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Mesothelioma Cases
People diagnosed with mesothelioma should consult an expert. Doctors can offer a variety of treatment options based on the location and extent of the cancer.
Women and men who have worked with asbestos are most likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes asbestos workers, miners, railroad, auto repair and shipyard workers.
Diagnosis
A series of tests are necessary to determine if you have mesothelioma. Doctors review your medical history and conduct physical examinations to check for signs. They also run imaging tests and blood tests to determine mesothelioma. The only method to detect mesothelioma is by an in-person biopsy of the tissue, but it's not always the first test that doctors do.
mesothelioma attorney is most prevalent in the pleura, or lung lining, and chest cavity. The most frequently reported symptom of pleural mesothelioma is fluid buildup in the chest cavity, referred to as pleural effusion. It can be observed in a chest CT scan or X-ray. It also helps doctors determine the best location to biopsy.
For a mesothelioma biopsy, doctors can use the use of a needle or surgical procedure to remove a small portion of the affected tissues. The biopsy is examined under a microscope to determine if the cells present in the sample are cancerous. Mesothelioma can be classified into three types based on how the cells appear under microscopes: epithelioid sarcomatoid, and mixed (biphasic) mesothelioma.
Depending on the type of mesothelioma and your symptoms, doctors might suggest a variety of scans or blood tests. A complete blood count (CBC) which measures red and white blood cell counts and platelets, is a valuable test. It can help doctors detect mesothelioma signs, for example, increased levels of an enzyme known as Lactate Dehydrogenase.
An echocardiogram is a special kind of ultrasound that shows how the heart functions. This can be used to diagnose pericardial msothelioma which affects the lining of the heart.
A chest CT scan is a painless, non-invasive scan that utilizes x-rays as well as a computer to create a picture of your lungs and the tissues surrounding them. It can aid doctors in identifying mesothelioma tumors and determine the thickness of tissues.
To diagnose pleural mesothelioma, lung function or pulmonary function test may be required to determine the efficiency of the lungs. A flexible tube referred to as a "bronchoscope" is inserted into the throat or mouth and then down the airway. The bronchoscope has a camera on the end and connects to a huge screen so doctors can view the lungs and the surrounding areas. The test takes between 30 minutes and 60 minutes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on the location and kind of cancer it is. The majority of mesothelioma cases have pleural origins, meaning they develop in the lining surrounding the lungs (pleura). About 10% of mesothelioma cases are peritoneal and originate in the lining of the abdomen. Both mesothelioma types can cause fatigue, chest pain, abdominal or chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
Mesothelioma is a rare condition and many doctors may not be familiar with its signs and symptoms. Patients must bring a complete list of symptoms to every appointment and inform the doctor of any history of exposure to asbestos. This will ensure that the patient gets a prompt diagnosis and treatment.
A doctor will typically begin a mesothelioma diagnosis by asking about asbestos exposure in the past and performing a physical exam. A chest X-ray or CT scan is ordered to determine if mesothelioma is present and other problems in the lungs or chest wall. A blood test will also be ordered to determine the presence of certain antibodies that indicate mesothelioma or asbestos exposure.
After mesothelioma is diagnosed, a biopsy will be performed to examine tissue under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy can be carried out using VATS surgery, a minimally invasive procedure, or by an CT-guided needle aspiration.
Pleural mesothelioma symptoms usually manifest as breathing difficulties chest or back pain, and dry cough. These symptoms are often misinterpreted as flu, bronchitis or pneumonia. In addition mesothelioma patients may feel constipated, bloated and an unproven loss of weight. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling of the abdomen and a feeling of fullness or an obstruction in the stomach. Other symptoms that may be experienced include an appetite loss, fever and fatigue. Mesothelioma can cause severe symptoms and even death, particularly if it is at an advanced stage. It is essential to receive a quick mesothelioma diagnosis, and to begin treatment as soon as possible. Contact a mesothelioma expert if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Treatment
Treatment options for mesothelioma are dependent on the type and stage of cancer. Patients should select mesothelioma specialists who are familiarized with the disease and who can discuss their treatment goals. This is referred to as shared decision-making.
Chest X-rays are usually the first imaging test the doctor of a patient orders. They can reveal changes in the lung lining, such as thickening or the build-up of fluid. They may also show if the mesothelioma cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Other tests include a CT, MRI, and PET (positron-emission tomography). Tests for blood can also identify the presence of certain chemicals that are linked to mesothelioma.
If mesothelioma is diagnosed, doctors will recommend an invasive biopsy. A small portion of the lining is taken to be examined under a microscope. Doctors can take the tissue sample with VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) it is a kind of keyhole surgery, or by using CT-guided core biopsies, which involves a needle guided by images taken from the CT scan. A biopsy can identify the type of mesothelioma cell and will affect how the cancer responds treatments. Epithelioid cells of mesothelioma respond better to treatment than mixed or sarcomatoid cell types.
The most popular treatments for mesothelioma include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. They can increase the patient's life expectancy by 30-40%. In certain cases, doctors may recommend immunotherapy. These medications stimulate the immune system of the patient to fight cancer. These drugs can be combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery.
Mesothelioma patients should consider joining a clinical trial, as this can result in more effective and experimental treatments. Researchers conduct these trials to discover new ways to treat the disease and improve the quality of life for patients.
For those with advanced mesothelioma, the goal of treatment is to minimize symptoms and keep them under control. These symptoms can include pain, breathlessness and swelling. Breathing problems can be alleviated through surgical procedures, such as drainage of the pleura. The TTFields home treatment that may be recommended for people who are unable to undergo surgery.
Prognosis
When doctors determine the stage of someone's mesothelioma, they are able to make better treatment plans. The prognosis depends on the nature and location of the cancer, what part of the body it affects, and the general condition of a patient's health. Patients with mesothelioma that is more advanced could live less than a year after diagnosis, however treatments can prolong the duration of their lives.
Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers that are sharp and loose cause irritation to the lining of the abdomen or lungs. It can form as a single tumor or spread to other tissues as it grows. In advanced stages, mesothelioma may cause fluid buildup in the stomach or chest cavity, leading to a cough or other respiratory problems, and abdominal pain, swelling and weight loss.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma with a combination procedures and tests. They may perform a physical exam, take samples of mesothelioma cancer for testing and review a person's medical history. Mesothelioma patients typically have a history of asbestos exposure which is a significant risk factor for the disease.
The most accurate way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is through a biopsy, which takes tissue or fluid from a mesothelioma to examine it for malignant cells. Doctors examine blood samples to determine if mesothelioma contains various types of cancerous cells. The most frequent cells are epithelioid, which respond well to treatment. Sarcomatoid cell, which show up in fewer cases, are more difficult to treat.
If you are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma doctors may treat the buildup of fluid in the chest cavity using an operation known as pleurodesis. This involves the use of a chemical to scar the lung lining and stop the accumulation of fluid. They can also drain the fluid using a tube in the chest.
Doctors are unable to accurately predict the prognosis of patients with peritoneal cancer because this type of cancer is found on the lining of the abdomen. The prognosis for peritoneal cancer is better than other types because it responds to treatment well and spreads less quickly.