan or a biopsy to determine an mesothelioma diagnosis. During a biopsied doctor, they take a small sample from the affected part of the body, and then examine it with a microscope to detect cancerous cells. In an imaging scan, doctors can see any masses or tumors in the chest cavity or abdomen. They can also measure the thickness of a person's pleura, or lining of the lungs.The most frequently reported symptoms of mesothelioma are shortness of breath (dyspnea) and discomfort in the lungs or abdomen, lumps on the chest or abdomen, and a fluid accumulation on the stomach or lungs (pleural effusion). Certain symptoms are more serious than others. For instance when mesothelioma has been diagnosed in the lungs, it is more likely to lead to lung failure. what is the survival rate of mesothelioma is essential to seek an additional opinion prior to starting treatment. Mesothelioma can be a rare disease.The best treatment for mesothelioma can improve the patient's chances of survival. Treatments like chemotherapy, surgery or radiation, as well as Tumor-Treating Fields, may reduce tumors and improve the quality of life for patients.Mesothelioma patients can receive support by specialized care teams, including counselors, dieticians and other specialists who assist manage symptoms. These professionals can also assist a patient with finding ways to live comfortably with mesothelioma while remaining active. Patients with mesothelioma are able to take part in clinical trials to evaluate new treatments and improve the outlook of their condition.