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Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers irritate the tissues that surround many of your organs. The cancerous cells grow. The most well-known type of mesothelioma affects the lung lining (pleura). The less common types affect the abdomen's lining and the lining around the testicles. Doctors diagnose mesothelioma through examining a sample of fluid or tissue to detect cancerous cells. They may also order blood tests and imaging tests. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma can affect the linings of several organs. The symptoms vary based on where the tumor forms in the pleura (lung liner) for pleural mesothelioma and the peritoneum for peritoneal mesothelioma. The general symptoms are fever, unexplained weight loss and fatigue. Other symptoms of mesothelioma include pain and difficulty in breathing. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma involves a physical examination. Your doctor will ask you about any past asbestos exposure and other factors that could increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes your experience in an industry where asbestos usage was widespread, for example manufacturing, shipbuilding or construction. Most mesothelioma cases are diagnosed through imaging scans of the abdomen or chest. These include X radiographs, CT scans (computer tomography) and MRIs (magnetic imaging). These tests allow doctors the opportunity to see the inside of your body, and detect mesothelioma as well as other lung tumors or stomach. X-rays may show the presence of fluid or a thickening in the lung space and the chest wall. These are signs of the pleural cancer. There is also a possibility of fluid in the abdominal cavity, which is most often linked to peritoneal msothelioma. If a mesothelioma mass is discovered the doctor will request a biopsy. During a biopsy your doctor will take a tiny amount of tissue to test for mesothelioma. A surgeon will insert a needle or perform a surgical procedure to extract the specimen. In the case of pleural asbestosis doctors drain the the chest cavity using a procedure known as pleurodesis. This involves making a small cut within the abdomen or chest, and then using tubes to drain the fluid. In the latter stages of pleural mesothelioma patients are often unable to breathe because of the accumulation of fluid. Your doctor might recommend an indwelling needle aspirator or indwelling cathode to try and reduce the amount of fluid that builds up in your pleura. In rare cases mesothelioma may spread to other parts of the body. This can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss and difficulty breathing. These are referred to as metastatic symptoms since they can occur in different places than the site of your original tumor. Diagnosis In most cases, doctors first evaluate symptoms such as coughing and chest pains by performing a physical exam. They also inquire with patients about any previous asbestos exposure. They will then conduct imaging tests to detect tumors on the lungs and abdomen. These tests can include X rays, CT scans or MRIs. It can be challenging for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma correctly due to its rarity. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as common diseases such as bronchitis or pneumonia. This can delay treatment and cause the disease to grow before it is properly diagnosed. Once doctors find a possible mesothelioma-related tumor, they will require an in-person sample of the fluid or tissue for testing. These samples will confirm the nature of the cancer and if it has spread. Doctors can take mesothelioma samples by taking biopsy. This can be accomplished by removing a small amount of tissue by surgery or by inserting a needle in the abdominal or chest region to remove fluid. These samples will be evaluated for cancer cells. The type of mesothelioma the doctor detects will help determine the best treatment options. Doctors may also recommend testing for an area of tumor to better understand how the tumor works. These tests can help identify specific genes, proteins or other factors that are unique to the tumor. The doctors will also want to know whether the tumor has expanded. This is known as staging. This allows them to determine the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other organs. After all test results are in the doctor will go over the results with you. They will also provide you with an estimate of your prognosis. This is based upon the typical mesothelioma patients with similar symptoms and stage. They will then explain how the prognosis may change as the tumor grows shrinks, shrinks, or when other treatments are utilized. Ask for a second doctor's opinion in case you have concerns. This is an excellent method to ensure that you receive the best treatment. Treatment The road to a mesothelioma diagnosis not over once you are diagnosed. Treatment options depend on many factors, including the type and severity of mesothelioma (how quickly it grows). Doctors can also take into consideration the general health of a person and age, as well as other medical conditions. Mesothelioma is a rare condition and can be difficult for healthcare professionals to recognize. A combination of tests, including chest CT scans and X-rays are frequently used to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. These imaging studies can show changes in the lung lining or abdomen, for instance pleural thickening and fluid build-up. Blood tests can also be conducted to look for high levels of certain proteins associated with mesothelioma. A biopsy is usually performed after a mesothelioma is suspected. It involves inserting a needle in the affected area to extract tiny pieces of tissue to test. The sample will be analyzed in a laboratory to determine if it has any cancer cells. If a patient has pleural mesothelioma, doctors can drain the excess fluid with the procedure known as thoracentesis. Patients can also undergo pleurodesis which can help prevent the buildup of fluid in the future. Pleurodesis works by placing a tube in the chest to aid in draining the fluid. It can be combined with medication to reduce the possibility of fluid accumulating again. Radiation therapy can be utilized in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy to treat mesothelioma. Doctors can use either traditional photon radiation or a more advanced technique known as intensity-modulated radiotherapy. This is where the radiation is delivered in different angles to reduce the damage to healthy tissue. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancerous cells. albany mesothelioma law firm can be used before or after surgery to make the procedure easier. It can be heated and injecting directly into the abdomen (intraperitoneal chemotherapy) for patients suffering from mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. Some people are eligible to take part in clinical trials of the latest mesothelioma treatment options. They are usually conducted at larger medical centers and could yield the most promising outcomes. Mesothelioma can recur or come back, even after receiving treatment. The treatment options are based on the site of the recurrence as well as the previous treatments. Prognosis The prognosis for mesothelioma is based on a number of factors, including the type and stage of cancer, overall health, and the age. It is also dependent on the size of the mesothelioma and how well treatment will control the symptoms. A doctor may use a variety of tests to determine the prognosis of a patient and this includes imaging tests such as the CT scan or an X-ray, blood tests or biopsy. A biopsy is when doctors take a small sample from the mesothelioma or tumor and examine it under a magnifying glass to look for cancer cells. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of tissues around organs of the body, such as the abdominal lining, chest lining and testes. It is caused by asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma diagnosis can be shocking and cause feelings of anger, shock, fear or anxiety. It is important to discuss these feelings with a trusted family member, mesothelioma support group or mesothelioma lawyer. Early detection of mesothelioma will improve the prognosis. If doctors are able to remove a tumor or a large portion of it, the patient will have a better chance at a longer lifespan. Fitness is another aspect. The level of fitness is linked to better survival rates for mesothelioma patients. A person's blood chemistry may also play a role in their mesothelioma prognosis. The more normal one's haemoglobin levels, platelet and white blood cell counts are, the better their prognosis. Mesothelioma can be treated if it isn't in an advanced stage. This can be done by radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery. These treatments can make the cancer cells less likely to spread and grow. However, these treatments will not cure cancer. Many mesothelioma survivors have surpassed their initial prognoses. Some have lived for years, or even a decade or more after their mesothelioma diagnosis. Stephen Jay Gould, a paleontologist, survived peritoneal msothelioma 20 years ago. But, he died from cancer that was not connected to his mesothelioma.