MesotheliomaPatients with mesothelioma may be eligible for clinical trials that test upcoming treatments. They also may receive chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery.A doctor might order a biopsy, which involves taking a small amount of tissue and studying it under a microscope for cancer cells.Based on the type tissue mesothelioma can be classified into three types which are epithelial (most frequent), the sarcomatoid (second most common) and biphasic. The epithelial type is the most common and has a higher rate of survival than the other two kinds.What is Mesothelioma?The mesothelium is a hefty membrane of protection that covers the organs of the body. The pleura of the lungs is the most frequent mesothelioma site however it may be found in the diaphragm and peritoneum, and in the heart sacs. Other organs are not as frequently affected by mesothelioma.It can be difficult to recognize mesothelioma since the tumors can look similar to other cancerous cells. A doctor may order fluid samples, an CT scan or an MRI to gain more information about the cancer. These tests will aid doctors in determining if mesothelioma is at an advanced stage, which will affect the likelihood of survival.Patients suffering from pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma live longer. However the pleural mesothelioma type is more aggressive and grows faster than peritoneal mesothelioma, making it difficult to treat.The Pleura is the thin layer that covers the chest cavity and lungs and also other organs in the thoracic cavity and abdominal cavity. A pleural tumor may affect the lung's lining and trigger symptoms like coughing. It can also affect organs located in the thoracic area, like the heart, causing breathing problems or cardiac problems.The symptoms of mesothelioma may range from mild to severe and may change with the stage of the cancer. Patients may experience swelling, trouble breathing and fever. Other symptoms include fatigue, weakness and weight loss.Mesothelioma treatment options vary based on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as a patient's general health. Treatment with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation are the most popular treatments. Combining all three is known as multimodal therapy. abdominal mesothelioma cancer of the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lining around the lungs. Over 60% of pleural mesothelioma patients experience chest discomfort. It can also trigger swelling of the lungs, which may cause breathing problems. It can also cause swelling and pain in your abdomen. In addition to surgery and chemotherapy the patient may also undergo radiation to alleviate pain or kill remaining cancerous cells after treatment.Signs and symptomsAsbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura) and later spread to other parts. It can affect the abdominal lining (peritoneum), the heart (apex) and the testicles (the tuneica vaginalis). The mesothelioma cell line can differ depending on whether or not they are epithelial cells and the place where the cancer initially develops. These factors determine how fast it may spread to other tissues and the symptoms that patients experience.The symptoms can manifest 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Patients with pleural mesothelioma generally experience chest discomfort, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. As the tumor grows it may cause swelling and a bloated feeling in the abdomen. Patients with peritoneal msothelioma can suffer from abdominal pain, fatigue, and a loss in appetite.A physical examination is the first step in diagnosing mesothelioma. A doctor will inquire about your job and health history, and look for indications of mesothelioma like a cough that doesn't disappear or chest pain. A doctor may order imaging tests like Xrays CT scans and MRIs to look for changes or growths in the chest or abdomen.PET scans use the compound that binds with cancer cells. The scanner takes pictures of your body to reveal the areas that absorb the compound more than normal tissue. This allows doctors to identify mesothelioma tumor cells and pinpoint the areas for further examination.Blood tests can also aid in detecting mesothelioma. They can show increased levels of certain chemicals that are released when mesothelioma cells split apart. Additionally, doctors can assess the amount of fluid being produced in the lungs and the amount of calcium in the lung's lining and diaphragm.Other tests include the CT scan of the chest, and a biopsy. A biopsy is the process of taking a small amount of tissue under a microscope to check for mesothelioma. A few people might also consider alternative and complementary treatments, such as massage therapy, acupuncture or mind-body therapies, to treat their mesothelioma. However an inter-disciplinary team of specialists should supervise any treatment.DiagnosisMany people with mesothelioma are not diagnosed immediately. The reason is that the symptoms are similar to those of other common diseases, like the flu or pneumonia. Asbestos-related diseases can last for a few months before symptoms begin to manifest. When mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is usually advanced to the final stages and is more difficult to treat.A doctor will start by conducting a physical exam. They will ask about the symptoms and exposure to asbestos. They will also review medical records to help determine the stage and type of mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma determines the treatment method.Imaging scans are used by doctors to locate tumors and other abnormalities. An X-ray can show the presence of a lymphatic effusion (fluid in the lungs) as well as other signs of mesothelioma. A CT scan or MRI provides more detailed images of the abdomen and chest. In certain instances, a physician may conduct a PET scan to identify cancerous cells that aren't visible on the image or are concealed by other tissues.A biopsy is the most reliable way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A doctor will use a thin needle to extract tiny pieces of tissue. It is not necessary to undergo surgery or a hospital stay. Before taking the biopsy, a physician will administer a medicine to numb the affected area. In rare instances, doctors might need to open the surgery if the needle cannot reach the area or if mesothelioma is advanced beyond the point of a biopsy.Blood tests can also help confirm a mesothelioma diagnoses. They can measure the levels of certain proteins in your body, which are high in mesothelioma sufferers.A mesothelioma specialist will interpret these results and other tests. The specialist will then discuss the best treatment for your treatment.Mesothelioma specialists include a Pulmonologist who is a doctor who is specialized in lungs; a radiologist who reads images and other diagnostic scans; an oncologist, who provides chemotherapy; and a surgeon who may operate on your lungs or abdomen to treat mesothelioma. They will also talk with you about palliative care, which can improve the quality of life by relieving symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and pain.TreatmentIt is crucial to work closely with your medical team if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma. This may include doctors, nurses and other specialists. Treatment for mesothelioma will prevent the cancer from spreading and returning as long as possible. It could also include treatments to ease symptoms like breathing difficulties and discomfort.Mesothelioma doctors will create a treatment plan that is unique to each patient. The treatment plan will be based on the type of mesothelioma as well as the area where it has spread. The doctor will combine treatments to get the most effective outcomes.A biopsy is the initial stage of mesothelioma therapies. This is a procedure that makes use of needles or surgery to remove a small sample of mesothelioma to examine under microscopes for cancerous cells. Doctors may also order other tests such as imaging scans such as the CT scan or MRI and blood tests to check for the presence of high levels of substances that can be a sign of mesothelioma, such as soluble mesothelin-related peptides and fibulin-3.It is normal to be a bit shocked or upset by a mesothelioma diagnosis, particularly if the condition is advanced. It is normal to feel these emotions, and it may be helpful to seek support from family members, friends or a mesothelioma organization. It is crucial to know how much you can and find a doctor with experience in treating mesothelioma.Many types of mesothelioma are resectable. This means that the cancer can be treated surgically. Doctors will often combine surgery with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. They can administer chemotherapy prior to or following the operation. They may also include drains in the pleura to allow the fluids around the lungs to be drained at least once a week.In some cases the cancer can develop a recurrence. The doctor will recommend aggressive surgery such as P/D or EPP in order to prevent the spread of tumors. Some patients may be offered maintenance therapy to keep the mesothelioma remission for several months or even for years. These treatments include immunotherapy as well as an agent that targets the most difficult-to-treat sarcomatoid cells of mesothelioma.