A specialist should be consulted by anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Doctors can offer a variety of treatment options depending on the location and size of the tumor.
The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in women and men who worked with asbestos-containing materials. These include miners, insulation workers railway and auto repair technicians, as well as shipyard workers.
Diagnosis
A series of tests is necessary to determine if you have mesothelioma. Doctors examine your medical history and do an examination to look for signs. They may also employ blood markers and imaging tests to diagnose mesothelioma. The only way to identify mesothelioma is by a tissue biopsy, but this isn't the only test doctors conduct.
The majority of mesothelioma is found in the pleura or the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. Pleural effusion is the most commonly seen indication of pleural cancer. It can be observed on the chest CT scan or X-ray and aids doctors in determining the best place to biopsy.
A biopsy of mesothelioma can be done by a physician using a needle, or by surgery. The biopsy is then examined under a microscope to determine if the cells present in the sample are cancerous. The mesothelioma-related cells are divided into three different types, based on their appearance under a microscope. These include epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) and mixed (biphasic).
Depending on the type of mesothelioma and the symptoms you are experiencing, doctors can recommend a range of blood tests or imaging scanners. A complete blood count (CBC) examines the amount of red and white blood cells and platelets. It can help doctors detect mesothelioma signs, for example, elevated levels for an enzyme known as Lactate dehydrogenase.
A specialized form ultrasound, echocardiograms show the heart's performance. This is used to diagnose pericardial msothelioma that affects the lining of the heart.
A chest CT scan uses x-rays, computers, and a program to create an image of your lungs. It can aid doctors in identifying mesothelioma cancers and measure the thickness of tissue.
A pleural mesothelioma diagnosis may require lung function tests, or pulmonary function tests to determine how well the lungs are functioning. A flexible tube referred to as a "bronchoscope" is placed into the mouth or throat and down the airway. The bronchoscope is equipped with an end-to-end camera and connects to a huge screen so that doctors can see the lungs and surrounding areas. The test usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes to perform.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the type and location of the cancer. The majority of mesothelioma cases are pleural meaning they develop within the lining of the lungs (pleura). However, around 10% of cases are peritoneal which develop in the abdominal lining. Both mesothelioma types cause breathing difficulties, coughing, chest or abdominal pain and fatigue.
Many doctors aren't aware of the mesothelioma symptoms and signs, as it is a rare illness. Patients should bring a detailed list of symptoms to each appointment and inform their doctor of any history of exposure to asbestos. This will ensure that the patient receives a timely diagnosis.
A doctor will typically begin a mesothelioma diagnosis by asking about any asbestos exposure in the past and performing a physical exam. The doctor may also recommend a chest Xray and CT scan to look for mesothelioma or other problems around the chest wall and lungs. A blood test will also be ordered to determine the presence of certain antibodies that indicate mesothelioma or asbestos exposure.
A biopsy is carried out following the diagnosis of mesothelioma to examine tissue under a microscope and confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy can be performed using VATS surgery (a minimally-invasive procedure) or with the use of a CT guided needle aspiration.
The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pleural region usually manifest as breathing difficulties and back or chest pain and dry cough. These symptoms are often misinterpreted as flu, bronchitis or pneumonia. A mesothelioma sufferer might also experience bloating and constipation, as well as unproved weight loss. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is identified by pain in the abdomen. It can also cause swelling or a feeling that you are full, or a blockage of the stomach. Other signs that may occur include an appetite loss, fever and tiredness. Mesothelioma symptoms can be serious and life-threatening, particularly when it has advanced to a stage. Early detection is key to getting a quick mesothelioma diagnosis and undergoing treatment as soon as you are able to. Consult a mesothelioma doctor If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Treatment
Treatment options for mesothelioma is dependent on the type and the stage of cancer. Patients should choose mesothelioma experts who are familiarized with the disease and who can discuss their treatment goals. This is known as shared decision making.
A patient's physician will first request imaging tests, such as chest X-rays. They can reveal changes in the lung's lining like thickening, and the buildup of fluid. They can also determine if mesothelioma is spreading to other organs of the body. Other tests include a CT, MRI, and PET (positron-emission tomography). Blood tests can detect high levels of a chemical linked to mesothelioma.
After a mesothelioma diagnosis, doctors will order an invasive biopsy. This involves removing a small sample of the lining of the body to study under microscope for mesothelioma cell. Doctors can obtain the tissue sample via VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) which is a type of keyhole surgery. It is also possible to use a CT guided core biopsy, which utilizes a needle guided by images taken from the CT scan. A biopsy can be used to determine the type of cells in mesothelioma. This will impact the way that cancer responds. Epithelioid mesothelioma cells respond better to treatment than sarcomatoid or mixed cell types.
The most commonly used mesothelioma treatment options are chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. These treatments can increase a patient's lifespan by 30-40%. In certain cases doctors may suggest immunotherapy. These drugs boost the body's immune system to fight cancer. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery.
Patients with mesothelioma must always think about taking part in a clinical trial. This can lead to improved and more innovative treatments. These trials are conducted by scientists to discover new ways to treat mesothelioma and improve the quality of life for patients.
For those with advanced mesothelioma, the purpose of treatment is to lessen symptoms and keep them under control. The symptoms may include breathlessness, pain and swelling. Breathing problems can be addressed by surgical procedures such as a drain for the pleura. For people who cannot undergo surgery, a home treatment like TTFields could be suggested.
Prognosis
Doctors can plan better treatment when they know the stage of mesothelioma. The prognosis depends on the type and location of the cancer, which part of the body it affects and the general condition of a patient's health. Patients with mesothelioma that is more advanced may live less than one year after diagnosis, although treatments can extend survival.
Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers that are sharp and loose irritate the lining in the lungs or abdomen. The cancer may form as a single tumor, or it can expand as it grows and spreads to nearby tissues. In advanced stages, mesothelioma may cause fluid buildup in the stomach or chest cavity and cause coughing or other respiratory problems, and abdominal pain swelling and weight loss.
Doctors utilize a mix of procedures and tests to diagnose mesothelioma. They may conduct an examination of the body, take samples of mesothelioma tumor for testing and review a person's medical history. People with mesothelioma often have an exposure history to asbestos which is the most significant risk factor for the disease.
A biopsy is the most reliable method of confirming mesothelioma. It is the process of removing tissue or fluids from a cancerous mesothelioma and then examines them for malignant cells. Doctors also examine blood samples to determine whether the mesothelioma contains different kinds of cells. Epithelioid cells are most prevalent and respond well to treatment. Sarcomatoid cell, which appears in fewer cases, is more difficult to treat.
When diagnosing pleural mesothelioma, doctors can treat the accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity with an operation known as a pleurodesis. This involves the use of an agent to damage the lung lining and stop the growth of fluid. They can also drain the fluid by using tubes in the chest.
Doctors cannot accurately predict the life expectancy of peritoneal patients because the cancer of this type develops on the abdomen's lining. The prognosis for peritoneal cancer is higher than that of other types, since it responds to treatment well and spreads less quickly.
