Mesothelioma and Lung CancerIt is a rare type of cancer that affects mesothelium which is the thin layer that covers most organs. It can affect the lung linings and in rare instances the heart and testicles.Mesothelioma and lung cancer are not the same thing, but people often mistakenly believe that they are. Several tests can help doctors determine the right diagnosis.Signs and symptomsMesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds a number organs. It is most commonly found in the linings of the lungs (pleura) however, it can also develop in the abdominal lining or the heart, as well as the testicles. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. It can take 10-40 years from the point of exposure for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest. It is a difficult disease to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other ailments. Early signs include chest pain, shortness of breath and a dry cough.These symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as influenza or pneumonia. Imaging tests and biopsy are only used to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma after the cancer has spread.A biopsy is the process of taking a small sample of mesothelial tissue to examine under the microscope. There are two main mesothelioma types epithelioid cells and sarcomatoid cells. The epithelioid type has better odds of survival because it is more slow growing and responds better to treatment. A mesothelioma containing both types of cells is less common and has a poorer prognosis.If the mesothelioma has reached stage 1 or 2 it isn't spreading very far and surgery is feasible. In these stages, the main focus is on controlling symptoms, not curing cancer.Symptoms in this stage include difficulty breathing due to fluid buildup in the lungs. This can cause chest pain and coughing. It can be painful to eat and drink. X-rays and CT scans can aid your doctor in identifying the fluid in your lungs. VATS, a type of keyhole surgery, is a way to take a pleural sample. A CT scan can be used to guide the biopsy.Stage 3 mesothelioma is when the tumours have expanded beyond the lungs and nearby lymph nodes. It could be that mesothelioma reaches the pericardium sac that is the heart's protective lining. Pleurodesis is a procedure that can be used to stop fluid from accumulating in your lungs. You can also flush fluid from your lungs using an indwelling tube which you can remove at home.DiagnosisThe symptoms of mesothelioma and lung cancer are similar, which makes it difficult to distinguish between them. It is not uncommon for doctors mix up or misdiagnose the two conditions. However, it's crucial to get an accurate diagnosis. precise as is possible, since the right treatment can make all the difference in the patient's outlook.Doctors examine patients and take their medical history in order to identify mesothelioma. They might inquire about asbestos exposure in the past, and the symptoms they're experiencing. Patients must be able to provide as much information regarding their asbestos exposure as they can to assist doctors diagnose the condition more quickly.Doctors use different tests to determine whether the patient has mesothelioma, or lung cancer. These tests include a CT scan of the chest and blood tests, X-rays and biopsy. A CT scan allows doctors to see the pleura, the layer of tissue that surrounds the diaphragm as well as the lungs. This will help determine if the lining around the lung is thickening, or if fluid is accumulating in the chest cavity. Both of these are signs of mesothelioma.In addition to these tests, doctors can test the blood of a patient for certain enzymes that are higher in mesothelioma patients and lower in patients with lung cancer. These enzymes indicate that the cancer cells are rapidly multiplying. They can also look at the lungs of a patient to determine whether they have any nodules that look like tumors. This is a different sign of mesothelioma.Both mesothelioma and lung cancer are usually discovered when they have spread to other areas of the body, referred to as metastasis. To determine whether the cancer has spread, cancer doctors employ various methods that include a PET scan.Doctors will assess the appearance of cancerous cells with microscopes, in addition to test results and symptoms. They can look at the shape of the cells and how tightly they're tightly clumped. Mesothelioma tumors are not clearly defined and do not have distinct boundaries, whereas lung cancers tend to be more pronounced. When deciding on treatment doctors will take into consideration the extent to which cancer has progressed and at what stage it is.TreatmentMesothelioma patients usually receive a mix of surgery and chemotherapy. These treatments are intended to prolong life and slow the growth of cancer. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is an incurable disease. Despite this, treatment options are effective and can improve the prognosis of patients.The type of mesothelioma and the location of the tumor determine its classification. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lung. This form of the disease has a higher chance of survival than peritoneal or other forms of mesothelioma.During the process of diagnosis doctors look over the history of a patient's medical conditions and perform an examination. They also perform tests to check for abnormalities. Doctors may suggest X-rays, CT scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect unusual areas of the body. They may also recommend the use of a biopsy to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.A biopsy is a procedure that requires an instrument that uses a needle and a tiny portion of tissue to be analyzed under the microscope. This is the only way to determine if Mesothelioma is. Mesothelioma may have symptoms that are similar to other diseases, like pneumonia or the flu.If the lung's lining is affected, doctors could suggest a procedure known as pleurodesis, which can reduce the breathlessness that is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Utilizing a bronchoscope, a doctor injects a specific medication into the chest cavity. lung cancer from mesothelioma is then sealed by the medication, stopping fluid buildup and improving breathing.In certain instances doctors may also suggest chemotherapy or radiation. Chemotherapy utilizes cytotoxic chemicals that kill cancerous cells and slow down the growth of new cells. It can also lower the chance of mesothelioma returning after surgery. Neoadjuvant therapy is the process of administering chemotherapy before surgery to reduce the size a mesothelioma tumour. The use of adjuvant chemotherapy is to kill any cancerous cells that remain after surgery, reducing the possibility of them spreading. Doctors may also use HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) to treat Adenocarcinoma of the peritoneal area. This involves injecting heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen.PrognosisThe prognosis for mesothelioma is determined by the nature and location of the cancer and the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, and the general health of the patient. Patients who are older, generally in better health, and are non-smokers also have a better prognosis.Mesothelioma is diagnosed by the type of cells found in the affected tissue as well as the location of the cancer. A doctor can also determine a mesothelioma's staging, which is the extent of the cancer's spread.Stage 1 mesothelioma is defined by tumors that have been found within one layer of pleura. The most typical symptoms of this stage are chest discomfort and breath shortness. This mesothelioma stage may be treated with surgery or other treatments.Asbestos victims who have a mesothelioma that is more advanced in the abdomen, pleura or lung may suffer more severe symptoms than those with early-stage disease. The tumors are more likely not to have spread into other organs such as the abdominal cavity and heart.Doctors can suggest treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy or immunotherapy based on the stage of mesothelioma. This can improve the chances of survival. These treatments can help patients with mesothelioma stay healthier even if the disease is in remission.Mesothelioma patients should talk to their physicians about any signs or symptoms they experience that are not typical even if they do not believe that the condition is mesothelioma. A doctor can look into the symptoms and determine if they are related to exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are a way to avoid mesothelioma and asbestosis as well as other illnesses.