Is Mesothelioma Cancer Curable?Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is an incredibly stressful and complicated experience. It is important to keep in mind that doctors are only able to guess at your life expectancy.The most reliable factors that determine your prognosis are the stage (extent) of mesothelioma as well as the subtype. The type of surgery that you receive can also affect your prognosis.ChemotherapyCancer drugs, also referred to as chemotherapy, kill tumors and stop the spread of cancer. They can be used by themselves or as part of a treatment plan that includes surgery and radiation therapy, known as multimodal therapy. Doctors prescribe a variety of chemotherapy drugs to mesothelioma sufferers. They are administered in cycles, spread out over several weeks, with a period of rest in between. The typical mesothelioma treatment lasts for about an hour and can trigger adverse effects like fatigue and nausea. These side effects will decrease with each treatment cycle.The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is to obtain imaging scans of the abdomen or chest. The most well-known imaging test is a CT scan (computerized Tomography), provides a three-dimensional image of the organs. Doctors can also order an excision to collect a sample of the mesothelioma tumor to test. The tissue sample can then be examined under a microscope in order to determine the mesothelioma type.It could take years for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma because it is a rare condition. The medical community is trying to discover ways to recognize mesothelioma sooner. One way to achieve this is by measuring the biomarker Soluble Mesothelin Related Peptides in blood. This biomarker is elevated in mesothelioma patients.When mesothelioma has reached its infancy it is possible that a biopsy will be the only method to establish a diagnosis. A biopsy isn't always required, since the symptoms of a patient can be similar to other illnesses. A mesothelioma misdiagnosis could be costly and fatal.In the late stages of mesothelioma, a combination of chemotherapy and surgery can result in a cure. NYU Langone doctors, for example, treat peritoneal cancer by using a procedure called cytoreductive surgery, which is a procedure that is combined with HIPEC (hyperthermic intratperitoneal chemotherapy). During this procedure, a machine delivers chemotherapy drugs heated directly into the abdominal cavity immediately following the surgical removal of cancerous tumors visible and tissues. This has helped to extend survival rates for peritoneal mesothelioma patients, which range from 38-92 months following the surgical/chemotherapy treatment combination.The type of mesothelioma, the stage of the cancer and the results of the biopsy will determine if a patient is eligible for surgery. Additionally the patient's age as well as health status can impact their prognosis.RadiationMesothelioma starts in cells in the mesothelium, a layer of skin that protects and covers organs inside the body. It is a malignant tumor that can expand to other areas of your body. The mesothelium has 2 layers that wrap around various organs, including the lungs and stomach. Mesothelioma symptoms often mimic other diseases, like the flu or pneumonia. This can delay diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms may take between 10 and 50 years to manifest after exposure to asbestos.Radiation can be used to treat mesothelioma, in addition to chemo and surgery. This kind of therapy makes use of high-energy rays and particles to kill cancerous cells, but not healthy ones. Radiation oncologists direct the radiation with special machines. This reduces side effects and other problems that may result from treatment, like scarring of the chest's lining (radiation pneumonitis). is mesothelioma a cancer with early-stage mesothelioma have a better chance of survival than those who have mesothelioma in late-stage. This is because surgery can remove cancerous tissue, improving survival rates. A lot of mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in later stages. In these instances surgeons attempt to treat the symptoms to prolong the lives of patients.Surgeons are able to remove the lining in the abdomen or lungs in which mesothelioma first appears. They can also remove any fluid accumulation that causes symptoms. Mesothelioma specialists work with patients to develop multimodal treatment plans. This includes traditional methods such as chemotherapy, as well as newer ones such as immunotherapy.The location and type of mesothelioma is also a factor in a patient's prognosis. Certain areas are more difficult to remove, such as the lung linings and the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma experts can recommend the best treatments to reduce the chance of recurrence and improve the quality of life.Mesothelioma research has made significant advances in recent times, with more treatment options than ever before. Finding a specialist in mesothelioma is among the best decisions that a patient can take. A specialist can ensure that patients access to surgical options and the latest approved treatments, like immunotherapy.SurgeryMesothelioma is often diagnosed in advanced stages, when it has already taken over other organs of the body. In these cases, the treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms and prolonging as long a time as is feasible. Palliative care is a term used to describe the nature for this kind of treatment. It includes treatments such as regular drainage of the accumulation of fluid in the chest (pleurodesis) and powerful painkillers.Before any procedure doctors evaluate the health of the patient to make sure they are capable of handling the procedure and recovering. This evaluation usually includes a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans. Doctors may order blood chemistry tests and heart function testing to assess the patient's general health.The kind of surgery that a patient receives depends on the mesothelioma type they have. Epithelial and mixed mesothelioma are more easily treated than sarcomatoid or mixed types. A biopsy can be used to determine the mesothelioma type.If the cancer has been spread to the lungs, doctors will perform lung-removal surgery, known as extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP). They will remove a portion of the linings of the lung and chest wall. This can help improve breathing and reduce pain. It also increases life expectancy when it is combined with radiation and chemotherapy.Some patients develop mesothelioma in their peritoneum (the layer of fatty tissue that surrounds the abdominal organs). The mesothelioma-related cells may cause the accumulation of abdominal fluid, a condition called peritoneal effusion or ascites. The fluid can be removed by a physician using the procedure of paracentesis or inserting a tube in the abdomen to allow regular drainage at home.Mesothelioma cancer cells can also spread to the pleura, which is the lung's protective layer and diaphragm. A mesothelioma specialist may recommend a pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) surgery to remove part of the pleura and lymph glands in the chest. This can improve breathing and prolong the life expectancy.Mesothelioma is a complicated cancer and, even after surgery, there is still a chance the tumors might recur. Mesothelioma specialists integrate surgery with other treatment options including chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments can kill any microscopic mesothelioma cells that the surgeons may have missed during the procedure.ImmunotherapyMesothelioma, a cancerous tumor is formed in the form of a thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of organs within. Scientists have discovered that it is caused by a series genetic mutations in the cells. Over time the abnormal cells accumulate and expand uncontrollably, creating a tumour. There are a variety of mesothelioma. However, it is most commonly found in the lining around the lungs (pleura) and less commonly the abdomen's lining (peritoneum).Doctors estimate a patient's life expectancy when they diagnose mesothelioma based on their type, stage, and overall health. These estimates are just predictions and could change with new treatments.Doctors have studied a number of immunotherapy treatments to treat mesothelioma. These drugs target certain mesothelioma-specific proteins and trigger an immune system.Some of these medications include pembrolizumab, ipilimumab and Nivolumab. They are referred to as "checkpoint inhibitors". They eliminate the protein molecules that function as an off switch for white blood cells to attack mesothelioma cancer cells which allows the immune system to recognize and kill the cancer.Other studies have employed strategies to boost the immune system. These trials included injecting the patients with interferon or GMCSF in order to stimulate the body's ability to produce its own antibodies against mesothelioma. However, these early trials had few or no responses and were associated with high toxicity.Surgery can improve the quality of life for those suffering from pleural mesothelioma by decreasing discomfort, shortness of breath and fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. The most common surgery is a pleurectomy. This involves the removal of the affected lung as well as a portion of the pleura. Another option for surgery is an invasive procedure using video that requires a small tube to drain the fluid from the chest cavity.Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma may also benefit from surgery. If the cancer has not yet spread the resection procedure could be performed on the lining and adjacent abdominal structures to reduce symptoms. Doctors can combine radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. It is important that those suffering from mesothelioma get a second opinion and speak to mesothelioma specialists about their options.