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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, a cancerous condition caused by asbestos exposure, is a naturally occurring cancer. The disease usually manifests for decades after the exposure. Doctors treat mesothelioma by using radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. Treatment can help patients live longer. There are three types. The stage and type of cells that make up the tumor affect the prognosis. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the mesothelium thin layer of tissue linings internal organs. It is caused by asbestos, a grouping of fibrous minerals. Asbestos exposure occurs when people swallow or inhale stray asbestos fibers. These asbestos particles adhere to the linings of organs they irritate and cause tumors. Mesothelioma is detected when doctors study these tumors and take an x-ray of the tissue, called biopsy. Mesothelioma is classified based on what kind of cells are present in the tumors. The three types are epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. Epithelial mesothelioma has the highest frequent type and accounts for 50% of all diagnoses. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the cause of 10% of cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelial mesothelioma. Biphasic mesothelioma has a mixture of both epithelial and sarcomatoid cells, and can be found in 30% to 40 percent of all diagnoses. Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, abdominal discomfort and breathing difficulties. These symptoms are similar to symptoms of other illnesses, which is why it is crucial to consult an expert if you are suffering from them. Treatment for mesothelioma might help alleviate symptoms, slow tumor development and help patients to live longer. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Patients can also get palliative care to help reduce discomfort and pain. Doctors continue to study ways to treat mesothelioma, and how it expands. New treatments include immunotherapy which uses your body's immune system to fight cancer. This experimental treatment has proven effective in a number of mesothelioma cases. Patients are also able to participate in clinical trials, which are research studies of new treatments. Mesothelioma patients are typically treated in specialist cancer centers, where they can find doctors with expertise in treating the condition. Diagnosis A mesothelioma diagnosis can be the first step to receive treatment that will prolong your life. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and medical history to determine the type of mesothelioma you have. This information is essential because the three mesothelioma cell types respond differently to treatment. The first test your doctor might suggest is a chest X-ray or CT scan. During fairfield mesothelioma law firm , you will lie on a table as the X-ray machine or CT scan produces a precise image of your chest as well as the surrounding organs. A small dose of a dye, most often iodine is typically administered prior the procedure. The dye makes the tissue in your abdomen and chest lighter, making it easier to observe. During this time, you could be asked to take an exercise to test your breathing. If these tests show a possible tumor or mass that is cancerous, your doctor may decide to take the procedure of a biopsy. A biopsy is the process of removing samples from the tumor or mass, either by surgery or by inserting a needle into the region. The sample is then examined under a microscope for mesothelioma. Our specialists can use ultrasound to find lymph nodes that are swelling, which could be mesothelioma. This procedure is referred to as endobronchial ultrasonography-guided needle biopsy or EBNA. It is performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you can return home the same day. A mesothelioma doctor will also be required to determine the mesothelioma's stage. The stages are determined based on how far the cancer has spread, and what kind of mesothelioma type you have. A precise diagnosis from a mesothelioma expert is the best way to ensure that you get the right treatment. Treatment The treatment plan for mesothelioma patients is based on how far the disease has progressed and their overall health. Patients with mesothelioma typically receive multimodal treatment, which can include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The first step to treat mesothelioma is getting a physical examination and telling the doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos. Doctors will also order images and blood tests to detect mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses. These include CT (computerized Tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic-resonance imaging) scans FDG-PET scans (fluorodeoxyglucose positron emissions tomography) and mediastinoscopy. Most pleural cases of mesothelioma can be treated surgically. A patient can undergo a minimally-invasive procedure referred to as video-assisted needle biopsy, or CT-guided thoracoscopic systolic surgical. Both surgeries can reduce symptoms and improve the lifespan of patients. Chemotherapy is a treatment that utilizes drugs to kill cancerous cells and stop them from growing. It is standard mesothelioma treatment and can extend the duration of survival. It is available as an intravenous drip (IV) or pill form. Radiation is another mesothelioma treatment which can kill cancerous cells and shrink tumors. It is used to treat pleural tumors at different stages, as well as to ease pain and prolong the lives of patients. In the late stages of mesothelioma therapy, doctors concentrate on reducing symptoms to prolong the lifespan of patients as long as is possible. Palliative treatment is the name for this type of treatment. While the mesothelioma-related survival rate is low however, there are many who have survived. For example paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould, who was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 1982, remained alive for 20 years before he died from complications of another illness. Symptoms Mesothelioma can trigger symptoms for months or even years before an official diagnosis is made. Early symptoms could be misinterpreted as other illnesses or ignored. If you experience any of these symptoms it is crucial to see your doctor immediately. The organs in your body are surrounded by a layer called the mesothelium. This layer stops them from coming into contact. Mesothelioma can be described as a cancer that targets mesothelium, the cell that line your organs. The lining of your lungs is the most common area where mesothelioma first appears. However, it could also develop in your heart (pericardium) and abdomen (peritoneum), or the skin around your testicles (tunica vulginalis). The first signs of mesothelioma may include fatigue, chest pain, and breathlessness. Mesothelioma may also cause fluid accumulation in the lungs or chest wall which can cause an effusion in the pleura. Pleural effusions can place pressure on the lungs causing coughing and difficulty breathing. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma following a thorough medical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. They may order chest X-rays to determine if there are any abnormalities, like thickening of the lung's lining, or fluid buildup on the chest wall. They can also request an MRI, CT scan or PET scan to take more detailed pictures of your lung or other tissues of your body. They can also use ultrasound-guided needles for draining fluid from the pleura and peritoneum. A biopsy will reveal what type of mesothelioma cells are making up the tumor and the way they grow. This can help doctors determine the best treatment options. The three main mesothelioma types are surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Prevention Mesothelioma is not preventable, however you can reduce the chance of developing it by avoiding people who are exposed to asbestos and avoiding the area. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung cancer and other illnesses that affect the lining of certain organs. There are several types of mesothelioma. Some are more serious than others. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more manageable. Asbestos is a class of minerals that have thin micro-sized fibers. It was utilized in industrial and construction equipment by companies who were not aware of the dangers. Blue-collar workers and veterans were especially exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is known to be a risk and you shouldn't be living in an old factory or work there. If you have a history of exposure to asbestos or asbestos-related diseases, speak with your doctor about getting regular screening. X-rays, CT or MRI scanners will reveal any issues in your abdomen or lungs. A biopsy can also reveal cancer in the chest or stomach. Doctors can then examine the tissue sample from the area to determine if you have mesothelioma. You may have pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of your lungs. Other kinds include peritoneal mysothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma or testicular mesothelioma. After asbestos exposure It can take a number of years before mesothelioma begins to develop. Even if it does, it can be difficult to recognize. It is often mistakenly diagnosed with other conditions or illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or lung cancer. This could hinder you from receiving the appropriate treatment. Researchers are working on improving the diagnosis and developing tests to detect mesothelioma sooner. This could lead to better treatments and a greater chance of survival. Genetic tests are used to determine the people most likely to develop the disease.