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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers irritate the tissue that surrounds a lot of your organs. The cancerous cells then grow. The most well-known mesothelioma type affects the lung's lining (pleura). The less common forms affect the lining of the abdomen and the lining around the testicles. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma by examining a sample of fluid or tissue to detect cancerous cells. They may also order blood tests or imaging tests. Symptoms Mesothelioma affects the organ lining in different parts of the body. The symptoms differ based on the site of the tumor, such as in the pleura or peritoneum (lung lining), for the peritoneal and pleural cancers. Unpredictable fatigue, fever and weight loss are typical symptoms. Mesothelioma symptoms could also include pain or difficulty breathing. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma involves a physical examination. Your doctor will inquire about your past exposure to asbestos, as well as any other factors that might increase your risk of mesothelioma. This includes a history of working in an industry where asbestos usage was prevalent, such as construction, shipbuilding or manufacturing. In the majority of cases, mesothelioma is diagnosed through imaging scans of the chest or abdomen. These include X radiations, CT scans (computer tomography) and MRIs (magnetic imaging). These tests give doctors to look the inside of your body, and look for mesothelioma or other masses in the lungs or stomach. X-rays can reveal an increase in the Pleura or a buildup of fluid in the space between your lungs and chest wall, which are common symptoms of mesothelioma of the pleura. They can also detect any abdominal fluid, which is more commonly associated with peritoneal mesothelioma. If a mesothelioma tumor is discovered, your doctor will order an examination. In the procedure, your physician will remove the tissue from the tumor to check for mesothelioma tumor cells. A surgeon will use a needle to perform a surgical procedure to remove the specimen. In the case of pleural asbestosis doctors drain the fluid from the chest cavity by the procedure called pleurodesis. This involves cutting a small incision in the chest or abdomen, and then using a tube to drain fluid. In the final stages of pleural mesothelioma patients may experience breathing difficulties due to the buildup of fluid. Your doctor may try to control the buildup of fluid in your pleura by insertion of an indwelling catheter, or using ultrasound-guided needle aspiration. In rare cases, the cancer can be spread to other areas of the body and cause symptoms like abdominal discomfort, weight loss, and breathing difficulties. These are referred to as metastatic symptoms since they occur in places other than the area of the original tumor. Diagnosis In most instances, doctors will conduct a physical exam to evaluate symptoms such as chest discomfort and coughing. Patients are inquired about exposure to asbestos. They will then order imaging tests in order to check for lung tumors and abdomen. These may include X-rays, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Postron emission Tomography (PET) scans. It is often difficult for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma accurately due to its rarity. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as more common diseases such as bronchitis or pneumonia. This can delay treatment, and spread the disease before it is detected. If doctors discover a mesothelioma tumor, they will need to take an in-person sample of the fluid or tissue for testing. These samples will help determine the nature of the cancer and if it has spread. The biopsy is a method by which doctors can take samples of mesothelioma. lubbock mesothelioma attorney can do this by the removal of a small portion of tissue through surgery or inserting an instrument into the abdomen or chest to drain fluid. The samples will be analyzed to see whether they have cancerous cells. The type of mesothelioma that the doctor detects will help determine the most effective treatment options. Doctors may also recommend tests on the tumor to determine how the tumor functions. These tests can help identify proteins, genes, and other factors unique to a tumor. The doctors will also want to know whether the tumor has been able to spread. This is called staging. This allows them to determine the size of the tumor as well as whether it has gotten larger. The doctor will discuss the results with you once they are all in. You will also receive an estimate of your prognosis. This is based on averages for other mesothelioma sufferers with similar symptoms and stages. They will also explain how the prognosis could change as the tumor grows and shrinks or when other treatments are utilized. Request a second doctor's opinion if you have any concerns. This is an excellent way to make sure you get the best possible treatment. Treatment Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can be only the beginning of a long and difficult road. Treatment options are based on many factors, including the type and degree of mesothelioma (how quickly it grows). Doctors will also consider the patient's age as well as general health and other medical conditions. It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma, since it is a very rare condition. A combination of tests are often used to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis like chest X-rays as well as CT scans. These imaging studies may reveal changes in the linings of the lungs and abdomen, including pleural thickening or fluid buildup. Blood tests are also performed to determine the presence of certain proteins associated with mesothelioma. A biopsy is usually taken when mesothelioma is suspected. A biopsy is performed by inserting a needle in the affected area and then removing some of the tissue to be tested. The sample will be analyzed in a laboratory to determine if the sample contains any cancer cells. Doctors can drain excess fluid from a patient with pleural mesothelioma through the procedure known as thoracentesis. It is also possible to use pleurodesis, a procedure that can help prevent fluid from building up in the future. Pleurodesis involves inserting an incision into the chest to remove fluid. It is often combined with medications to lower the risk that fluid will build up again. Radiation can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy or surgery to treat mesothelioma. Doctors can use traditional photon radiation or an advanced method known as intensity-modulated radiation therapy, which focuses the radiation at different angles to reduce healthy tissue damage. Chemotherapy is a method of killing cancerous cells. It can be used before or after surgery to make the procedure easier. It can also be heated and injecting directly into the abdomen (intraperitoneal chemotherapy) for patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma. Some patients are eligible to participate in clinical trials of new mesothelioma therapies. They are typically conducted in larger medical centers and may provide the most promising results. Mesothelioma may recur, or recur after receiving treatment. The treatment options are based on the area of the recurrence, as well as the treatment options previously used. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma depends on a variety of variables that include the stage and type of cancer, overall health and age. It also depends on how far the mesothelioma spreads and how much treatment will help in controlling symptoms. A doctor will employ a variety of tests to determine a patient's prognosis and this includes imaging tests like a CT scan or an X-ray, blood tests, and biopsy. A biopsy is when doctors collect a small sample from the mesothelioma tumor or mesothelioma and examine it under magnifying glasses to search for cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the lining of tissues surrounding organs of the body, such as the chest lining, abdominal lining, and the tests. It is caused by asbestos exposure. A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be shocking and cause feelings of anger, shock, fear or anxiety. Discussing these emotions with a trusted family member, mesothelioma association or a lawyer is essential. The outlook for mesothelioma patients can be improved if it is identified in its earliest stages. If doctors can remove the tumor, or a significant portion of it, patients stand a better chance of a longer life. Fitness is a different factor. Fitness levels are linked to higher survival rates for mesothelioma patients. The blood chemistry of a person can also play a role in their mesothelioma prognosis. The more normal one's haemoglobin levels, platelet and white blood cells counts are more likely to be a good prognosis. A mesothelioma that has not yet reached a critical stage may be treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery. These treatments can make cancer cells less likely to grow and spread. However, these treatments will not cure cancer. Many mesothelioma patients have outlived their initial prognosis. Some mesothelioma patients have lived for years, or even a decade after their diagnosis. For instance the paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould survived his peritoneal mesothelioma for 20 years. But, he died from cancer that was not related to his mesothelioma.