What is Mesothelioma Lung Cancer?The pleura tissue, which is the lung's cover and defines the chest cavity, is the source of mesothelioma lung carcinoma. This rare condition can affect the tissues of the heart (peritoneum) and abdomen (peritoneum), and testicles.Doctors make use of X-rays as well as CT scans to find signs of mesothelioma. They can also request a biopsy to take samples of fluid or tissue to test.SymptomsThe first indications of mesothelioma may be chest pain or breathlessness. These symptoms are similar to those of many diseases, such as pneumonia, influenza and bronchitis It is therefore essential for anyone who is experiencing them to see their doctor. The earlier cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. mesothelioma vs lung cancer -ray or a computerized Tomography (CT) scan is used to detect mesothelioma. The scans show a an increase in the thickness of the pleura, or calcium deposits on lung lining. The scan will reveal if fluid is accumulating in the space around the lungs. A doctor can remove this fluid, referred to as pleural effusion, to help alleviate chest pain and breathing problems.A doctor can also test a small sample from the area with mesothelioma by taking only a small amount of fluid or tissue. These samples are tested in a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is more likely to manifest in the lining of the lungs than any other part of the body, however it can also develop in the membrane surrounding the heart or reproductive organs.If a doctor has confirmed the diagnosis of mesothelioma, the next step is to decide on the treatment plan. Treatment options differ based on the stage and the type of mesothelioma.Treatment for mesothelioma often includes chemotherapy treatment, radiation therapy or surgery. These treatments are designed to improve the quality of life for patients, alleviate symptoms and extend their survival.If someone has pleural mesothelioma the doctor will likely try to drain the fluid build-up in the lungs, or the pleura, in hopes of relieving breathlessness and chest pain. This procedure is known as pleurodesis. It involves using an agent or chemical to sever the lung's lining, so it will not fill with fluid. This procedure is intended for pain relief and is not an effective cure.The doctors will also discuss palliative care with the patient, which aids to reduce discomfort and other symptoms like weight loss, fatigue and weight loss. Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods. They might also suggest exercises and relaxation techniques to ease stress.DiagnosisBecause pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs, doctors use imaging tests to determine the affected region. These tests will identify the location and size of any tumors as well as any accumulation of fluid in or around the lungs or abdomen.If a doctor suspects that a patient may have mesothelioma, they will inquire about the history of asbestos exposure and any symptoms. The patient may also undergo a physical exam.Mesothelioma isn't easy to recognize. The first symptoms, such as breathlessness, chest pain and a dry cough, are similar to many other diseases. Mesothelioma is often mistakenly diagnosed as lung cancer, pneumonia, or bronchitis. Consequently, it can take up to 20 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed.To confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, doctors perform biopsy on the affected area. This is done by inserting a needle in the affected area and removing the tissue that is then examined under the microscope. Doctors can perform a pleural biopsy with VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) it is a type of keyhole surgery, or CT-guided core biopsies.Testing on blood and fluid samples can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. These tests can detect high levels in the blood of the substances associated with mesothelioma. This includes soluble mesothelin related peptides and Fibulin-3. Thoracentesis is a procedure used to remove fluid from the lungs or to remove fluid that has built up around them.MRI and CT scans can aid doctors spot mesothelioma changes in the lungs, including calcium deposits or thickening of the lining. They can also determine if the cancer has spread, which is known as metastasis. These results will affect the kind of treatment a doctor recommends. In addition to these tests and the patient's overall health, doctors will also consider the stage of mesothelioma.TreatmentYou might experience symptoms such as pain or breathlessness in the chest if suffer from pleural asbestosis. It affects tissue that line your lungs as well as the chest cavity. These symptoms result from a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Consult your physician in the event that you experience these symptoms.Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because it can take as long as 40 years before symptoms show. It is usually diagnosed at a later stage. It is also difficult to know how far the cancer has spread when it is first diagnosed. This is why mesothelioma is usually treated at a palliative stage to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.The treatment options available for mesothelioma depend on the type, stage and location of the tumor and how far it has travelled. Your doctors will design a customized mesothelioma treatment plan in accordance with your health issues and general health.This treatment plan will likely include chemo, surgery and radiation. You can choose to undergo a pleurectomy or a decortication depending on your preferences and the stage of cancer. The procedure removes the pleura, the thin membrane that runs between the chest cavity and the lungs. This procedure also removes any visible tumours from the chest wall and lungs.You may choose to have a tube put in your chest to drain the fluid that has accumulated in the chest and lungs. You could also receive medication to reduce the risk of the mesothelioma recurring. Some patients have undergone gene therapy to combat mesothelioma, as well as other diseases.A multidisciplinary team of specialists will create your mesothelioma care plan. The team could include your doctor (general practitioner) as well as surgeon, pulmonologist, oncologist and chest physician. The radiologist interprets mesothelioma scans and other tests. A chest surgeon performs surgery on the lungs and chest. The medical oncologist prescribes chemotherapy and coordinates the radiation treatment. A pulmonologist or a thoracic surgeon can put an instrument inside the chest to drain fluids at least once a week if necessary.PrognosisThe prognosis for a patient diagnosed with mesothelioma depends on several factors, such as how far the cancer has spread and whether it is able to be removed surgically. It also depends on their general health. However, there are also numerous treatment options to help patients manage their symptoms and live longer. They include chemotherapy and surgery.Mesothelioma is diagnosed by the cells that form the lining of the organ. To make a precise diagnosis, doctors must look at a tissue sample under a microscope in order to determine the type of mesothelial cancer cells present. This is called a biopsy. This information can be obtained through a doctor by using a pleural liquid sample or a chest CT.The location of the tumor is also crucial in determining the presence of mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural, which forms in the lining that lines the lung. The less popular forms are testicular, peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma.It is often difficult for doctors to recognize mesothelioma due to the fact that the cells responsible for the disease are similar to those of other lung diseases. It is therefore often misdiagnosed. Patients must be aware of symptoms and discuss the symptoms with a mesothelioma specialist. They may then suggest tests to determine if a patient has mesothelioma or a different condition.A biopsy is the primary method of confirming a mesothelioma. The tumor is removed using a needle or VATS (Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) Keyhole surgery. The biopsy is then examined under a microscope to search for mesothelioma tumor cells.If mesothelioma is detected doctors can assess how far it has spread by using a combination of tests, including CT scans, FDG-positron emission tomography, mediastinoscopy; or EBUS (endoscopic biopsy of the thoracic lobe). The size of the mesothelioma is also determined.If mesothelioma is not removed surgically, treatments like palliative care are a way to treat symptoms and prolong life as long as possible. Various maintenance therapies, such as chemotherapies and immunotherapy, can prevent the mesothelioma from growing or spreading for months or even years. Although the mesothelioma's survival rate is low, there are some notable survivors who have lived beyond their predictions. Stephen Jay Gould, a paleontologist, fought off peritoneal msothelioma over 20 years after his diagnosis.