People diagnosed with mesothelioma should seek out a specialist. Doctors are able to provide a range of treatment options based on the location and size of the tumor.
The majority of mesothelioma cases are found in women and men who were exposed to asbestos materials. This includes miners, insulation workers railroad and auto repair workers and shipyard workers.
Diagnosis
A series of tests is required to identify mesothelioma. Doctors look over your medical history and conduct an examination to look for symptoms. They also run imaging tests and blood tests to determine mesothelioma. A tissue biopsy is the only sure way to make a mesothelioma diagnosis, but it is often not the first test that doctors conduct.
Mesothelioma is most common in the pleura, which is the lining that surrounds the lungs and the chest cavity. Pleural effusion is the most frequent symptom for cancer of the pleura. This can be seen in the chest CT scan or X-ray and aids doctors in determining the best place to biopsy.
For a mesothelioma biopsy doctors may use the use of a needle or surgical procedure to remove a small portion of the affected tissue. The biopsy is then examined under a microscope to see if the cells are cancerous. Mesothelioma can be divided into three types based on the way the cells appear under a microscope: epithelioid, sarcomatoid and mixed (biphasic) mesothelioma.
Depending on the type of mesothelioma you have and your symptoms, doctors might recommend a variety of tests for blood or imaging scanners. A complete blood count (CBC) is a test that analyzes white and red blood cell levels as well as platelets, is a valuable test. It can aid doctors in identifying mesothelioma-related signs like elevated levels of an enzyme known as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).
An echocardiogram is a specific type of ultrasound that can show how well the heart functions. This is often used to diagnose pericardial melanoma which is a disease that affects the lining of the heart.
A chest CT scan makes use of x-rays, a computer and a computer program to create a picture of your lung. It can help doctors detect mesothelioma cancers and measure the thickness of tissues.
A diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma may require lung function tests or pulmonary function tests to determine how well the lungs are working. This is done by having a flexible tube, also known as a bronchoscope, inserted into the mouth or throat and down the airway. The bronchoscope is equipped with a camera on the end and connects to a huge screen that allows doctors to see the lungs and the surrounding areas. The test lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ based on the nature and location of the cancer. The majority of mesothelioma cases are pleural meaning they grow within the lining of the lung (pleura). However, approximately 10 percent of cases are peritoneal, that develop in the lining of the abdomen. Both types of mesothelioma result in difficulty breathing, coughing, chest or abdominal pain and fatigue.
Mesothelioma is a rare illness and many doctors aren't familiar of its symptoms and signs. For this reason, patients should bring a list with their symptoms to every appointment. They should also inform their doctor about any past exposure to asbestos. This will help ensure that the patient receives an immediate diagnosis and treatment.
A doctor will start a diagnosis of mesothelioma by asking about previous asbestos exposure and then performing a physical examination. A chest X-ray or CT scan is ordered to check for mesothelioma and other issues in the lungs or the chest wall. A blood test may be ordered to confirm the presence of certain antibodies that indicate mesothelioma or asbestos exposure.
If mesothelioma is identified, a biopsy will be taken to examine the tissues under a microscope and confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy can be done using VATS surgery, a minimally invasive procedure, or with a CT-guided needle aspiration.
The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include chest or back pain, difficulty breathing, and a dry throat. These symptoms are often mistaken for pneumonia, bronchitis or flu. A mesothelioma sufferer might also experience bloating and constipation, and unexplained loss of weight. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include pain in the abdomen and abdomen, swelling and the sensation of being full or an obstruction in the stomach. Other symptoms that may be experienced include an appetite loss, fever and tiredness. Mesothelioma symptoms can be extremely severe and life-threatening, particularly if it has advanced to a stage. It is crucial to get a mesothelioma diagnosis, and to begin treatment as soon as you can. If you or someone close to you is suffering from mesothelioma symptoms contact a mesothelioma specialist today.
Treatment
The mesothelioma treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Patients should seek out mesothelioma experts who are well-versed in the disease and is able to discuss their needs for treatment. This is referred to 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 may also show if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other regions of the body. Other tests include a CT scan, an MRI and a PET (positron emission tomography) scan. Blood tests can also detect the presence of certain chemicals linked to mesothelioma.
Once the mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will then order an examination. A small amount of the lining is taken to be examined using the microscope. Doctors can collect a tissue sample using VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) it is a kind of keyhole surgery, or through CT-guided core biopsies, which uses a needle guided by images taken from the CT scan. A biopsy can determine the cell type of mesothelioma and can affect how the cancer responds to treatments. Epithelioid mesothelioma cells are the most responsive to treatment, while mixed cell and sarcomatoid types do not.
The most common treatment for mesothelioma is chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. These treatments can extend the life expectancy of patients by 30-40 percent. In some cases, doctors may recommend immunotherapy. These drugs stimulate the patient's own immune system to fight off cancer. They can be used in conjunction with other treatments, like chemotherapy and surgery.
Mesothelioma patients should always consider joining a clinical trial, as this can result in more effective and novel treatments. Researchers conduct these trials to find new ways to treat the disease and improve the quality of life for patients.
Treatment for mesothelioma that is advanced aims to reduce symptoms, and ensure they are under control. These symptoms include pain, breathlessness and swelling. Surgical procedures, such as a pleural drainage, can help with breathing difficulties. For those who are unable to undergo surgery, an at-home treatment such as TTFields may be suggested.
Prognosis
Doctors can plan better treatment when they know the stage of mesothelioma. The prognosis is determined by the kind of cancer it is located in, the part of the body affected and the overall health of the patient. Patients with advanced mesothelioma may survive less than a year after being diagnosed. Treatments can extend the time to survival.
Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers that are sharp and loose irritate the lining in the abdomen or lungs. The cancer can form as a single tumor, or it can spread as it grows and spreads to other tissues. In its advanced stages, mesothelioma could cause fluid to build up in the chest cavity and stomach, causing a cough and respiratory issues abdominal pain, swelling and weight loss.
Doctors use a combination of procedures and tests to diagnose mesothelioma. They may perform physical examinations, take a biopsy of mesothelioma tumors for testing and analyzing the medical history of a patient. Mesothelioma patients usually have a history of asbestos exposure which is a significant risk factor for this condition.
A biopsy is the most precise method of confirming mesothelioma. It collects tissue or fluids from mesothelioma that is cancerous and then examines them for malignant cells. Doctors also test blood samples to determine whether the mesothelioma is composed of different kinds of cells. Epithelioid cells are the most prevalent and respond well to treatment. Sarcomatoid cells, which are seen in fewer cases, is more difficult to treat.
When diagnosing pleural mesothelioma, doctors may treat the buildup of fluid inside the chest cavity by performing a procedure called a pleurodesis. This involves scarring the lung's lining with a chemical and stopping the buildup of fluid. They may also drain the fluid using a tube placed in the chest (percutaneous thoracostomy).
Doctors aren't able to accurately predict the longevity of peritoneal cancer patients, as this kind of cancer typically develops in the the abdominal cavity. But, peritoneal mesothelioma does respond well to treatment and has a better outlook than other types of mesothelioma, which tend to spread more quickly.
