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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is associated with exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral. The disease is usually diagnosed several decades after exposure. Doctors treat mesothelioma with chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Treatment can help patients live longer. There are three types. The stage and the type of cells that make up the tumor influence the prognosis. What is mesothelioma? The mesothelioma that is cancerous forms in the mesothelium (a thin layer of tissue that lines organs within the body). It is caused by asbestos, which is a grouping of fibrous minerals. Asbestos exposure happens when people swallow or inhale stray asbestos fibers. The asbestos particles stick to the linings of organs, irritate them and cause tumors. Mesothelioma is detected when doctors study the tumors and take samples of the tissues, known as biopsy. Mesothelioma is classified based on the kind of cells are present in the tumors. The three mesothelioma types are epithelial (also called sarcomatoid) biphasic, sarcomatoid, and epithelial. Epithelial mesothelioma has the highest common form and accounts for 50 percent of all diagnoses. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma makes up 10 percent of all cases, and has a lower prognosis compared to the epithelial. Biphasic Mesothelioma can be described as a mix of epithelial cells and sarcomatoid. It accounts for 30-40 percent of all diagnoses. The symptoms of mesothelioma can include difficulty breathing and chest pain or discomfort in the abdomen. These symptoms are similar to those of other conditions, so it is imperative to see an expert if you are suffering from these symptoms. Treatment for mesothelioma can improve symptoms, slow tumour growth and allow patients to live longer. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Patients can also get palliative care, which helps reduce discomfort and pain. Doctors continue to research ways to treat mesothelioma, and how it expands. New treatments include immunotherapy, which relies on your body's immune system to fight cancer. This experimental treatment has shown promise in a few mesothelioma cases. Patients can also take part in clinical trials, which are research studies of new treatments. Mesothelioma patients are typically treated in cancer centers that have physicians who treat this condition. Diagnosis A mesothelioma diagnosis is the first step towards receiving treatment that can prolong your life. Your doctor will begin by reviewing your symptoms and health history and determining the type of mesothelioma you have. This information is crucial because the three main mesothelioma cells react differently to treatment. Your doctor may recommend an X-ray of the chest or CT scan as the initial test. In this test, you lay on a table as the X-ray or CT machine produces a precise picture of your chest and the organs that surround it. Before springfield mesothelioma attorneys , a tiny injection of dye, usually iodine is given. This makes the tissues in your abdomen and chest lighter, making it easier to observe. During this period, you might be asked to perform breathing tests. If these tests show the possibility of a tumor or a mass that is cancerous, your doctor might order the procedure of a biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a sample of the mass or tumor either surgically or by inserting an instrument into the site. The sample is examined under a microscope to determine if mesothelioma is present. In certain instances our experts use ultrasound to find enlarged lymph nodes that could be mesothelioma. This procedure is known as endobronchial ultrasound-guided needle aspiration or EBNA. It is performed on an outpatient basis so you are able to go home the same day. A mesothelioma specialist will also need to know your stage of the disease. The stages are determined based on how the cancer has spread, and what kind of mesothelioma you are suffering from. Finding a reliable diagnosis from a mesothelioma specialist is the best way to ensure that you receive the proper treatment. Treatment The mesothelioma treatment for a patient depends on how far the disease has advanced and their overall health. Patients with mesothelioma generally receive multimodal treatment, which includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The first step to treat mesothelioma is to undergo an examination on the body and advising the doctor about any prior exposure to asbestos. Doctors can also request imaging scans or blood tests to determine if mesothelioma is present and to rule out other conditions. These include CT (computerized tomography) scans; MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans FDG-PET (fluorodeoxyglucose Postron emission Tomography) scans; and mediastinoscopy (used to examine and sample lymph nodes within the chest cavity). Surgery is an option for the majority of pleural mysothelioma cases. Patients can undergo a minimally-invasive procedure known as video-assisted needle biopsy, or CT-guided surgical thoracoscopic. Both surgeries can boost the lifespan of patients and decrease symptoms. Chemotherapy is a therapy that makes use of drugs to eliminate cancerous cells and stop them from growing. It is a common mesothelioma treatment, and can prolong the duration of survival. It is available in intravenous (IV) drip or pill form. Radiation therapy is a mesothelioma treatment which can shrink tumors and kill cancerous cells. It can be used to treat pleural tumors at different stages, and also to relieve pain and prolong the lives of patients. In the latter stages of mesothelioma, doctors usually focus on reducing symptoms and prolonging a patient's life for as long as is possible. This kind of treatment is known as palliative care. Despite the low rate of survival of mesothelioma, there are still a lot of survivors. For instance, paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould, who was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 1982, lived another 20 years before he died from complications from another illness. Symptoms Mesothelioma can cause symptoms weeks or even years prior to the diagnosis is made. The initial symptoms are similar to those caused by other illnesses, and it is easy to ignore or confuse them for minor illnesses. If you experience any of these symptoms it is important that you see your doctor immediately. The organs of your body are covered by mesothelium, a layer. This layer prevents them from rubbing against one other. Mesothelioma can affect the mesothelium cell that form the lining of several of your organs. The lining around your lung is the primary location where mesothelioma develops. However, it could also develop in your heart (pericardium) as well as in your abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining around your testicles (tunica vulginalis). The first symptoms of mesothelioma include fatigue, chest pain, and breathlessness. Mesothelioma may also cause swelling of the chest wall or lungs, resulting in an pleural effusion. Pleural effusions can place pressure on the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and cough. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma by taking the medical history of the patient and conducting an examination. They may ask for chest X-rays, which can show abnormalities, such as thickening of lung lining or the accumulation of fluid in the chest wall. They can also request a CT scan, MRI or PET scan to have a more detailed look at your lungs and other tissues. They can also use ultrasound-guided needles for draining fluid from the peritoneum and pleura. A biopsy can determine which mesothelioma type of cells are creating the tumor and the way they grow. This will allow doctors to decide on the best treatment options. Treatment, radiation, and surgery are the three types of mesothelioma treatments that are standard. Prevention Mesothelioma is not preventable, however you can reduce your risk by avoiding those who are exposed to asbestos, and avoiding it. Exposure to asbestos could cause lung cancer and other illnesses that affect organ linings. There are a variety of types of mesothelioma. Some are more severe than others. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more manageable. Asbestos is made up of an assortment of minerals with microscopic fibers. It was used in industrial and construction products by companies who were not aware of the dangers. Workers and veterans in blue collar jobs were the most susceptible to asbestos. Asbestos is known to be hazardous and you shouldn't be living in an old factory or work in it. Talk to your doctor about regular screenings if your family has an earlier exposure to asbestos. X-rays and CT or MRI scans can help spot problems with your lungs or abdomen. A biopsy can identify cancerous tissue in the stomach lining or chest. Doctors can analyze tissue samples from this area to determine if you suffer from mesothelioma. There is a chance that you have pleural mesothelioma that affects the lungs' membrane. Other kinds include testicular, pericardial or the peritoneal. After asbestos exposure, it can take many years before mesothelioma begins to develop. Even then, it may be difficult to determine. It is often mistakenly diagnosed with other conditions or illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or cancer. This can prevent you getting the proper treatment. Researchers are working to improve diagnosis and create tests that detect mesothelioma sooner. This could lead better treatments and a better survival rate. The research includes using genetic testing to identify the people most likely to develop mesothelioma.