What is Mesothelioma?Asbestos fibers can cause cancerous tissue that line or protect organs. The asbestos particles cause irritation and harm to DNA, turning normal cells into cancerous cells that develop into mesothelioma tumors.Three out of four mesothelioma cases begin in the tissue that surrounds the lungs (pleura). The less common types are found in the abdominal cavity and around the heart. Doctors split mesothelioma into various types depending on the location where the tumors originate as well as their cell type.What is Mesothelioma?Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues that line the stomach, lungs and heart, as well as other organs. In almost all cases, it is caused by exposure to asbestos. The most prevalent form of mesothelioma, malignant, is when cancer cells spread beyond the initial tumor site to other parts of your body. There are what causes mesothelioma which include epithelial, Sarcomatoid and biphasic. The survival rates for each type differ, but mesothelioma in general is a fatal condition.There are several tests that can reveal mesothelioma or a mesothelioma-like condition. If a doctor suspects an issue, they could order an X ray or computed Tomography (CT) scan of the chest or abdomen. A CT scan utilizes multiple X-rays and a computer create detailed images of the inside of the body. These tests can detect tumors, fluid and other changes to the tissues. They can also determine whether the cancer has spread.A shortness of breath and an ongoing cough are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also experience chest pain or a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). The signs can be difficult to distinguish because they are similar with several other diseases.Mesothelioma treatment varies based on the type and stage of the cancer, and also the patient's overall health. Early detection and aggressive treatment of mesothelioma may increase the chance that patients live longer.The four stages of mesothelioma tumor show how far it has spread. This assists doctors in determining the patient's prognosis. The survival rates for the four stages vary, but patients tend to live longer when they are younger healthy, in good health and are not smokers.The most effective mesothelioma treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments can be employed in isolation. Some patients can also benefit from targeted therapy or immunotherapy, which uses drugs that target cancer cells and produce fewer side-effects than standard chemotherapy. Combining these treatments can improve the prognosis of a patient even more. Patients who undergo both surgery and chemotherapy enjoy the highest rates of survival.Signs and symptomsThe mesothelium is a layer of cells that line and protect the organs in your body. Malignant mesothelioma happens when mesothelium cells become cancerous and expand out of control. This type of cancer may affect the lung lining or stomach, as well as your heart. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, a hazardous mineral that was utilized in a variety of ways in the United States for many years. Asbestos is typically exposed when a person swallows or inhales asbestos fibers. This causes irritation to the lining of organs and genetic changes to the cells that cause them to transform into mesothelioma.Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma that develops in the lung. However, it may also be found in the lining of the abdomen or peritoneum and in the testicles. Mesothelioma is a rare disease, and symptoms may take a long time to manifest. Even if they do, they could be misdiagnosed as a different illness like pneumonia, making it difficult to make an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis.Mesothelioma can be characterized by breathing issues and a persistent dry cough. Some people also suffer from chest wall pain that feels like a pressure or tight pain. Others may notice a blueish tint on their skin, referred to as cyanosis. Other symptoms include fatigue, weight loss and nausea.Doctors will perform physical examinations and ask about your history of exposure to asbestos in order to determine if you have mesothelioma. They may also perform several tests, including X-rays or CT scans, and a biopsy. A biopsy is the process where doctors remove tiny pieces of tissue from mesothelioma to be examined under the microscope.Doctors are still researching mesothelioma to find the best treatment options. They are focusing on finding ways to increase the life expectancy of those suffering from mesothelioma and to prevent its spread. Treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and other medicines that are taken orally or injectable into the body.DiagnosisThe first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for a doctor to collect a sample of the tissue and examine it under a microscope. This will confirm whether the cancer is mesothelioma and what type of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy is also used by doctors to determine the stage of mesothelioma as well as the most effective treatment.Doctors often conduct a physical exam and order imaging tests, like X-rays and CT scans of the chest or abdomen to determine symptoms of mesothelioma, or other anomalies. Other imaging tests include MRI and PET (positron emission tomography) scans, which use special magnets and dyes to produce images of organs inside.Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, the lining that protects organs. In most cases asbestos exposure is the main reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos was extensively used in the construction industry but it has since been banned. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they irritate the mesothelium, most commonly in the chest wall and lungs, but sometimes in other areas of the body, such as the stomach or heart. The irritation causes cells to change and grow into malignant tumors.The symptoms of mesothelioma differ based on which area of the body is affected. A shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue are the most commonly reported symptoms, but there are others such as frequent coughing, difficulty swallowing, and weight loss. Mesothelioma that affects the lining of the lungs, called the pleura, can cause fluid to build up within the space around the lungs, which is called pleural effusion.If a doctor suspects mesothelioma may be present, they may perform a surgical or needle biopsy. In a needle biopsy, the doctors will insert a needle between the ribs or into the chest cavity to draw fluid to be examined. They can make use of a live CT scan to guide the needle, and then a local anesthetic to cause the least amount of pain possible. The surgical biopsy is more injurious and requires general anesthesia to remove the tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum.TreatmentThe first step to receive treatment is to get an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma. There are a variety of steps doctors must take to identify mesothelioma, including a physical examination and laboratory tests. The most crucial test is a biopsy, which is the process of removing tissue or fluid from the tumor. It's the only way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Once a mesothelioma is diagnosed by your doctor, they will recommend treatments that will improve your symptoms and quality of life.Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers most of your internal organs. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral utilized in many industries. It is usually at work that asbestos exposure happens and symptoms can take years to show up.There are three different mesothelioma types. The most prevalent form of mesothelioma is mesothelioma that is malignant. It is a form of cancer that develops when cells invade the wall (pleura) of your lung. Other mesothelioma forms are found in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or around the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma that is benign does not cause cancer and it doesn't cause any cancerous growth.Your doctor will use this information to determine the stage of cancer and your prognosis once mesothelioma is identified. This is referred to as staging. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatments you can choose from.Treatments can enhance your quality of life and may even extend your lifespan However, it is essential to select the right mesothelioma treatment team. The ideal team will comprise physicians who specialize in mesothelioma, attorneys who are skilled in mesothelioma lawsuits and other experts.Treatments for mesothelioma can include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Chemotherapy is a treatment that makes use of drugs to shrink or eliminate cancerous tumors and alleviate symptoms such as difficulty breathing. Radiation is used to treat mesothelioma and the surrounding areas. Surgery can improve the chances of recovery by removing cancerous tissue and other affected areas. Surgery can also be used to prevent fluid build-up which makes it difficult to breathe. Pleurodesis is a surgical procedure that involves injecting drugs or chemicals in the space between your lungs and your chest wall. This causes scar tissue to block the space and stop the accumulation of fluid.