What is Mesothelioma Lung Cancer?The pleura, which is the lung's cover and defines the chest cavity, is the location of mesothelioma lung carcinoma. This rare condition can affect the tissues of the heart (peritoneum) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the testicles.Doctors use X radiographs and CT scans to identify mesothelioma. They can also request biopsies to collect tissues or fluids for testing.SymptomsBreathlessness or chest pain may be the first signs of mesothelioma. These symptoms are similar to those experienced by many illnesses, including pneumonia, influenza and bronchitis, so it's important for anyone suffering from symptoms to visit their doctor. The earlier cancer is identified the more easy it will be treated.A chest X-ray, also known as a computerized Tomography (CT) scan is used to detect mesothelioma. The scans show a the pleura becoming thicker or calcium deposits on the lung lining. The scan can also indicate the amount of fluid that is accumulating in the lung space. This fluid, also known as pleural effusion can be drained by a doctor to ease breathing difficulties and chest pain.A doctor can also test an insignificant sample from the area with mesothelioma, by taking only a small amount of tissue or fluid. These samples are examined by a lab to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose. Mesothelioma occurs more often in the lining surrounding the lungs, but can be found in the membrane surrounding the organs of reproduction or the heart.If a doctor has confirmed mesothelioma diagnosis the next step is to choose a plan of treatment. The treatment options are different depending on the stage and type of the mesothelioma.Treatment for mesothelioma typically includes chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as surgery. These treatments are designed to improve the quality of life of patients, relieve symptoms and prolong their lives.The doctor will attempt to remove fluid from the pleura, or the lungs of a patient suffering from cancer of the pleura in order to alleviate chest pain. This procedure, also known as pleurodesis, involves use of a chemical or drug to disrupt the lining of the lungs. It stops it from filling up with fluid again. This procedure is used only to relieve symptoms and not as an option for a cure.The doctors will also discuss palliative care with the patient, which aids to reduce discomfort and other symptoms such as hunger, fatigue and weight loss. They will recommend patients to eat healthy and drink plenty of fluids, and recommend exercises and relaxation techniques that reduce stress.DiagnosisImaging tests are used to determine the affected area since mesothelioma can affect the lining of lungs. These tests can identify the location and size of any tumors and any accumulation of fluid in the lungs, around them or in the abdomen.If a doctor suspects that a patient might have mesothelioma they will ask about the history of asbestos exposure and any symptoms. The person may also undergo an examination.It is often difficult for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. The early symptoms, such as chest pain, breathlessness and a dry cough are similar to those of numerous other illnesses. Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed for lung cancer, pneumonia, or bronchitis. It can take up 20 years before diagnosing mesothelioma.To confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, doctors will perform an examination of the affected area. This is accomplished by inserting a needle in the affected region and removing the tissue for analysis under a microscope. Doctors can perform a pleural biopsy using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) it is a form of keyhole surgery, or CT-guided core biopsies.The tests for blood and fluid samples can also help to diagnose mesothelioma. In these tests, doctors look for high levels of specific substances in the blood that are linked to mesothelioma, such as mesothelin-related peptides that are soluble and fibulin. If a person has an accumulation of fluid in or around the lung, doctors can take a fluid sample to be tested using a procedure called thoracentesis.MRI and CT scans can aid doctors to see mesothelioma changes in the lungs, like calcium deposits or thickening of the lining. They can also determine if the cancer has expanded. mesothelioma asbestos cancer is called metastasis. These results will impact the kind of treatment doctors recommend. In addition to these tests and the person's overall health, doctors will also take into consideration the stage of the mesothelioma.TreatmentIf you suffer from mesothelioma of the pleural region, which affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, it could cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain in your chest. These symptoms are due to the accumulation of fluid (pleural effusion) in the lungs. If you have these symptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.Mesothelioma can be difficult to detect because it can take up to 40 years before symptoms appear. It is often diagnosed in advanced stages. When the cancer is first detected it is often difficult to determine just how far it has expanded. As a result, mesothelioma treatment is often at a palliative stage to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.Treatment options for mesothelioma rely on the stage, type, and location of the tumor, as well as how far it has spread. Your doctors will create an individual mesothelioma plan based on the symptoms you're experiencing and your general health.This treatment will likely involve chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. You can opt to undergo a pleurectomy or a decortication based on your preferences and the stage of cancer. The procedure removes the pleura, the thin membrane that lines the chest cavity and lungs. This procedure also removes any visible tumours that are present from the chest wall and lungs.You might choose to have a chest tube placed inside the body to drain any fluid that has accumulated in the chest or lungs. You may also be prescribed medication to reduce your risk of mesothelioma returning. Some patients have had gene therapy, which inserts new genes into cells to combat mesothelioma as well as other diseases.Your mesothelioma treatment program is developed by an inter-disciplinary team. The team could include your doctor and pulmonologist (lung specialist), surgeon, oncologist, radiologists and an a chest physician. The radiologists interpret mesothelioma scans as well as other tests. A chest surgeon performs surgery on the chest and lungs. The medical oncologist prescribes chemotherapy and coordinates the radiation treatment. A pulmonologist or a thoracic surgeon can put a tube inside the chest to drain fluid every week, if required.PrognosisThe prognosis of someone with mesothelioma will depend on many factors, including how far the cancer has spread and whether it is able to be removed surgically. It will also depend on their overall health. However, there are also numerous treatment options to help people manage their symptoms and live longer. These include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.Mesothelioma is diagnosed by the cells that make up the lining of the affected organ. To make an accurate diagnosis, doctors examine a tissue specimen under a microscope to determine the type of cancerous mesothelial cells that is present. This process is known as a biopsy. The information is obtained through a doctor by using a pleural sample or a chest CT.The location of the tumor is important for a mesothelioma diagnosis. The most commonly used mesothelioma type is called the pleural, which is found in the lining lining the lungs. The less popular forms are testicular, peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma.It can be difficult for doctors to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the cells that cause this condition are similar to those of other lung diseases. It is the reason it is often misdiagnosed. Patients must be aware and discuss their symptoms with a specialist in mesothelioma. They may then suggest tests to determine if a patient suffers from mesothelioma or another condition.A biopsy is typically the best way to confirm mesothelioma. The tumor is removed by a needle or VATS (Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) Keyhole surgery. The biopsy is then examined under a magnifying glass to check for mesothelioma.Doctors can determine the extent of mesothelioma using various tests. These include CT scans, FDG-positron emissions mediastinoscopy, tomography, or EBUS, which is an endoscopic biopsy of the thoracic the lobe. The extent of the mesothelioma is also evaluated.Palliative therapies can be utilized when the mesothelioma cannot be surgically removed. These treatments will help to manage symptoms and prolong your life to the maximum extent possible. Many treatments for maintenance, like immunotherapy and chemotherapy can stop the mesothelioma from spreading or growing for a period of months or even years. Although the median survival for mesothelioma is limited, there are notable survivors who have outlived their prognoses. Stephen Jay Gould, a paleontologist, fought off peritoneal msothelioma for more than 20 years after his diagnosis.