Revision as of 23:37, 5 September 2023 by 81.92.195.70 (talk) (Created page with "Lung Cancer From Mesothelioma<br /><br />Mesothelioma usually occurs in the thin layer of tissue that runs along your lung (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). The symptoms are s...")(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Lung Cancer From MesotheliomaMesothelioma usually occurs in the thin layer of tissue that runs along your lung (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). The symptoms are similar to those of lung cancer.Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma using X-ray and CT scans. PET scans are also available, which make use of radioactive compounds to detect cancerous cells.SymptomsMesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the lining of organs like the chest cavity and the lungs. It is caused by asbestos exposure which is a grouping of minerals that includes microscopic fibres used in construction materials as well as other materials. It is possible that people have been exposed at work or in their homes. Mesothelioma usually takes between 10 and 40 years to appear after exposure, with symptoms usually not surfacing until the disease has reached an an advanced stage. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to the symptoms of lung cancer. This makes it difficult to diagnose.Mesothelioma and lung cancer have similar symptoms, like chest pain, breathing difficulties and fatigue. Certain mesothelioma patients experience a accumulation of fluid around their lungs, which doctors refer to as Pleural effusion. The fluid can make breathing difficult, and the lung cancer can spread to other body parts, including the heart and abdomen.When diagnosing mesothelioma they will take a number of steps. They begin with a physical exam and inquire about any asbestos exposure. They will also ask the patient about any symptoms. They will conduct imaging tests to determine how the organs and lungs are functioning, for example X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET (positron emission tomography) scans.The doctor can also order blood tests in order to check for high levels of certain substances. If the doctor suspects mesothelioma may be present, a lung biopsy will be performed to get a more accurate diagnosis. This is done with a needle that is inserted into the chest cavity.Palliative care is a possible alternative to chemotherapy, surgery and radiation for some patients. It is designed to manage symptoms. For instance, doctors may drain fluid from the lungs to help with breathing and give patients strong painkillers to alleviate discomfort.Mesothelioma cannot be treated However, treatment options can enhance the quality of life of a patient. The use of aggressive surgery and multimodal therapy can slow the growth of tumours for months or even years. Some patients have seen their tumors go in Remission. Mesothelioma can, however, develop recurrence, or spread to other parts. Treatment early is the best way to improve the odds of surviving.DiagnosisMesothelioma can be described as a cancer that develops from the mesothelium, or the membrane that lines the body's cavities. Three out of four cases of mesothelioma start in the lining (pleura) of the chest cavity. Mesothelioma can also develop in the tissue lining the abdomen or the region around the heart.The symptoms of lung cancer that result from mesothelioma resemble symptoms of other forms of non-small cell lung cancer or NSCLC including persistent coughing, difficulty breathing hoarse voice, weight loss, and fatigue. Doctors must differentiate between NSCLC and Mesothelioma because they have different prognoses. To identify mesothelioma or NSCLC doctors will request various diagnostic tests to look for the growth of tumors and other indications of illness.The first test is often an X-ray, which may show abnormal thickening of the lung lining or calcium deposits on the lungs. Doctors can also check for a buildup of fluid in the lungs which could be a sign of mesothelioma as well as lung cancer.A chest CT scan can also be used to examine the pleura, the space between the lungs and chest wall for indications of mesothelioma or other lung diseases. The images can help doctors find cancerous tissues and determine if the mesothelioma is spreading.Other tests used to determine mesothelioma of the pleural region are tests of fluid and blood, and a biopsy. A sample of fluid or a tissue sample is examined for mesothelioma tumor cells, which are not usually found in normal lung tissue. Mesothelioma is classified into three types of cells: epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic, or mixed type. A biopsy involves inserting a needle into the area in which the fluid is and then taking a small amount to examine under the microscope.VATS is a video-assisted procedure that allows for a biopsy to be taken. A CT-guided biopsy is an alternative option. This involves an CT scan to guide the needle.Radiation therapy is sometimes used to treat mesothelioma pleural. This treatment sends high-energy X-rays toward cancerous tissues and eliminates them. It is usually administered along with chemotherapy and surgery to treat mesothelioma. Chemotherapy drugs like pemetrexed or carboplatin can be used to destroy cancerous tumor cells as well as prevent them from recurring following surgery.TreatmentThe type of treatment that you receive will be based on your mesothelioma type, stage and general health. Your doctor will also determine whether you want to participate in a clinical trial of a new treatment.Pleural mesothelioma is treated by combining several treatments. These include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatment options are used to shrink tumors, limit their growth and eliminate any cancerous cells that remain after other treatments have been completed.The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can be relieved by removing the lung or surrounding tissue. It can also make it easier to go through treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiation because there won't be a lung that protects your chest from radiation.Doctors may combine surgery and chemotherapy to increase the chance of a complete response to this treatment. Researchers are always testing new combinations. The most common is the combination of pemetrexed with cisplatin (Alimta). Radiation therapy, which is the use of radiation to kill cancerous cells, can be given at various stages of pleural melanoma either prior to or after surgery or chemo. It can help ease the pain caused by tumors and can also be used to eliminate cancerous cells that survive after chemotherapy.If mesothelioma asbestos cancer find that mesothelioma is not curable and they suggest palliative treatment to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. This can include procedures to prevent fluid buildup in the lungs, such as thoracentesis/paracentesis or pleurodesis. It could also include treatments that lessen coughing and shortness breath like nebulizers or oxygen pumps. It is important for patients to discuss these options with their doctors. They may also be able to access assistance and support services through their local mesothelioma support group.PrognosisThe prognosis for lung mesothelioma-related cancer is dependent on the type, location and stage of the mesothelioma at diagnosis as well as general patient health. Lung cancers which are able to spread (metastasize) in other parts of your body, typically have a lower chance of survival. NSCLC and mesothelioma can be diagnosed with a variety of tests and procedures.The cancerous tissue that lines the chest cavity, abdomen, and other organs is known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most often found in the tissues that line the lungs, which is known as the Pleura. Mesothelioma can also develop in the lining of the stomach or testicles, if someone suffers from them, as well as around the heart.Symptoms of mesothelioma can resemble symptoms of other cancers or disease. It is crucial that patients see their physician if they exhibit these symptoms. A doctor can identify the differences between mesothelioma and lung cancer depending on the patient's medical history, symptoms and general health.A biopsy can be used to diagnose mesothelioma. This involves taking a sample of tumor cells and examining them in the laboratory. A doctor can check for signs of asbestos by using the use of a CT scan with intravenous contrast, or an lung test.The prognosis of a mesothelioma patient is based on the type of cell they have: epithelioid sarcomatoid or biphasic. Those with epithelioid cells generally have a better prognosis because they are more easily identified and remove with surgery. Patients with sarcomatoid cells have a poorer prognosis because they are more aggressive and grow more quickly.Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses or conditions. Some patients may not be diagnosed until the cancer has advanced to an advanced stage. A mesothelioma expert can give more hope by giving an alternative opinion, analyzing treatments options and clinical trials that test new drugs. Patients with mesothelioma should not be discouraged if they hear their doctor's estimate of life expectancy. A second opinion can make a huge difference.