Mesothelioma - What is it?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, manifests when the cells that line organs, such as stomachs or lungs expand uncontrollably. The main cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.
People diagnosed with mesothelioma often receive treatment to alleviate symptoms and prolong their lives for as long as possible. Treatment options depend on the stage of mesothelioma and cell type as well as the patient's overall health.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma may cause symptoms like persistent coughing, weight loss, fatigue and chest pain. Based on the site of the cancer and how much it has spread, patients can also experience abdominal pain, difficulty breathing and other symptoms.
The most frequent type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma of the pleural region which affects the lining of the lungs called the pleura. It is typically found in the pleura, however, it may also occur in other organs that have similar linings, such as the heart and stomach.
Asbestos exposure is the leading mesothelioma causing factor. Many of those with this disease were exposed while working to this mineral that is naturally occurring. Stray asbestos fibers can adhere to organ linings when inhaled or consumed. This can lead to abnormal cell growth over time. Tumors may be benign or malignant.
Certain patients with pleural mesothelioma do not have any symptoms in the initial stages of the disease. In these cases, doctors typically detect the disease performing imaging tests, a blood test and a biopsy.
X-rays could reveal lung changes like a thickening of the pleura or fluid buildup in the chest cavity. A doctor may use CT scans (or MRIs) and positron-emission tomography scans (PETs) to detect mesothelioma as well as to determine the extent of the cancer's spread. The results of blood tests can aid doctors in determining if a patient has high levels of proteins linked to mesothelioma. These include fibulin-3. mesothelin-related peptides that are soluble and fibulin-3.
If a doctor suspects that a person has pleural mesothelioma, they may recommend a procedure known as thoracentesis. This is to remove fluid from the lungs. They will also take a sample for further testing. This is a minimally invasive procedure that can ease the chest of pressure and improve the comfort of patients.
Pleurodesis is a permanent treatment that doctors employ for some pleural patients with mesothelioma in order to stop the accumulation of fluid in the lung. This is accomplished by injecting fluid-suppressing drugs like Talc into the pleural space. In more severe cases, the physician might recommend a pleural catheter which is inserted to drain fluid at home on a regular basis.
Diagnosis
A precise mesothelioma diagnosis is the first step to receiving treatment. Doctors employ a variety of methods to determine if a patient has mesothelioma. These include tests for blood, imaging and surgical procedures.
The most common sign of mesothelioma is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). A needle is used to collect a sample of fluid to test. They can also request a CT scan, MRI scan or positron-emission tomography (PET) to determine if the cancer has spread.
Mesothelioma is usually discovered when it has reached the late stages, which means it has spread from the place it originally formed. Doctors have created a new test that can detect mesothelioma long before symptoms begin to manifest. The test is based on the elevated levels of a biomarker referred to as soluble mesothelin-related peptides, which are released by mesothelioma cells.
If mesothelioma is in the later stages, doctors will likely perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. They may also perform lung biopsy, which involves inserting an endoscope equipped with a camera through the mouth. This is done to look for a tumor.
Laparoscopy is a different surgical procedure that can be used to identify mesothelioma. This procedure involves inserting a tube and camera into the stomach through a tiny abdominal incision. The doctor can then collect a tissue sample and relieve any pain caused by peritoneal mesothelioma with the procedure known as cytoreductive surgery using intraperitoneal heated chemotherapy.
A less invasive surgical procedure used to identify mesothelioma is an endoscopic ultrasound, which includes the use of a Thoracoscopic biopsy. This is performed by putting the tube with an ultrasound device at the end into the lungs through the mouth or throat under conscious. This will enable doctors to detect lymph glands that are enlarged and determine if mesothelioma is spreading there. The doctor may also employ a procedure called an endobronchial ultrasound guided needle aspiration to detect mesothelioma within the lung's airways. This involves placing a long, flexible tube with an ultrasound device on the end into your lungs while you breathe in and out.
Treatment
In a majority of cases, mesothelioma treatment can prolong life expectancy. The prognosis will depend on the type of mesothelioma and its stage, as well as the patient's overall health.
Mesothelioma is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. They are then transported to the lungs, where they cause irritation to the pleura, creating cancerous cells. The cancer cells may spread to other parts where they continue to grow. In some cases, the mesothelioma may also cause fluid to build up in the chest.
There are people who experience shortness of breath (dyspnea) and a build-up of fluid around the lungs, which may make breathing difficult or cause pain. Other cases of what is the average settlement for mesothelioma mesothelioma can be unnoticed.
Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because the tumors are similar to other cancers, and doctors aren't always able to detect them. A misdiagnosis could result in more serious complications and give the cancer time to grow and spread.
If mesothelioma has been identified, doctors order tests to confirm a diagnosis. X-rays of the chest CT scans, and MRIs are all used to create detailed images. In addition the biopsy procedure can be performed to test for mesothelioma cells. These cells are then examined under a microscope to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.
The biopsy can show the type of cell that makes up a mesothelioma tumor which will help in determining the treatment strategy. Epithelioid is the most popular mesothelioma. These cells shrink slower and can be treated more quickly. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma grows and spreads more quickly. The sarcomatoid cells are harder to treat than epithelioid cells which could be the reason this type of cancer is more aggressive and has worse outcomes than epithelioid mesothelioma.
A thoracentesis also is a procedure in which an amount of fluid is removed from the area surrounding the lungs to be examined by a doctor. A thoracentesis is a procedure to detect cancerous cells as well as for the accumulation of fluid which could cause difficulty breathing.
In some instances, doctors can remove mesothelioma during surgery and heal the patient. In most cases, surgery can only alleviate some symptoms or reduce the likelihood of cancer for recurrence.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the extent of cancer's spread as well as how the patient is doing. Mesothelioma can affect the lung, chest wall, abdomen or the pericardium (the thin membrane around the heart). Three out of every four cases begin with the lungs. The other types of Mesothelioma are found in the pleura and peritoneum. Mesothelioma is most often found in people who have been exposed to asbestos during their work.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma typically starts with a physical examination and an examination of blood. The doctor will go through the patient's medical records to determine if there are any symptoms or factors that may increase the mesothelioma risk.
A biopsy or imaging scan can be carried out by medical professionals to identify mesothelioma. During a biopsy, doctors remove a small sample of tissue or fluid from the affected area of the body to study it under a microscope for cancerous cells. In an imaging scan doctors can detect cancerous tumors or masses that are located in the chest cavity, abdomen or lungs. They can also determine the thickness of a person's pleura, which is the lung's lining.
The most common symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath (dyspnea), pain in the lungs and a lump on the chest or abdomen, and a fluid accumulation on the lungs or stomach (pleural effusion). Certain symptoms are more severe than others. If mesothelioma is discovered in the lungs, it is more likely it will lead to lung failure. Mesothelioma can be a rare illness and therefore it is essential to get an additional opinion from a mesothelioma specialist before beginning treatment.
Getting the best treatment for mesothelioma can improve a patient's prognosis. Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or Tumor Treating Fields can reduce the size of tumors and enhance the quality of life for patients.
Mesothelioma patients can get support through specialized care teams including counselors, dieticians and other specialists who assist manage symptoms. These specialists can help a patient find a way to remain active and comfortable while living with mesothelioma. Mesothelioma patients can also participate in clinical trials to test new treatments and improve their mesothelioma prognosis.