Is Mesothelioma a Cancer?The Pleura is the main place where mesothelioma begins. It may also begin in the tissue layer that protects organs in your stomach (the peritoneum).Doctors can diagnose the illness by taking a tissue sample or a fluid sample from the tumour. They then look at the cells under a microscope and determine if they are cancerous.What is Mesothelioma?Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissue of the abdomen, chest and the heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers which can trigger mutations in the cells. These mutations can result in the development of tumors and the spread of cancerous cells throughout the body. The most common mesothelioma types are types that are pleural and peritoneal.The symptoms may include a cough, difficulty breathing or weight loss, as well as pain in the abdomen or chest. The symptoms can vary based on the mesothelioma type and the location it is situated. Some people with pleural mesothelioma have fluid buildup in their chest cavity, which causes breathlessness. It can be eliminated with the procedure known as VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). A patient suffering from mesothelioma peritoneal may experience stomach or abdominal pain, fatigue, and a feeling of fullness.Mesothelioma is diagnosed based on a medical history or a physical examination. Doctors will examine the patient and inquire about their previous exposure to asbestos and any associated symptoms. They will also order imaging tests to evaluate the tumor or the fluid around it. These tests can include X-rays and CT scans. They can also include PET or MRI scans. Doctors will check the blood of the patient to determine the presence of certain proteins that could be indicative of mesothelioma.When doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma they will consider the types of cells that are in the tumor and the speed at which it has spread. The majority of mesotheliomas comprise epithelioid cell, which is more easily removed by surgery. They are more likely to be successful than sarcomatoid cells which are more aggressive in nature and can grow faster. Between 20 and 30% of mesotheliomas have a combination of both cell types.Because mesothelioma can be so rare it can be difficult for doctors to identify it. It can be misdiagnosed, for example as lung cancer or pneumonia. The wrong diagnosis of mesothelioma could delay treatment, and lower the quality of life for the patient. This is why it is important to get an mesothelioma diagnosis from a specialist, like an oncologist. A specialist will be able determine the best treatment options if mesothelioma already has spread.What are the signs of mesothelioma?The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the type and stage. Affected individuals may suffer from chest pain and abdominal pain, coughing or fatigue. There may also be swelling in the chest or neck and breathing difficulty due to fluid buildup in the lungs or in the chest wall (pleural effusion).When first noticing symptoms, patients should seek medical attention from a primary care doctor. Doctors may conduct a physical exam and assess the patient's history of exposure to asbestos. They can then refer the patient to a mesothelioma specialist.X-rays or CT scans are commonly used to find the signs of mesothelioma. They can reveal an enlarged lung or in the chest wall. These tests can also detect fluid buildup between the chest wall and the lungs, which is often associated with pleural mesothelioma. what's mesothelioma cancer is often difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Patients are not diagnosed until the disease has progressed. The diagnosis may take up to a year after the initial onset of symptoms.Initial diagnosis of mesothelioma relies on symptoms, history of exposure to asbestos and results of imaging and blood tests. In order to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, doctors need to perform an examination of the affected tissue. This is done by inserting a needle in the affected area and removing the small amount of tissue for analysis.These samples can be used by medical professionals to determine what type of cell causes mesothelioma, and how fast it will expand. Tumors are composed of epithelial cells, sarcomatoid cells or a mixture of both. The cellular type determines the speed at which mesothelioma spreads to other areas of your body, including the lymph nodes and the heart.In addition to these test procedures, patients who are suspected of mesothelioma may require physical therapy and other treatments to manage their condition. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma may also need to see an expert in mental health to address the psychological effects and locate support groups.What are the causes of mesothelioma?Scientists don't know the specific cause of mesothelioma, but they do know that asbestos is the most common cause. Asbestos is comprised of fibrous minerals which are used in many different ways in the construction industry and manufacturing industries. Workers in blue-collar jobs from the 1930s until the early 1980s were exposed in huge amounts to asbestos at their work places, and were not aware of its dangers. Asbestos fibers can lodge in the interior organs' linings like the lungs, abdomen, and pericardium. Mesothelioma is when these cells multiply uncontrollably and develop tumors.While doctors do not have a screening test for mesothelioma when someone is diagnosed with the disease it is usually based on a combination of tests. Imaging scans of the abdomen or chest might reveal a lump or swelling, or accumulation of fluid. Doctors may also perform biopsy, which involves inserting a needle in the mesothelioma to remove cells that can be examined under microscopes to confirm the diagnosis.Other tests can be conducted to determine the stage of cancer dependent on the extent of the cancer's spread and the area affected. These might include CT scans; PET scans; MRIs echocardiograms that check the structure of the heart; and a mediastinoscopy (used to study and sample lymph nodes at the middle of the chest).If you are experiencing symptoms that may indicate mesothelioma it is crucial to see your physician. A thorough physical exam and an examination of your work history will reveal if you have been exposed to asbestos. Your doctor will consider a mesothelioma diagnosis as serious and send you to a specialist for further testing.Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed because it is a rare condition. This can result in delays in getting treatment and could cause the disease to progress faster. In the end, it is crucial to seek an additional opinion from an experienced doctor, particularly if you smoke. A good mesothelioma doctor can help you get the best treatment and a positive prognosis.What are the treatments for mesothelioma?A patient diagnosed with mesothelioma has many treatment options. The treatment method chosen depends on a number of factors such as the stage of the cancer and where it has spread throughout the body. The aim is to improve a patient's quality of life, alleviate symptoms and stop the cancer from recurring.Doctors use a combination physical examination as well as medical tests and imaging scans to determine if mesothelioma is the cause of the person's symptoms. In many cases doctors will require a biopsy in order to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing tissue or fluid from the tumor to examine under microscope.Asbestos patients might be eligible for financial assistance to cover mesothelioma-related treatments. Asbestos victims should seek a mesothelioma specialist and receive an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis to increase their chances of receiving proper treatment. A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma can delay treatment and give the cancer time to spread.Surgery for mesothelioma in the lungs is usually performed to reduce breathlessness and other symptoms caused by this cancer. For instance, doctors could perform a pleural pneumonectomy to remove the affected lung as well as the chest cavity's lining and a portion of the diaphragm. They can also perform pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication to eliminate as much mesothelioma possible.For patients with mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, doctors can treat the tumors through the use of a tube through the abdomen into the abdominal cavity to drain any fluid that is accumulating inside. They can also use radiation therapy to shrink the tumors. Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for mesothelioma and can be used in combination with other treatments.Research continues into ways to diagnose mesothelioma at a more early stage. A blood test is being used to measure the amount of mesothelioma-cell-released proteins in the bloodstream. This may help doctors identify the disease earlier and may save lives. Patients with mesothelioma should talk with their doctor about taking part in a mesothelioma-related clinical trial that helps to develop new treatments that can prolong survival times. The mesothelioma society offers assistance for patients and their families, such as local support groups, accommodation programs for the families of ill patients, mesothelioma information call centers, and rides to treatment.