Pleural Mesothelioma Lung CancerPleural mesothelioma lung cancer is a condition that occurs in the lung's lining and the chest wall (pleura). Most often, it is caused by previous exposure to asbestos.Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can develop over time. They can include chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breath. Diagnosing pleural mesothelioma involves multiple tests and scans.SymptomsThe symptoms of pleural Msothelioma Lung Cancer typically start in the chest and include dry coughing, difficulty swallowing, chest pain or tightness, shortness or breath, fatigue, weight loss and swelling of the arms or face, and night sweats. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions, so it is important to talk to a doctor immediately if you have them.Mesothelioma doctors can use tests and imaging scans to determine the condition and determine its stage. They may refer the patient to a specialist experienced in treating thoracic cancer and mesothelioma.A pleural mesothelioma physician will conduct a physical examination and take down the patient's medical as well as occupational background. They will then run some initial tests, such as an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to determine evidence of asbestos exposure such as pleural plaques and the accumulation of fluid in the lung space and chest wall, a pleural effusion.If mesothelioma has been identified, a blood test or pleural biopsy may be performed to look for high levels of certain substances that suggest mesothelioma's presence. Based on the type of mesothelioma, other imaging tests like an MRI or PET scan may be ordered to look for tumors and to determine the extent of spread of the cancer.A mesothelioma specialist may develop a treatment plan once the cancer has been diagnosed. The plan could involve chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation.Extrapleural pneumonectomy is among the options for mesothelioma surgery. It involves removing part of the affected lungs and sometimes other tissues.The prognosis of pleural mesothelioma is not a good one, but some people endure for years with it. The rate of survival for mesothelioma is dependent on factors such as the age of diagnosis, cancer stage and smoking. The people with the highest chance of being able to survive pleural mesothelioma are diagnosed in early stages, who are healthy and opt for aggressive treatments. However the disease isn't considered curable, even in rare instances where it is in remission after treatment.DiagnosisDoctors will order a series of tests when asbestos victims report symptoms that may indicate mesothelioma. These tests may include X-rays, magnetic imaging (MRI) or CT scans to examine the lungs and other tissues around them. Doctors can also order an operation called a biopsy, in which tiny pieces of tissue is removed from the affected area and sent to a laboratory for testing. The results of a biopsy will reveal the kind of cancerous cells, which can aid in determining how cancer will progress. Epithelioid cells are the most common mesothelioma cell type, affecting about 80% of pleural mesothelioma patients. Sarcomatoid cells are less frequent but more aggressive and difficult to treat. Biphasic Mesothelioma is a combination of both types. The ratio of the two types will affect the way in which treatment works.Stage 1 and Stage 2 indicate early stages of the disease that have localized tumors. Stages 3 and 4 however, refer to cancers that are more advanced. They have been able to spread beyond the original tumor site.For mesothelioma patients who experience pleural fluid buildup doctors can use needles to collect a sample of the liquid to analyze. They can also perform a Thoracentesis or Thoracoscopy, more invasive surgical procedures in which they insert a viewing tube inside the chest to examine the pleural fluid or lung tissue and then remove a sample to be used for biopsy.A CT scan can be used to determine the stage of the mesothelioma in the event that it has spread into nearby lymph nodes. This is accomplished by identifying areas of more inflammation on the chest wall. Mesothelioma staging aids doctors in establishing the treatment plan.Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are three most common mesothelioma treatments. Doctors suggest a combination therapy to increase survival and decrease symptoms. Treatment centers that specialize in mesothelioma can offer individualized treatment and provide patients access to experienced surgeons. Although mesothelioma can't be treated but specialized treatment can help improve the prognosis of a patient. The inspiring stories of pleural mesothelioma survivors show that, with proper care and support, patients can live full lives even after receiving the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Contact a mesothelioma professional today for more information about treatment options. They can answer your questions, direct you to specialists in your area and provide support for mesothelioma sufferers and their families.TreatmentX-rays (radiographs), CT scans (computed tomography), or PET scans (positron emission imaging) can be used to determine if cancerous cells have spread across the body. Doctors may also take mesothelioma cells from the pleural fluid by the procedure of thoracentesis or thoracoscopy.A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves taking a small amount of tissue from the abdomen or chest to be examined under a microscope. Doctors can carry out this procedure by inserting a needle into the chest cavity and then drawing out fluid, or by using a tube known as the thoracoscope to inspect the lungs. This is the principal method doctors use to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. It is often combined a Thoracentesis, a minimally invasive procedure where a fine needle inserts into the pleural cavity is used to draw out fluid.Once a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will develop an appropriate treatment plan according to the type of cell and stage of the disease. In making these decisions, doctors will take into account the patient's age, fitness level, and their past health history. They will also provide the patient and their family members with details about the treatments available and their potential adverse effects.Doctors frequently recommend chemotherapy as part of a mesothelioma treatment program particularly for patients suffering from an advanced stage of mesothelioma pleural. A combination of pemetrexed (Alimta) and cisplatin is the most commonly prescribed regimen for chemotherapy, but researchers are still experimenting with other combinations. Radiation therapy is sometimes used to help shrink tumors and reduce symptoms in select patients.Surgery options are not available for patients with pleural melanoma however, some patients may be eligible for surgery to ease discomfort or prolong life expectancy. Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) is an option for early-stage mesothelioma patients and spares the lungs, but in some cases doctors will remove the entire diaphragm and pericardium during P/D. They may also recommend that any affected organs or tissue in the chest cavity be removed. Patients suffering from advanced mesothelioma could be treated using less invasive surgery or chemotherapy and radiation. In addition to these treatments, a variety of different types of treatment may be required depending on the particular situation of the patient.PrognosisThe prognosis for mesothelioma pleural is based on the stage of the cancer and type of cell. Treatment may prolong the duration of survival. However there is no cure.Asbestos fibers can trigger pleural mesothelioma an asbestos-related disease that affects the lining of the chest cavity (pleura). Mesothelioma is when cells multiply uncontrollably and then become malignant. Asbestos fibers can inflame the lung tissue, causing scar tissue to accumulate and lead to tumors. A doctor can identify mesothelioma by looking over a patient's medical history and conducting a physical examination. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma is present, they'll order certain tests to confirm the diagnosis. These may include X-rays magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography scans.During mesothelioma treatment, doctors focus on eliminating the tumors and alleviating symptoms. They may employ radiation therapy, surgery or chemotherapy. A patient's treatment regimen can also include palliative treatment that manages discomfort and pain.In the United States, pleural mesothelioma specialists are available at top cancer centers. A lot of these centers are specialized in mesothelioma treatments and research. A mesothelioma expert can offer patients new treatments like immunotherapy, gene therapy, and photodynamic therapy. They can also give patients access to experimental drugs via compassionate use programs.A mesothelioma specialist will establish the stage of the mesothelioma that a patient has. This could impact the prognosis of a patient. The process of staging involves determining the extent of tumor spread and which organs are affected. The most common mesothelioma staging system is the Tumor, Node and Metastasis (TNM) system.The TNM system evaluates an individual's lymph nodes, tumors and if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Doctors will also assess the patient's symptoms and risk factors to create a mesothelioma treatment plan.Doctors will look at the patient's age, activity level and if the mesothelioma in the pleural cavity is in its early or late stage. They will also consider the tumor's cell type and sarcomatoid type, since the sarcomatoid and biphasic types are less likely to be successful than epithelioid mesothelioma. The Mesomark test can detect a mesothelioma biomarker in the bloodstream to help doctors identify mesothelioma at much earlier stage. This could lead to better mesothelioma diagnostics.