Mesothelioma Mesothelioma affects the organ linings throughout the body. It is most prevalent in the lung (pleural mesothelioma), but also occurs in the peritoneum and testis. Workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace such as milling, shipbuilding, smelting, construction and power plants are at risk for mesothelioma. Early detection could improve the chance of survival. Symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on where the cancer is located and the type. Mesothelioma is most often found in the tissue (pleura) of the lungs. It can also develop in the peritoneum, the layer that covers the organs of stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma), and around the testicles. Early mesothelioma may have mild symptoms that are often misdiagnosed as other illnesses. Because of this, mesothelioma is susceptible to being diagnosed late. Mesothelioma can develop between 20 and 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The cancer does not usually manifest until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. Mesothelioma patients have a higher risk than the average of developing another type of cancer. Mesothelioma can also cause pain, fatigue and breathlessness. Palliative treatment can improve the quality of life of patients and help control their symptoms. If someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma the doctor will need to conduct tests to find out how the cancer is impacting them and how far it has spread. This could include a physical examination and blood tests as well as imaging tests such as chest CT scan or an X-ray. The doctor could also perform biopsy, which entails removing a small piece of tissue to examine under a microscope. If mesothelioma is discovered the treatment strategy will depend on where the tumour is and whether it has spread. If the mesothelioma is spreading to the pleura, for example doctors might opt for a pleurodesis surgery to stop the accumulation of fluid. During this surgery doctors inject a sterile solution of talcum powder into the pleural cavity. This causes swelling, which is able to close the space, preventing fluid from accumulating in the future. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, is found in the thin layer that surrounds many internal organs. The cancer develops in mesothelium cells. A person who has mesothelioma that is malignant will have cancerous cells that expand into and destroy surrounding tissues. Cancer cells can be spread to other parts of the human body via the bloodstream. This is referred to as metastasis. Diagnosis It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory ailments. Oncologists and primary care physicians who do not specialize in mesothelioma are often mistakenly identifying the disease as a less severe illness or another type of cancer. Mesothelioma specialists use a combination of tests to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays or CT scans are helpful in identifying mesothelioma tumors in the abdominal cavity or lungs. These diagnostic tools let doctors examine the tissue from various angles and find the right areas to biopsy. They can also request an MRI that makes use of a magnetic field and radio waves to produce high-resolution images of your bone and body tissues. Doctors may also order a chest MRI to determine if mesothelioma has spread from the pleural cavity to other areas of the chest wall or diaphragm. The peritoneum has two layers that line the surfaces of organs such as the liver, bowel and ovaries. When a person has mesothelioma peritoneal, the excess fluid collects in the space between these two layers. This fluid is called the ascites, and it can cause weight loss, fatigue and trouble breathing. One could undergo an intervention to stop the flow of this fluid or they can have a tube placed into their abdomen to allow doctors can remove the fluid at home. To obtain a sample a fine needle aspiration can be performed. A thin, flexible tube fitted with an ultrasound device is inserted into the mouth or down the throat by a physician. They inject sedation and employ the device to look at the airways' lining and locate any enlarged lymph nodes. A doctor then inserts a needle through the bronchoscope and into the lymph node with an enlarged size to collect a sample. Mesothelioma cells can be used to determine mesothelioma through a pathologist who examines the cells under microscope. Under the microscope, mesothelioma appears like other cancers. The pathologist will also use other laboratory tests to check for mesothelioma in the biopsies. Other tests include a test to measure levels of Soluble Mesothelin Related Peptides (SMRP) which are elevated in mesothelioma patients. Treatment If a patient has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, they will be directed to a specialist team for further testing and treatment. The cancer is often discovered in an advanced stage. The type of mesothelioma and whether or it has spread will determine the best treatment options available. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of certain organs. The tumours develop when cancer cells multiply uncontrollably and then become abnormal. In some cases, tumours may spread from their original location to invade other parts of the body. These secondary tumours are referred to as metastases. Treatment options vary depending on the type and stage of mesothelioma, as well as a person's overall health and age. Mesothelioma is treated surgically or non-surgically. Surgery is the most commonly used treatment. In most instances, surgeons remove fluids from the lung's liner (pleura) to improve breathing and relieve pain in the chest. The team may prescribe powerful painkillers in order to manage symptoms. If a patient is suitable for VATS or open surgery an indwelling drain for the pleural is a possibility to be cleaned 1-2 times per week, depending on the speed at which the fluid is accumulating. Certain patients may also be treated with palliative care in order to alleviate symptoms, such as pain, fatigue and difficulty sleeping. To make a diagnosis the doctor will inquire about the family history of asbestos or mesothelioma. This is because those who have a family history of asbestos exposure are more likely to contract the disease themselves. A doctor will conduct a physical exam and take imaging tests, such as X rays or CT scans to examine the abdomen and lungs. These will show any lumps and inflammation, and aid doctors in deciding the best biopsy procedure. A biopsy is a specimen of tissue that is sent to a laboratory for analysis. There are three major types of mesothelioma: epithelial, biphasic or sarcomatoid. Epidermal mesothelioma cells are the most common and grow and spread faster. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cell lines do not develop as quickly and are less invasive. Biphasic Mesothelioma consists of a mixture between epithelial cells and sarcomatoid. The goal of mesothelioma research is to find more effective ways to detect the disease earlier. One possibility is to use an in-blood test to determine mesothelioma-related markers. Prognosis If diagnosed with a serious illness patients naturally have the desire to know "how how long will I have to live?" This is not an easy question for doctors to answer as every case is unique and varies based on a variety of factors. The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the severity of the cancer, the treatment plan used, and whether the cancer has spread to other regions of your body. Doctors employ a variety of tools to determine the stage of mesothelioma including x-rays CT scans, and laboratory tests. They will also consider the general health of the patient as well as age when making a prediction about mesothelioma prognosis. Younger patients are generally healthier and are better able to endure more intense treatments like surgery, which can improve their mesothelioma outlook. The type of cells in the mesothelioma can also affect the prognosis of a patient. Epithelioid cells of mesothelioma has an improved prognosis than biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells. If a pleural mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage, doctors will likely suggest surgical removal of the affected lung or chest wall. This procedure is called extrapleural pneumonectomy. In certain instances, doctors may use an alternative surgical method known as pleurectomy or even talc pleurectomy. This procedure involves the elimination of the pleura, as well as the surrounding tissues. Doctors will use the system to identify cancer in patients suffering from peritoneal mesthelioma. The lower the PCI score more favorable the mesothelioma prognosis. Mesothelioma patients that undergo a combination of chemotherapy and surgical removal have the highest chances of living longer than those who undergo the standard treatment by itself. Many patients have exceeded their doctor's expectations and become long-term survivors. If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos, it's crucial to consult a mesothelioma specialist to get the most precise diagnosis and treatment plan. Mayo Clinic specialists have years of experience in treating this rare disease. They can assist you to discover the possibilities that are available to you. To start, schedule an appointment online or by calling 1-800-689-5799.