What is Mesothelioma?Inhaling or swallowing asbestos fibers can cause cancer of the tissues that line and protect body organs. The asbestos particles cause irritation and damage DNA, transforming normal cells into cancerous ones, which form mesothelioma tumors.Three out of four mesothelioma cases begin in the tissue surrounding the lungs (pleura). Less commonly, they occur in the abdominal cavity and around the heart. Doctors split mesothelioma into various types based on where the tumors originate and their cell type.What is mesothelioma?Mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs and stomach, as well as other organs. In almost every case asbestos exposure is the cause. The most common mesothelioma type, malignant, is when cancerous cells spread beyond the initial tumor site to other parts of your body. There are three different mesothelioma types: epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic. The survival rate for each varies, but overall mesothelioma is a fatal disease.There are many tests that can detect mesothelioma, or a mesothelioma. For instance, a doctor may request an X-ray or computed (CT) scan of the abdomen or chest in the event that they suspect something wrong. A CT scan produces detailed images of the inside of the body using multiple X-rays, a computer, and a scanner. These tests can detect tumors, fluid and other changes in tissues. They can also determine if the cancer has been able to spread.Breathing problems, as well as an ongoing cough are the most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma. Patients may also experience chest pain or an accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). The symptoms can be difficult to identify since they are similar to several other diseases.The treatment for mesothelioma is based on the type, stage and general health of the patient. Early detection and aggressive treatment of mesothelioma may increase the chance that patients will live longer.The four stages of mesothelioma reveal how the cancer has spread and help doctors determine the prognosis of a patient. The survival rates for each of the four stages differ, but generally patients live longer if they are younger, in good general health and nonsmokers.The best treatment options for mesothelioma are radiation, surgery, and chemo. These treatments can be utilized together or in combination. Some patients also benefit from immunotherapy, or targeted therapy, which employs drugs to kill cancerous cells, with less side effects than conventional chemotherapy. Combining these treatments can further improve the prognosis of a patient. Patients who undergo both surgery and chemotherapy enjoy the highest survival rates.SymptomsThe mesothelium layer, a collection of cells forms a line and protects the organs of your body. Malignant mesothelioma happens when the cells of the mesothelium develop cancerous and out of control. This kind of cancer can affect the linings of your lungs or stomach. Mesothelioma is triggered by exposure to asbestos, a dangerous mineral that was utilized in a variety of ways in the United States for many years. Asbestos is typically found in the intestines of people who swallow or inhales asbestos fibers. This causes irritation of the organ linings and genetic changes that can lead to mesothelioma.Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma that develops in the lungs. However, it may also be found in the lining the abdomen, peritoneum or in the testicles. Mesothelioma can take a long time before symptoms show up. Even then, they can be misdiagnosed as a different illness like pneumonia, which makes it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma.Mesothelioma is characterised by breathing problems and a persistent, dry cough. Many sufferers also experience chest wall pain, which is like a pressure, or tight feeling. Others may notice a blueish tint on the skin, which is known as cyanosis. Other symptoms include fatigue, weight loss and nausea.Doctors will conduct physical examinations and ask you about your asbestos exposure history to determine if you have mesothelioma. They will also do several tests, which include X-rays CT scans and biopsy. A biopsy is the process where doctors remove small pieces of mesothelioma's tissue for examination under a microscope.Doctors are still studying mesothelioma in order to determine the best treatment options. They are determined to find ways to improve the survival of those suffering from mesothelioma and also to prevent the spread of the disease. Treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and other drugs that are administered by mouth or injected into the body.DiagnosisA doctor will first take the tissue sample and then look at it under the microscope. This will confirm whether the cancer is mesothelioma and the type of mesothelioma that a patient is suffering from. The doctors can also make use of the biopsy to determine the extent to which mesothelioma has advanced and which treatment may be most efficient.Doctors often conduct physical examinations and may prescribe imaging tests, for example X-rays and CT scans of the abdomen or chest to check for signs of mesothelioma or other anomalies. Other imaging tests include MRI and PET (positron emission tomography) scans, which employ special dyes and magnets to produce images of internal organs.Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the mesothelium the membrane or lining which protects the various organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, which was previously widely employed in construction, but is now banned. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they cause irritation to the mesothelium most commonly in the lungs and chest wall however, they can also be found in other areas of the body such as the stomach or the heart. mesothelioma is a cancer caused by what causes the cells to develop into malignant tumors.The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the area of the body that is affected. The most commonly reported symptoms are breathlessness and chest pain, but they may also experience difficulties swallowing, persistent cough, fatigue and weight loss. Mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining, called the pleura, can cause fluid to build up in the space around the lungs, which is known as pleural effusion.If the doctor suspects mesothelioma they will likely perform a needle or surgical biopsy. During a needle biopsy, the doctors will insert a needle between ribs or in the chest cavity to draw out fluid to be examined. They can utilize live CT scans to guide the needle and a local anesthetic to make it as painless as is possible. The surgical biopsy is more invasive and requires general anesthesia to remove the tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum.TreatmentThe first step in receiving treatment is to obtain an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma. Doctors use a variety methods to determine mesothelioma. They may use physical examinations and laboratory tests. The most crucial test is a biopsy, which collects tissue or fluid from the tumor and is the only way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Once mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor might suggest treatments to improve your symptoms and your level of living.Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs. Exposure to asbestos, an naturally occurring mineral that is used in a variety of industries, can cause it. It is typically at the workplace that asbestos exposure takes place and the symptoms can take a long time to manifest.There are three distinct types of mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma, the most common type of mesothelioma, develops from cancerous cells within the lining of your lungs (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma may be found in the abdomen (peritoneal Pleura) or around your heart (pericardial pericardial pleura). Mesothelioma that is benign does not cause cancer and it doesn't cause any cancerous growth.Your doctor will utilize this information to determine the stage of cancer and your prognosis once mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This is known as staging. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options you have.The right team can enhance your life quality and even extend it. But you have to find the right mesothelioma specialist. The ideal team includes doctors who are experts in mesothelioma, attorneys who have experience in mesothelioma lawsuits, and other experts.Treatments for mesothelioma could include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. Chemotherapy is a method of using drugs to shrink or kill cancerous tumors and reduce symptoms like difficulty breathing. Radiation is used to treat mesothelioma and the surrounding areas. Surgery can improve the chances of recovery by removing cancerous tissues and other affected areas. Surgery is also a method to reduce the amount of fluid that makes it hard to breathe. Pleurodesis, a surgical procedure, involves injecting drugs or chemicals in the space between your lungs and chest wall. This creates scar tissues that create a barrier to prevent the build-up of fluid.