What is Mesothelioma?A rare cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue that lines many internal organs, including the lungs (pleura), abdomen and the peritoneum. It can trigger symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and a dry cough.A biopsy is a method of diagnosing mesothelioma. Doctors can diagnose it using images taken by an CT scan, X-ray or MRI.Signs and symptomsMesothelioma is a cancer that affects the organ linings in your body. It is typically caused by asbestos exposure. People diagnosed with mesothelioma often experience pain, breathing problems nausea, and other symptoms throughout the body. what is mesothelioma of mesothelioma vary depending on the type of cancer and the location of the cancer.Mesothelioma isn't easy to diagnose because it has similar symptoms to other illnesses. Talk to your doctor and inform him about your history of asbestos exposure. Your doctor will then examine you and order tests to confirm mesothelioma. These can include a chest X-ray, CT scan or blood tests. You may need to have a biopsy of your tissue to remove a small piece of tissue to be examined under a microscope.Your doctor will use these tests to determine the stage of mesothelioma. A higher number of staging numbers indicates that the cancer has spread. There is no cure for mesothelioma in all stages however, treatment can manage symptoms and prolong life.Mesothelioma can be classified into three types by doctors based on the tissue affected. The most prevalent is epithelial mesothelioma, which accounts for approximately 50% of all cases. The other two types are sarcomatoid mesothelioma and biphasic. These kinds are associated with lower survival rates.If someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma, their doctor will talk about treatment options. These can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Some doctors also recommend multimodality therapy that is a mix of treatments.For example, pleural mesothelioma patients receive chemotherapy to shrink tumors prior surgery. They may also undergo a procedure known as pleurodesis. This involves using an ingredient that causes the lung lining to become scarred and stick together, ensuring fluid doesn't build up in the lung.Patients with mesothelioma should speak with their doctor about ways to reduce stress and ways to improve quality of life. Many mesothelioma patients feel stressed by financial concerns and taking care of loved ones. They can try to reduce stress by exercising, meditation and other activities. Patients can also seek help from support groups or mental health counselors.DiagnosisDoctors first diagnose mesothelioma by reviewing the health history of a patient and conducting a physical exam. They will ask the patient about their exposure to asbestos as well as any symptoms they may be experiencing, such as shortness of breath. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases.The stage of mesothelioma is determined by a combination tests when a doctor has diagnosed the disease. The stage of a mesothelioma allows doctors to plan treatment and determine the prognosis. The most commonly used test to determine mesothelioma's stage is a chest x-ray. It will reveal whether the cancer has been able to spread to the lungs. It could also reveal the presence of fluid or a thickening of the pleura (the membrane that covers the lung).In addition to this, blood tests are often taken to see whether mesothelioma cells release certain markers. The tests for blood can be inaccurate and misleading, as mesothelioma can look like normal cells.A biopsy is usually ordered by the doctor if an imaging scan indicates an underlying tumor or mass. A small portion of tissue is taken from the affected area. A pathologist will then examine the sample with a magnifying lens to determine the location, type and origin of mesothelioma.The most common mesothelioma type, epithelial is a thin layer formed by cells on the chest wall and lungs. It is responsible for about 50 percent of mesothelioma cases. Other types include sarcomatoid, biphasic and thicker cell masses. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common however, it is more aggressive and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelial mesothelioma.In some instances biopsies can be done using a tube with a videocamera and special tools to access the suspect area. In certain cases the surgeon will make an incision to collect a tissue sample. Then, they will send it to a laboratory to be examined for mesothelioma. During the biopsy, doctors will also take a liquid sample from any of the areas in which mesothelioma has developed.TreatmentMesothelioma is cancer that affects the mesothelium layer of cells that covers and protects organs throughout the body. The most common liner of the chest cavity as well as the abdominal cavity, referred to as the pleura, is affected. However, mesothelioma can also affect the peritoneum as well as the pericardium.Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma should seek treatment from a specialist mesothelioma doctor. The first step is an examination of the affected areas. Doctors can inquire about asbestos exposure in the past and request imaging scans, such as an CT or MRI. These tests help doctors spot possible signs of mesothelioma, and exclude other conditions like lung cancer or pneumonia.These and other medical records are used by doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related symptoms are present and the mesothelioma type like epithelial or sarcomatoid. The doctors will also discuss the options for treatment available.Treatment is affected by the type of mesothelioma, location of the tumors, their severity and other aspects. Mesothelioma is classified into stages based on the degree of advanced the cancer is as well as whether it has spread beyond its original site.Surgery can ease many symptoms such as pain in the chest and breathlessness due to fluid buildup (pleural effusion). For pleural mesothelioma, surgeons can drain the fluid or perform an operation known as extrapleural pleural pneumonectomy which involves the removal of part of the affected lung and the pleura, as well as nearby lymph nodes as well as the diaphragm, or a portion of the lining surrounding the heart (pericardium).Pleurodesis, a process that uses a chemical to scar the pleura, and make it stick to the lung, may reduce symptoms for people with mesothelioma peritoneal. A tube may be placed inside the chest to drain fluid at home.If mesothelioma is not yet spread, chemotherapy may be used to shrink tumors and prolong survival. To treat patients holistically, chemotherapy is usually coupled with other treatment options such as surgery or radiation therapy. Palliative care can be beneficial for those suffering from mesothelioma. It can aid in reducing fatigue, depression and pain.PrognosisWhen a patient has an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma their outlook will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far the cancer has spread. The rate of survival for mesothelioma is determined by four different stages.Most people are diagnosed with mesothelioma when the cancer is advanced. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma that affects the lung lining and the chest wall. This type of mesothelioma is manifested by symptoms like chest pain and breathing problems. Mesothelioma-related symptoms can also result in an accumulation of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion). The prognosis for the peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma differs from that of the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. Peritoneal Mesothelioma which is less frequent than pleural Mesothelioma is more difficult to treat. Mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining known as pericardial mesothelioma is more difficult to treat.Mesothelioma treatments are usually focused on reducing symptoms and prolonging life. Palliative care is the name of this treatment. Pain symptoms can be managed through physical therapy and medication. Fluid can be drained from the chest to relieve pressure on the lung. Patients with end-stage mesothelioma may receive lung transplants to improve their health.The age and gender as well as general health can have a major impact on their mesothelioma's prognosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women, but both can be assured of a favorable outcome when treated by mesothelioma specialists.People with a worse prognosis tend to be older and less healthy. These patients are more likely to develop mesothelioma that has spread to other areas of the body. Patients may have difficulty breathing, or feel swelling and pain in areas of their body that aren't affected by mesothelioma. Patients who suffer from mesothelioma can be treated with a combination chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Regardless of the treatment, a mesothelioma specialist will aid patients in understanding their prognosis and what to expect. Patients should also share their asbestos exposure background.