Mesothelioma Cancer develops when a cell's DNA experiences changes (mutations) that allow it to grow out of control. Mutations can cause cells to grow and form tumors in the body. Mesothelioma is a group of cancers that affect mesothelium - the thin layer of tissue that lines and covers certain organs. The most common type, pleural mesothelioma, develops in the lungs. Symptoms Mesothelioma happens when cancer cells multiply in the mesothelium. This membrane covers the majority of organs within the body including the lungs, heart, and stomach. It has two layers: an inner layer that is wrapped around the organ, and an outer layer that forms an enveloping sac of fluid. Mesothelioma usually starts in the linings of these organs but it can also spread to other areas of the body including lymph nodes as well as bones. The symptoms of malignant mesothelioma can vary depending on the location of the tumor as well as how much it has progressed. People with mesothelioma of the pleural region experience symptoms that are related to the chest area, such as chest pain, back, breathing problems, and an unproven loss of weight. A person might feel abdominal pain, a dry cough or fever as well. The tumor can press against the organs and nerves of the chest, causing chest pain. This can cause inflammation, which makes breathing difficult. Mesothelioma in the lungs and ribs may cause pain as well. In rare cases mesothelioma will recur following treatment. Mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases and can remain within the body. It is important that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos tells their doctor about the history of exposure and ask for an appointment. Mesothelioma is treatable. The cancerous tissue can be removed surgically, and chemotherapy can be used to shrink or eliminate any remaining cancer cells. These treatments can improve the quality of life and increase the life span of a patient. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma is likely to undergo an array of surgical procedures, chemotherapy and radiation therapy to treat the cancer. They might also be treated with an peritoneal drain to stop the accumulation of fluid and abdominal pain. In certain instances doctors may recommend palliative care to improve the patient's quality-of-life while treating their condition. These services may include home health care, like helping with daily activities and providing powerful painkillers. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to identify. Doctors can recognize the signs and conduct a physical examination however, mesothelioma needs more specific tests. The most important diagnostic test is a biopsy, which takes fluid or tissue samples for examination under microscope. Doctors can utilize a variety of imaging tests like chest X ray, CT scan, and MRI. These tests can aid in identifying any lumps, or other abnormalities in the body. The first step is to run an X-ray scan or CT scan of the affected area. These tests provide doctors with an image of the stomach or lung to check for abnormal growths. Based on the results, doctors may then perform more specialized tests to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. A doctor can determine the presence of mesothelioma using an in-blood sample. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be difficult to distinguish from normal cells, so mesothelioma doctors often order a series of tests in order to track the progression of the cancer and its response to treatment. Some of the most common tests for blood include the CA 125 and the Mesomark test. The correct diagnosis is vital in determining the most effective treatment plan for mesothelioma. A mesothelioma specialist will recommend the most effective treatment plan for a patient's specific needs. In certain instances doctors may need to perform surgical biopsies to make sure that the mesothelioma diagnosis is correct. During the procedure doctors make a tiny cut within the chest or abdomen and then remove a portion of tumor to be examined. If the results of a biopsy reveal that a patient is suffering from malignant mesothelioma, a doctor can determine the cell type and how far the cancer has taken over. A surgical biopsy can also be used to determine if a mesothelioma has a mixed type one, which is more dangerous and has a worse prognosis. Mixed mesothelioma can be described by a tumor that has epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid, cells. The sarcomatoid cancer cells are more aggressive and harder to remove by surgery. This leads to a poorer outcome for patients. Patients will often receive the combination treatment to treat their cancer and improve their prognosis. Treatment The treatment options for mesothelioma is dependent on your medical background and the stage of the cancer. Mesothelioma may be in its early stages (Stages I and II) or advanced (Stage III or IV). Your doctor will determine the stage of mesothelioma by taking a look at the results of the tests you have undergone. These tests will inform your doctor whether the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. X-rays CT scans and MRIs provide doctors with precise information about the organs and tissues in your body. This information can help doctors look for symptoms of mesothelioma or lung damage. Your doctor can also conduct urine and blood tests to check for mesothelioma-related symptoms. A biopsy is a procedure by which tissue or fluid is removed from your body to test for mesothelioma. The samples are examined under microscopes to look for evidence of cancer. A biopsy can be carried out in many different methods, including needle biopsy or open biopsy. If mesothelioma already has spread it is possible to treat it with chemotherapy and surgery. the most common treatments. Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells and stop them from growing. Pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin is the standard first-line therapy for pleural mesothelioma. Doctors can inject chemotherapy into the chest cavity to treat pleural mesothelioma or they inject it into the abdomen for mesothelioma in the peritoneal area. Patients who suffer from mesothelioma usually experience pain due to their tumors, their surgery or chemotherapy. The use of pain medication is a way to alleviate the discomfort. Many mesothelioma treatment centers have dietitians on staff to assist you with your diet prior to, during and after treatment. For patients with late-stage mesothelioma palliative therapy can help ease discomfort. This includes physical therapy to help you move around more easily and manage mesothelioma-related pain. This can also include a range of medicines, including oral and topical pain relief, steroids to decrease inflammation, and topical or oral pain alleviators. It is important that you know as much as you can about mesothelioma and the treatment options available. This will help you ask questions and make informed choices. It is also beneficial to build an extended family and friends who can help you cope with the illness and manage your daily life. Prognosis Mesothelioma can be found in the cells that form the mesothelium. This membrane covers and protects various organs in the body including the lungs and chest cavity. It is made up of two layers. Vimeo covers organs, while the outer layer is the sac. The mesothelium's fluid assists organs in moving more easily. Mesothelioma can be a cancerous tumor, which means that the cells can develop to damage surrounding tissue. They can also be metastasized, or spread and spread to other parts of the body. Non-cancerous or benign tumors are a group of cellular structures that do not spread. The prognosis for mesothelioma is different between patients. It is based on the patient's age and general health, as well as the type of mesothelioma, and the stage of it at diagnosis. People who are diagnosed at a younger age generally have a better prognosis. It also depends on the severity of the cancer as well as whether it is surgically removed. Usually, surgery can improve the prognosis of a patient. If the cancer hasn't progressed, doctors might be able to remove all or a portion of the mesothelium or lung. If the cancer has spread, the treatment options for mesothelioma are very limited and the prognosis is worse. Other treatments can be utilized in addition to surgery to reduce symptoms or slow the growth of cancerous cells. Chemotherapy for instance employs cytotoxic chemical agents to damage and destroy cancerous cells. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like radiation. Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer, most doctors and oncologists are not equipped with knowledge of treating it. Patients should seek a second opinion and think about traveling to other cities or states for mesothelioma specialists. They should also participate in clinical trials to receive the latest treatment. The survival rates for mesothelioma is determined by the statistics collected every five years. These are known as relative survival rates and indicate how long a patient may live than other patients with the same cancer in a similar stage at diagnosis. These statistics are based on three elements that include the type of cancer, the stage in the time it was discovered, and the efficacy of the treatment plan.
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