Lung Cancer From MesotheliomaThe thin layer of tissue that protects your lungs or abdomen (peritoneum) is typically affected by mesothelioma. The symptoms are often similar to lung cancer symptoms.X-rays and CT scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. They can also do the PET scan, which uses a radioactive compound to help doctors locate cancer cells.SymptomsMesothelioma is a rare cancer that is found in the lining of organs, such as the chest cavity and the lungs. It develops from exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals that include microscopic fibres that are utilized in construction as well as other substances. Exposure can occur at workplace or at home. Mesothelioma usually takes between 10 and 40 years to manifest after exposure, with symptoms usually not surfacing until the disease is in an an advanced stage. Mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of lung cancer, making diagnosis difficult.Lung cancer and Mesothelioma have similar symptoms, such as chest pain, fatigue and trouble breathing. Mesothelioma is a cancer that causes fluid to build up around the lung. This is called Pleural effusion by doctors. This fluid makes it difficult to breath, and the lung cancer may expand to other body parts including the heart and abdomen.Doctors go through a series of steps to identify mesothelioma. They begin by conducting a physical examination. They will inquire about any asbestos exposure. They will also inquire with the patient about any symptoms. They will conduct imaging tests to determine how the lungs and other organs are functioning, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET (positron emission tomography) scans.The doctor may also request tests on the blood to determine excessive levels of certain substances. If the doctor suspects mesothelioma is present, a lung biopsy will be performed to obtain a more exact diagnosis. This is performed using a needle that is inserted into the chest cavity.In addition to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, certain patients may benefit from palliative care, which is aimed at controlling symptoms. Doctors can drain fluid out of the lungs to improve breathing, and prescribe strong painkillers to patients to ease discomfort.Although mesothelioma is not curable however, treatment options can enhance the quality of life the patient. Multimodal therapy and aggressive surgery can slow the growth of cancer for months or even years. Some patients have seen their tumors go into the remission phase. However, mesothelioma can recur and spread to other parts of the body. The best way to increase the chances of survival is to get treated in the early stages.DiagnosisThe mesothelium or membrane that forms the lining of some body cavities is the cause of this type of cancer. Three out of four cases of mesothelioma start in the lining of the chest cavity (pleura). Mesothelioma can also form in the tissue that lines the abdomen or the area around the heart.The symptoms of lung cancer that result from mesothelioma resemble symptoms of other types of non-small cell lung cancer or NSCLC, such as frequent coughing, breathing difficulties, hoarse voice, weight loss, and fatigue. Mesothelioma and NSCLC have different prognoses, so doctors must distinguish between the two. Doctors may order diagnostic tests to check for symptoms of illness and the growth of tumors in order to identify mesothelioma.The first test is often an X-ray. This test can show abnormal thickening of the lung the lining or calcium deposits on the lungs. Doctors may also check for the presence of fluids in the lungs, which could indicate mesothelioma or lung cancer.A chest CT scan can be used to test the Pleura (the space between the lungs and the chest wall) for signs of mesothelioma. These images assist doctors in determining the whereabouts of any cancerous tissues and determine if mesothelioma is been able to spread.Other tests for diagnosing mesothelioma of the pleural region include blood and fluid tests, and a biopsy. The mesothelioma's cells are examined in a fluid sample or tissue sample. The cells are not found in normal lung tissues. Mesothelioma is divided into three cell types which are epithelial, Sarcomatoid and biphasic, or mixed type. A biopsy involves inserting a needle in the area where the fluid is and taking a small portion to be examined under a microscope.VATS is a video-assisted surgery that allows for a biopsy to be taken. mesothelioma testicular cancer is a CT-guided needle core biopsy, which utilizes a needle guided by an CT scan.Radiation therapy is sometimes used to treat mesothelioma of the pleura. This treatment utilizes high-energy X rays to kill cancerous tissues. It is usually given in conjunction with chemotherapy and surgical procedures for mesothelioma. Chemotherapy drugs like carboplatin and pemetrexed are used to kill cancerous tumor cells and stop them from recurring after surgery.TreatmentThe type of treatment you receive is based on the type of mesothelioma you have, the stage at which it is and your general health. Your doctor may also ask you if you would like to take part in an investigational study of a new treatment.Pleural mesothelioma can be treated through combining a variety of treatments. This includes surgery as well as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These treatment options are used to shrink tumors, stop their growth and kill any cancerous cells that persist after other treatments have been completed.Surgery to remove a lung and the surrounding tissue can help relieve symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. This will make it easier to undergo treatments for cancer such as radiation and chemotherapy since your chest is no longer protected by the lung.Doctors can combine surgery and chemotherapy to increase the chance of a complete response. A combination of pemetrexed (Alimta) and cisplatin is the most commonly used regimen, but researchers are constantly testing different combinations. Radiation therapy is the use of x rays to eliminate cancerous cells. It can be administered in different stages of pleural mesothelioma, prior to or after chemo and surgery. It can help ease the pain caused by tumours and may also be given to kill any cancerous cells that remain after chemo.If doctors determine that mesothelioma patients aren't resectable, they may recommend palliative care to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. This can include procedures to prevent fluid buildup in the lungs, such as thoracentesis/paracentesis or pleurodesis. This could include treatments to reduce the shortness or coughing like oxygen pumps or nebulizers. It is essential that patients discuss these options with doctors. Patients might also be able to access support and care through their local mesothelioma group.PrognosisThe prognosis for mesothelioma lung cancer depends on the type and location of mesothelioma as well as its stage at diagnosis and general health of the patient. Lung cancers that spread (metastasize) and spread to other areas of your body, typically have a poorer prognosis. NSCLC and mesothelioma are diagnosed with a variety of tests and procedures.The cancerous tissue that lines the chest cavity, abdomen, and other organs is referred to as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma typically develops in the tissues that line the lungs, which is called the pleura. Mesothelioma may also develop in the vicinity of the heart, or in the stomach lining the testicles, stomach, and esophagus.The symptoms of mesothelioma may resemble those of other cancers or illnesses. It is essential to see your physician if they exhibit these symptoms. Mesothelioma and lung cancer are two distinct and a physician can discern the difference based on medical history, the symptoms and a patient's general health.A biopsy can be used to identify mesothelioma. This involves taking a small amount of tumor cells and examining them in a laboratory. A doctor can also search for signs of exposure to asbestos through an CT scan that includes intravenous contrast or a lung function test.The prognosis of a mesothelioma patient is based on the type of cell they have: epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid. Those with epithelioid cells typically have a better chance of survival since they are easier to recognize and remove through surgery. Patients with sarcomatoid tumors have a worse prognosis because they are more aggressive and grow faster.It is sometimes difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases or illnesses. Some patients may not be diagnosed until the cancer is at an advanced stage. A mesothelioma expert can offer more hope by providing a second opinion and discussing treatment options, including clinical trials to test new medicines or procedures. Patients with mesothelioma should not give up hope if their doctor predicts their life potential. A second opinion can make all the difference.