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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that affects the linings of organs such as the abdomen and chest, is caused by exposure to asbestos. The majority of the time, exposure to asbestos is the cause, especially for those working in construction or industry. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential to a good prognosis. If mesothelioma can be detected early it is likely to have a better chance of surviving. Causes Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the tissue that surrounds the chest and abdomen. In most cases, mesothelioma that is malignant is found in the lung's lining (the pleura) or the lining of the stomach and intestines (the peritoneum). It can also affect other tissues, such as the tissue that surrounds the heart (pericardial msothelioma) and the testicles. Mesothelioma's most common cause is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is an assortment of minerals that contain thin microscopically-sized fibers. Asbestos was once widely used in a variety of industries, including construction, insulation and shipbuilding. Anyone exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma-related symptoms for up to 40 years after their last exposure to the material. The most common sign is difficulty breathing. This is due to the buildup of fluid within the lung space and chest wall. Doctors can detect mesothelioma by reviewing a patient's medical records and conducting diagnostic tests. They will search for a history of exposure to asbestos, and then examine the patient's X-rays, computed (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A biopsy is used to determine pleural msothelioma. During the test, physicians will take a small portion of tissue from the affected area to study under an microscope. A biopsy can be performed by using two methods one of which is VATS (Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) which is a form of keyhole surgery or a needle that is inserted using the CT scan. The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma are comparable to those of other cancers making it difficult to determine. This is why it's so important to consult a doctor whenever you notice any signs that concern you. When mesothelioma first manifests, it is often at an advanced stage. This means that treatment options are limited. Most patients who have mesothelioma in the lung die from complications of the disease. This includes pneumonia and respiratory failure. Patients with mesothelioma that affects other organs, like pericardial melothelioma or tunica vaginalis may suffer complications that affect the bowel and heart. Symptoms It can be difficult for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma as many of its symptoms are similar to other illnesses or conditions. They may begin by asking patients about their history of exposure to asbestos. They may also request a CT scan or chest Xray to check for any issues with the chest and lungs. The next step is typically a biopsy. Doctors take a small amount of tissue for the purpose of testing mesothelioma. A biopsy will help determine whether or not the cancerous cells are malignant. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs, and the symptoms typically include pain and shortness of breath that get worse with time. These symptoms can also be caused by the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). Other signs of pleural mesothelioma include bloody coughing, abdominal swelling fatigue, weight loss, and breathing difficulties. Peritoneal Mesothelioma which is less common, causes symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain as well as fatigue and fever. It is also less prevalent to find mesothelioma in the tunica vaginalis, that can cause testicular pain and a lump on the scrotum, as well as loss of appetite. The doctor will treat mesothelioma if it has spread to other regions of the body. They will apply an array of treatments and tests. It is possible to use surgery and chemotherapy and radiation therapy as well as immunotherapy to kill mesothelioma cancer cells or keep them from growing. These treatments can be administered in the hospital at home, in a clinic, or through a clinic. A biopsy can assist doctors determine the type of mesothelioma that the patient is suffering from. There are three main mesothelioma types epithelioid (most frequent), the sarcomatoid (second most prevalent) and biphasic. Epithelioid cells are the most prevalent and grow faster than other cancer cells, making them more easily treated. Sarcomatoid cancer is more difficult to treat and can spread rapidly. If you notice any signs, it is important to seek immediate treatment. It is essential to seek treatment immediately if they experience any symptoms. A mistake in diagnosis could stop them from receiving the right treatment and give cancer more time. The odds of someone with mesothelioma living longer is increased when they receive a more aggressive treatment. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a rare cancer which is why it can be difficult to diagnose. It can take a few weeks or even months for doctors to determine the patient has a condition that needs treatment. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when the symptoms began. The doctor may request an imaging scan. These tests will help identify areas of issue in the lungs or chest cavity. The primary test for diagnosing mesothelioma is a biopsy which involves taking a sample of the tumor and studying it under the microscope. The specialist doctor who examines the tumor will be able tell whether it's mesothelioma as well as what kind of mesothelioma it is. There are three types of mesothelioma: epithelioid (sarcomatoid), epithelioid ( (biphasic). The type of the cell is important because it can affect how easy the tumor is to treat. Around 70% of mesothelioma patients have epithelioid cancer cells. Sarcomatoid cells resemble those in fibrous tissue. They are found in the remaining 30 percent of mesothelioma patients. Mixed mesothelioma can be the most dangerous, as it has epithelioid cells as well as sarcomatoid ones. Blood tests can be performed to determine whether the levels of fibulin-3, soluble mesothelin and related propeptides, along with osteopontin, have been elevated. These substances are higher in mesothelioma patients than in the general population. The results of these tests aren't conclusive in either proving or disproving a diagnose. The doctor may also order other tests when mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed to determine how far the cancer has spread and how it affects the patient's health. A lung function test, for example will show how well the lungs function and help doctors decide whether surgery is a possibility. Other tests include an CT scan or MRI. A PET-CT scan is an amalgamation of a CT scan and a positron emission tomography scanner that allows doctors to determine whether cancer has spread. The doctor may also recommend an ultrasound to determine the extent of an accumulation of fluid around the heart. Treatment Mesothelioma patients must find the best treatment that matches their particular diagnosis. Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, as well as immunotherapy. Patients should consult experts from an expert mesothelioma cancer clinic in their local area to receive the best care possible. Doctors can detect Mesothelioma with physical examinations, laboratory tests and imaging scans. Patients may be taken to a specialist for more detailed testing or treatment options, such as a biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small part of tissue that is examined under a microscope. Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the mesothelium which is a layer of protective cells that covers organs in the chest and abdomen. It may spread into the bloodstream, and then travel to other areas of the body that could cause serious complications. In addition to a biopsy, physicians may conduct a CT scan or an MRI of the chest or abdomen. These tests are used to detect signs of mesothelioma, as well as other diseases. They can also demonstrate the impact of the tumor on the surrounding organs. For example mesothelioma which affects the lungs could also affect the heart and intestines. Blood tests can identify an element in blood that can indicate the presence of mesothelioma. However, these tests are not always accurate and they cannot replace mesothelioma-specific biopsy. Mesothelioma can be detected at an early stage and can increase the odds of survival. There are amarillo mesothelioma lawsuit of mesothelioma, based on the type of cells that create. Epithelioid is the most frequent type and responds best to treatment. Biphasic and sarcomatoid mesothelioma are less susceptible to treatment and have a poorer prognosis. The Pleura is a lining that covers the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma can be treated by doctors using either surgery or chemotherapy. This type of mesothelioma can be treated with two distinct procedures: extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), and pleurectomy/pericardiectomy (P/D). Doctors may also opt for hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy, also known as HIOC, to reduce the chance that the cancer will recur after surgery. During HIOC doctors inject cancer-fighting agents directly into the area of surgery. Then, they rock the patient forward and backwards to bathe the site in hot chemotherapy fluids.