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Mesothelioma Symptoms and Treatment When mesothelioma first becomes apparent doctors request scans of the body to detect any cancerous growths on the abdomen or chest. Mesothelioma symptoms may be mistaken for other diseases such as lung cancer or pneumonia. A biopsy is performed by the doctor to identify mesothelioma. There are three mesothelioma cells including epithelial and sarcomatoid. They are also biphasic. Each type responds to treatment differently and has a distinct impact on the length of life. Diagnosis If mesothelioma has been identified, doctors will run several tests to confirm the diagnosis. These include a chest X-ray, CT scans and biopsies. The X-ray reveals a build-up of fluid on one side of the chest. This is called pleural effusion and is often the first indication of mesothelioma. The X-rays aren't always the most reliable method for diagnosis. The next step is the chest CT scan, which will give you a an image of your lungs and other organs. A doctor can inject you with a dye that highlights regions of potential cancer. During the CT scanner, you'll be lying on a bed and passing through a doughnut-shaped scanner. The procedure is only some minutes and isn't too uncomfortable for those who suffer from claustrophobia. In certain instances the doctor may also conduct an MRI. The scans produce high-quality pictures made of radio waves and powerful magnetic fields. An MRI can be used to determine if there is mesothelioma of the diaphragm and identify its stage. Some patients will also undergo a PET scan. You will be given a radioactive color during this test. Cancer cells absorb the dye in greater quantities than healthy cells, and thus appear brighter on the images. A biopsy is the final test to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A doctor will take a small sample of the lining that is affected, that will then be examined under a microscope to see if cancer cells are present. This can be done under local anaesthesia and by using a CT scan or needle. If the biopsy confirms mesothelioma your doctor will use the results of other tests to determine the stage. This stage describes the extent of the mesothelioma, and what treatment is most suitable for you. Learn more about staging by reading the section in this guide titled Staging. Treatment There are many options for treatment for mesothelioma. Some may improve quality of life and extend life for a longer amount of time than others. Mesothelioma patients must discuss their goals with their medical team to determine the most effective strategy. Surgery is a method to treat mesothelioma. Surgeons try to remove any cancerous tissue during this operation. However when mesothelioma is at an advanced stage, it's unlikely surgeons will be able completely eliminate the tumor. However, surgeons can reduce the symptoms. The most commonly-used mesothelioma type is found in the lining around the lungs. In rare instances there is a possibility that a person develops mesothelioma that is located in the membrane around the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). In rare instances it is possible to suffer from mesothelioma that affects the testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is treated by radiation and chemotherapy. These treatments are typically delivered in mesothelioma clinics that are specialized by experienced mesothelioma specialists. Chemotherapy is a method of killing mesothelioma cancer cells and inhibit their growth. The drug combination of pemetrexed and cisplatin is the standard first-line treatment option for pleural mesothelioma. Radiation therapy employs high-energy beams to destroy cancerous cells. This procedure is usually utilized in conjunction with other mesothelioma treatments like surgery or chemotherapy. This treatment may also be used for any microscopic mesothelioma left by surgeons following surgery. These treatments can have numerous adverse consequences for patients suffering from mesothelioma. These include nausea, fatigue and hair loss. A mesothelioma expert can help patients select the right medication for their requirements. They can also suggest different ways to enhance the quality of life of patients. These include regular Pleural fluid drainage to help ease breathing, or powerful painkillers. Patients should ensure their medical team knows about any other medications they are taking such as supplements, herbs or prescription drugs. This will help avoid any potentially hazardous interactions between these drugs. Prognosis Mesothelioma, also referred to as mesothelioma in the pleural area is a cancerous tumour that affects the membrane that lines the internal cavities of our bodies like the chest cavity and abdomen. When a person has mesothelioma malignant cells can form in the mesothelium, which may be spread to other parts of the body. They can also cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. A specialist doctor's diagnosis of mesothelioma is crucial since it is the initial step in receiving treatment. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed in different ways, such as physical examination, laboratory tests and the procedure of a biopsy. A biopsy is a tiny sample taken from the tumor or mass to determine if mesothelioma is present. A misdiagnosis of mesothelioma can be dangerous, as it can delay treatment or make it more difficult to predict the outcome. Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to detect, as the symptoms can mimic lung cancer or common ailments like pneumonia or bronchitis. Because of this, mesothelioma is frequently mistakenly interpreted as a respiratory illness. The prognosis for mesothelioma can vary depending on the type and severity of mesothelioma as well as the patient's age and general health history. There is no cure for mesothelioma, however, the cancer can be controlled through chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. Palliative treatment can be offered to patients to manage symptoms like fatigue, pain, and other symptoms. The mesothelioma staging stage of a patient refers to how the disease has progressed and how much has already spread to other parts of the body. The doctor will employ his or his best judgment when determining the stage, taking into consideration the symptoms and the rate of growth of the cancer. The rate of survival for mesothelioma varies based on the stage and type, as well as the location of the cancer. Patients diagnosed with less common types of mesothelioma have poorer prognosis. Patients with peritoneal cancer, for instance has a higher probability of surviving longer due to the fact that it is more likely to develop in the abdomen than pleural mesothelioma grows in the chest. In addition, patients with a high tolerance for treatment could live longer than patients with less tolerance. For instance, some individuals who suffer from peritoneal mesothelioma have experienced successful results with the combination of surgical removal, chemotherapy and radiation. Signs and symptoms Asbestos fibers can create tumors in organs when taken inhaled or swallowed. Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lungs. However it can also manifest in the chest, abdomen and testicles in men. The symptoms of mesothelioma are usually not likely to show up until about 40 to 50 years after exposure. The first step in determining mesothelioma begins with taking a history of asbestos exposure. Your doctor will perform an examination and review your symptoms. A chest X-ray may reveal abnormal thickening of the pleura and fluid in the space between the lung and the chest wall. A lung CT scan can be utilized to check for mesothelioma and other cancers of the lungs. Blood tests can be conducted to check how your liver and kidneys are functioning. The doctor could require an chest MRI or a PET scan, to check for any other potential cancers or mesothelioma of the lungs, or chest wall. If it is determined that a biopsy is required, doctors will remove it surgically or by inserting a needle in the chest wall under local anesthesia. The doctor will then examine the area under an magnifying glass to determine if it is malignant mesothelioma, or a different kind of cancer. The results of the tests will assist doctors in determining the extent of the mesothelioma cancer following a mesothelioma. They will assign mesothelioma a staging number that is helpful in planning your treatment. Benign mesotheliomas do not cause cancer and will not grow back in the event that they are removed completely surgically. elk grove mesothelioma lawyer form in the abdominal lining of the pleura. Because it affects the heart, mesothelioma which develops in the pericardium may be more difficult to treat. It can also recur following surgery. Mesothelioma is also able to spread to other body parts, like the bones or lymph nodes located outside the abdomen and chest. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to those of other, less serious conditions. This can make it difficult to identify. This could lead to a mistaken diagnosis, which can delay treatment. A delay could lead to more complications and decrease the chance of surviving.