Is Mesothelioma Cancer Curable?A diagnosis of mesothelioma is an overwhelming and confusing experience. When doctors estimate how long you have to live, it's important to remember that these estimates are just estimates.The most reliable variables that determine your prognosis are the stage (extent) of mesothelioma as well as the subtype. The type of surgery you undergo could also affect your prognosis.ChemotherapyThe drugs for cancer, also referred to as chemotherapy, destroy tumors and stop the spread of cancer. They can be used as part of a multimodal therapy program that includes surgery and radiation therapy. Doctors prescribe a number of chemotherapy drugs to mesothelioma sufferers. They are administered in cycles, over several weeks, with intervals of rest between. The typical mesothelioma treatment can last for a few minutes and may cause nausea and fatigue. These side effects are not permanent and improve with each treatment.The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is by obtaining scans of the chest or abdomen. The most well-known imaging test, one called a CT scan (computerized Tomography), provides a three-dimensional image of the organs. Doctors may also request an excision to collect mesothelioma tumor for testing. The tissue sample can be examined under a microscope in order to determine the type of mesothelioma.It can take years for doctors to recognize mesothelioma, as it is a rare condition. The medical community is trying to find ways to diagnose mesothelioma earlier. One method to accomplish this is by measuring a biomarker called Soluble Mesothelin Related Peptides in the blood. This biomarker is high in mesothelioma patients.If mesothelioma is in its early stages the biopsy could be the only option to determine the diagnosis. However, a biopsy is not always required, as the symptoms of a patient may be similar to symptoms of a variety of diseases. A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma can be costly, and possibly fatal.In the last stages of mesothelioma combination of chemotherapy and surgery can result in the possibility of a cure. For example, NYU Langone doctors treat mesothelioma of the peritoneal region using a procedure known as cytoreductive surgery, and HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy). During the procedure, a machine injects heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity following surgical removal of visible tumors as well as tissue. This has helped to extend survival rates for peritoneal mesothelioma patients, which range from 38-92 months following the surgical/chemotherapy treatment combination.If a patient is able to undergo surgery is contingent on the type of mesothelioma they suffer from as well as the stage and results of their biopsy. Additionally, the patient's age and health status can impact their prognosis.RadiationMesothelioma begins in cells of the mesothelium membrane that protects organs within the body. It is a malignant tumour that may expand to other areas of your body. The mesothelium consists of two layers that surround and wrap around different organs such as the lungs and stomach. Mesothelioma symptoms often mimic other diseases, like pneumonia or the flu. This can delay diagnosis and treatment. After asbestos exposure symptoms can take as long as 50 years to show up.Radiation therapy is a method to treat mesothelioma, in addition to chemo and surgery. This type of therapy uses high-energy radiation and particles to kill cancer cells but not healthy cells. Radiation oncologists make use of special equipment to direct the radiation to where it's most needed. This reduces side effects and other complications that can result from treatment, such as scarring of the chest's lining (radiation pneumonitis).Patients with early-stage versus those with late-stage msothelioma have more success. This is due to the fact that surgery can eliminate cancerous tissue, improving the chances of survival. A lot of mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in later stages. In these cases surgeons work hard to manage the symptoms and assist patients live longer.Surgeons can remove the lining in the abdomen or lungs in which mesothelioma first appears. They can also eliminate any fluid accumulation that causes symptoms. Mesothelioma specialists collaborate with patients to create multimodal treatments strategies. These include traditional treatments like chemotherapy, as well as newer ones such as immunotherapy.The location and cell type of mesothelioma is also a factor in the prognosis of a patient. Certain areas are more difficult to eliminate, such as the lung linings as well as the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma experts can recommend the most effective treatments to decrease the risk of recurrence and improve the quality of life.Mesothelioma research has made great strides in recent years with more treatment options now available than ever before. Finding a mesothelioma specialist one of the most important steps that a patient can take. A specialist can make sure that patients have access to the latest approved procedures and surgical options, including immunotherapy.SurgeryMesothelioma is diagnosed at advanced stages when it has already spread. In these instances the treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and prolonging life for as long as it is possible. Palliative care is the name of this kind of treatment. It includes treatments like regular draining of fluid build-up in the chest (pleurodesis) and powerful painkillers.Before any procedure, doctors carefully evaluate the health of the patient to ensure that they are able to handle the procedure and recovering. This evaluation usually involves a physical examination as well as imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans. Doctors may order blood chemistry tests as well as heart function tests to determine the patient's general health.The type of mesothelioma that a patient has will determine the type of surgery they receive. Mixed and epithelial mesothelioma are more manageable than sarcomatoid or mixed types. A biopsy can help identify the mesothelioma type.If the cancer has progressed to the lungs surgeons will undergo lung-removal surgery. This is known as extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP). They will remove a part of the lining from the lung wall and chest. This can improve breathing and ease the pain. When combined with chemotherapy and radiation it can increase the duration of life.Some patients develop mesothelioma in their peritoneum (the layer of fatty tissue that surrounds the abdominal organs). The mesothelioma may cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen. This is known as peritoneal effusion, also known as ascites. Doctors can drain the fluid with the procedure known as paracentesis or put a tube in the abdomen to drain it frequently at home.Mesothelioma cancer cells can also extend to the pleura, which covers the lungs 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 can even increase the lifespan.Mesothelioma is a complicated cancer, and even after surgery, there's still a chance the tumors could return. This is why mesothelioma specialists combine surgery with other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. These can kill any mesothelioma-like cells that the surgeons may have missed during the operation.ImmunotherapyMesothelioma is a form of cancer that is a result of the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority internal organs. Researchers have discovered that it is caused by a series of genetic mutations within the cells. Over time the abnormal cells accumulate and expand uncontrollably, creating tumors. There are many kinds of mesothelioma, but it is most commonly found in the lining around the lungs (pleura) and less often the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).Doctors determine a patient's life expectancy when they diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of their type, stage, and overall health. However, symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are merely predictions and could change with new treatment options.Doctors have examined a variety of immunotherapy treatment options for mesothelioma. These treatments target specific mesothelioma-specific proteins and trigger a response from the immune system.Some of these medications include pembrolizumab, ipilimumab and Nivolumab. These are known as checkpoint inhibitors. They take away the proteins that act as a switch to prevent white blood cells from attacking mesothelioma. allowing the immunity system to recognize and eliminate the cancer.Other studies have employed vaccination strategies to boost the immune system. These trials included injecting the patients with interferon or GM CSF to stimulate the body to create its own antibodies against mesothelioma. However, these early trials had few or no responses and were associated with high toxicity.By reducing pain, shortness in breath and fluid accumulation in the chest cavity, surgery can improve the quality of life for patients suffering from pleural Msothelioma. The most common operation is a pleurectomy with pulmonary decortication, where surgeons remove the affected lung and part of the pleura. Another option is a video-assisted option for surgery. This involves using a small tubing to drain the fluid from the chest cavity.Surgery is beneficial for people with asbestosis of the peritoneal region. If the cancer isn't yet spreading, a resection may be performed on the lining and surrounding abdominal structures to reduce symptoms. Doctors may use a combination of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. It is crucial for patients who have mesothelioma, to seek out second opinions and consult with mesothelioma specialists regarding their options.