Revision as of 23:25, 5 September 2023 by 31.132.1.185 (talk) (Created page with "Mesothelioma - What is Mesothelioma?<br /><br />Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that, like other cancers, develops when changes (mutations) occur in the DNA of a cell. The mu...")(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Mesothelioma - What is Mesothelioma?Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that, like other cancers, develops when changes (mutations) occur in the DNA of a cell. The mutations cause the cell to grow and multiply without being controlled, leading to an increase in the size of the tumor.The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary based on the nature and location of the cancer. Pleural mesothelioma, for example can cause fluid to build up within the lining of the chest cavity. This is referred to as an pleural effusion.DiagnosisMesothelioma is most often able to be diagnosed by a family physician. They will inquire about his or her symptoms and conduct a physical examination. They may also order various tests.They are designed to assess the general health of a person and how their organs are functioning. Blood tests can be used to detect specific chemical substances produced by cells that have mesothelioma. X-rays are also beneficial especially for those suffering from mesothelioma of the pleural region. They can reveal the accumulation of fluid and thickening of the pleura. For patients with peritoneal mesothelioma the MRI scan might be used to check the abdomen for signs of cancer.The doctor is likely to require a sample of the tissue where the cancer is growing, called biopsy. They will then send this to a lab to be analyzed. They will check for mesothelioma within the tissue and determine the rate of growth and spread of the cells. The type of mesothelioma the cells are identified to be has a significant impact for the mesothelioma prognosis, since there are three primary types of mesothelioma epithelioid cell (which make up 70% of diagnoses) and sarcomatoid cells (20% of diagnoses) and biphasic cells, which are a mixture of both.A surgical biopsy can be done to help confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to find out what stage the disease is at. It is accomplished by an operating surgeon inserting a needle into the abdominal wall or chest and extracting a small piece of tissue to test.Alternatively, doctors might drain the fluid that has built up in the pleura (called a pleural effusion) or peritoneum to test it for mesothelioma. This is done by placing an instrument in the throat of someone who has been sedated. It's called an endobronchial ultra-sound needle biopsy.Other methods of obtaining mesothelioma tissues include fine needle biopsies and thoracoscopy. During these tests doctors use scanning scans to guide a camera into the chest or abdomen. They will then drain or remove tissue samples to be examined by pathologists. In some instances, a GP may also order a special staining for the tissue sample. This test can identify mesothelioma from other non-cancerous and cancerous tissue.TreatmentIf mesothelioma has been diagnosed doctors will try to eliminate as much of it as possible. This helps reduce symptoms and the chance that cancer could come back. Doctors may also consider alternative treatments to slow down mesothelioma's growth or stop it from spreading. These include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Doctors may also give people medicines to help control pain, nausea and other symptoms.Treatment options are determined by the type of mesothelioma that you have. Your doctor and you discuss treatment options and how they may affect your life quality. This is referred to as shared decision and it's a crucial component of the mesothelioma group process.The Pleura is the lining which covers the lungs. The pleura protects the lung, chest wall and diaphragm. Pleural mesothelioma differs from lung cancer, which is found in the lungs.During the procedure, doctors can take a biopsy of the pleural tumor to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it has spread. It can be done through VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery), which is a type of keyhole surgery. Or using CT-guided needles to collect a sample of the pleural tissue to be examined under local anaesthetic.If the mesothelioma can't be removed doctors can remove the fluid from the pleura in order to relieve breathing problems and chest pain. They may also provide an alternative treatment to ease other symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, and loss of appetite.Some patients choose chemotherapy or radiotherapy to shrink the mesothelioma cancer or to stop it from spreading. These are the norm of care, but your doctor may suggest trying a new approach to treatment if they think it can increase your chances of having a positive outcome.If your mesothelioma comes back after treatment, it's known as mesothelioma that has recurred. People who have recurrent mesothelioma benefit from taking part in clinical trials of new treatments. You can find out more about clinical trials from our Mesothelioma Research Tool. It provides examples of how other patients with similar tumors have gained from mesothelioma research.PrognosisThe prognosis of someone suffering from mesothelioma is dependent on the type of cancer as well as the location of the tumor, and whether it has spread from the original site. Mesothelioma is classified as epithelial, sarcomatoid or biphasic cancers. Mesothelioma patients who have the majority of epithelioid cells tend to live longer than those with more biphasic or sarcomatoid cells.Doctors use imaging tests and physical examinations to determine if a patient suffers from mesothelioma. They also look over the medical history of the patient, including any past exposure to asbestos. They may then recommend an excision procedure to take an insignificant portion of the tumor or mass for laboratory tests. A biopsy can be performed by surgery, inserting needles into the abdomen or chest or removing fluid using a thoracentesis procedure.The most common mesothelioma-related sites are the peritoneum (the membrane that covers the stomach, intestines, and liver) or the pericardium (the thin membrane that surrounds the heart). The disease is more common in men than women and typically occurs after the age of 60. It could take between 30 and 50 years after exposure to asbestos for symptoms to begin to manifest.Symptoms of mesothelioma can include coughing, difficulty breathing or abdominal pain. Some patients experience fluid build-up in the abdomen, a condition known as ascites.When mesothelioma is diagnosed, doctors often conduct imaging tests to see whether the cancer has mutated or to check for additional tumors in other areas of the body. They may also order blood testing to measure the levels of certain proteins, which are elevated in mesothelioma patients.Mesothelioma patients can enhance their chances of survival in addition to having surgery by adopting healthy lifestyles like getting enough sleep and maintaining an appropriate diet. They can also learn to relax and lessen their stress. A good support network can also assist patients cope with their illness.The following is a list with preventions.Avoiding exposure to asbestos is the best way to prevent mesothelioma. However many people are already at risk from past exposure. If you have an history of asbestos exposure, frequent screening can help detect it early.Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is a form that develops on the linings of organs and body structures. It is usually caused by asbestos exposure. The cancer can be a problem for the lungs, abdomen or the heart. There are many types of mesothelioma. The most common type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs. It may also affect the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum) or testicles (asbestosis).Asbestos is the most common reason for Mesothelioma. The symptoms usually show up 20 years after exposure. People who are most at risk for mesothelioma include those who were exposed to asbestos as miners, construction workers, welders or in the automotive industry. People who were exposed to asbestos as a result of their military service may also be at risk for the disease.There are four kinds of malignant mesothelioma of the pleural. They are classified according to the type of cells they create. pericardial mesothelioma cancer can be sarcomatoid, or epithelial. Each type has its own treatment.Malignant mesothelioma of the pleural is the most prevalent type of the disease. It is a condition that occurs when the lung's lining (pleura) of the lung develops abnormal cells that grow and form tumors. It is more prevalent in males than females.It is often difficult for doctors to recognize this condition because symptoms are often similar to those of other illnesses or diseases. A shortness of breath, coughing and chest pain could be symptoms. A fluid in the lungs can occur (pleural effusion) as well as a swelling in the lungs, referred to as pulmonary edema. The lining of the heart (pericardium) can develop abnormal cells, which form pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may also grow in the testicles, causing unique symptoms like pain, a lump at the scrotum or loss of sexual function.Other risk factors for mesothelioma can include having a family history of the disease, a history of other cancers or genetics. It is also important to have regular X-rays and blood tests as they can detect asbestos in the lungs as well as other indicators of lung issues.