Mesothelioma - What is it?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that manifests when cells in the organ's lining like stomach, lungs, or heart begin to expand out of control. The main cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma patients often receive treatment to manage their symptoms and prolong their lives. Treatment options vary based on the stage of mesothelioma as well as cell type as well as the patient's overall health.
Signs and symptoms
A person with mesothelioma is likely to experience symptoms such as persistent cough, weight loss, fatigue and chest pain. Patients may also experience abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms based on the site of the cancer as well as how far it has spread.
Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lining lining the lung (pleura). It typically develops in the pleura, but it can also occur in other organs that have similar linings, like the stomach and heart.
Asbestos exposure is a major mesothelioma-related cause. Many of those with this condition were exposed at work to this mineral that occurs naturally. Stray asbestos fibers can adhere to organ linings when inhaled or consumed. This can result in abnormal cell development over time. The tumors that grow as a result of this process can be benign or malignant.
Some people with pleural mesothelioma do not have any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. In these cases doctors typically diagnose the condition using imaging tests, blood work and the procedure of a biopsy.
X-rays can reveal lung changes like an increase in the thickness of the pleura or a buildup of fluid in the chest cavity. Doctors can also utilize CT scans, MRIs and positron emission tomography (PET) scans to test for mesothelioma, and to determine how far the cancer has spread. Blood tests can help doctors determine whether a patient has high levels of certain proteins that are linked to mesothelioma, such as fibulin-3 and soluble mesothelin-related peptides.
If a doctor suspects the patient is suffering from pleural asbestosis, they'll perform a procedure called the thoracentesis. This involves draining fluid from the lungs, and then taking samples to be tested. This is a minimally invasive procedure that can help relieve chest pressure and improve the comfort of patients.
For some patients with pleural mesothelioma doctors may recommend a more permanent solution to prevent the reaccumulation and re-accumulation of fluid in the lungs, which is called pleurodesis. This is done by injecting fluid suppressing drugs like Talc into pleural space. In more serious cases, the doctor may recommend a pleural tube that is implanted to drain fluid at home on a routine basis.
Diagnosis
The first step in obtaining treatment is to receive an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma. Doctors employ multiple methods to determine if a patient suffers from mesothelioma. These include blood tests, imaging tests and surgical procedures.
The most common mesothelioma-related symptom (pleural effusion) is an accumulation of fluid in the lung. To determine this doctors will use an instrument to take a sample of the fluid for testing. They may also order an abdominal CT, MRI or positron emission tomography (PET) scan to see how the cancer has spread.
Most often, mesothelioma can only be detected in its late stages. This means that it has spread beyond the initial location of its development. To help prevent this from happening, doctors have started using a new test that can detect mesothelioma before symptoms show up. This test measures elevated levels of a biomarker called mesothelin related peptides soluble that is released by mesothelioma cancer cells.
If the mesothelioma has reached the later stages, doctors may take a biopsy in order to confirm a diagnosis. They may also perform lung biopsy, which involves inserting an endoscope with a camera into the lungs via the mouth. This is done to look for tumors.
Another procedure that can help detect mesothelioma can be described as a laparoscopy. This procedure involves making a small cut in the abdomen to introduce a tube with a camera into the stomach. The doctor can then collect tissue samples and ease any pain caused by mesothelioma in the peritoneum with the procedure known as cytoreductive surgery combined with intraperitoneal heated therapy.
A less invasive surgical procedure used to identify mesothelioma is an endoscopic ultrasound that includes the use of a Thoracoscopic biopsy. This is accomplished by inserting a tube that features an ultrasound device at its end through the mouth or the throat while under the influence of sedation. This will enable doctors to find lymph glands that are enlarged and determine if mesothelioma is spreading there. The doctor may also perform a procedure called an endobronchial ultrasound-guided needle aspiration in order to check for mesothelioma in airways of the lung. This involves placing a flexible, long tube with an ultrasound device on the end and into your lungs, while you breathe in and out.
Treatment
In a majority of cases, mesothelioma treatment is able to prolong the life expectancy of patients. The prognosis will depend on the type of mesothelioma and stage, as well the overall health of the patient.
The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma. They are then carried to the lungs where they cause irritation to the pleura, which causes cancerous cells to develop. The cancer cells be spread to other areas of the body, where they continue to grow and expand. In some cases, mesothelioma can also result in the accumulation of fluid in the chest (pleural effusion).
Dyspnea, as well as the buildup of fluid around the lungs can lead to breathing problems or pain for some people. Other cases of mesothelioma can be present without symptoms.
The tumors can be difficult to identify, as they look like other cancers. Doctors may not always recognize them. A misdiagnosis could result in more serious complications and permit the cancer to expand.
If mesothelioma has been identified, doctors order tests to confirm a diagnosis. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs are all used to create detailed images. In addition a biopsy may be taken to determine mesothelioma cell. The cells are then examined under a microscope to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.
The biopsy will reveal the type of cells that compose mesothelioma cancer that can be used to determine the best treatment strategy. Epithelioid is the most common mesothelioma. These cells grow slower and can be treated more quickly. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, however, on the other hand, increases and spreads faster. The sarcomatoid mesothelioma cell is more difficult to treat than epithelioid cell, which could explain why this tumor is more invasive than epithelioid.
A thoracentesis can also be a procedure in which an amount of fluid is removed from the area surrounding the lungs to be evaluated by a doctor. The thoracentesis procedure can be used to look for tumor cells or the buildup of fluid that can cause breathing problems.
In a few instances doctors are able to remove the mesothelioma during surgery and cure the patient. In most instances, surgery will only relieve some symptoms or make the cancer less likely to to recur.
Prognosis
The outlook for mesothelioma is based on the extent of cancer's spread and how well a person is doing. Mesothelioma may affect the pericardium, pericardium chest wall or abdomen. Three out of every four cases begin with the lungs. The other types of Mesothelioma can be found in the peritoneum and pleura. Mesothelioma is most what causes mesothelioma often seen in those who have been exposed to asbestos during their work.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma typically begins with a physical exam and the results of a blood test. The doctor will review a patient's medical history to determine if there are any symptoms and other factors that could increase the risk of mesothelioma for example, exposure to asbestos.
Doctors may also do an imaging scan or biopsy to make a mesothelioma diagnosis. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove a small sample of tissue or fluid from the affected area of the body and study under a microscope for cancer cells. In an imaging scan, doctors can see any masses or tumors that are located in the chest cavity or abdomen. They can also determine the thickness of the Pleura, or the lung's lining.
The shortness of breath, the chest pain and swelling of the abdomen or chest are the most frequent symptoms. Certain symptoms are more severe than others. For example, if mesothelioma is diagnosed in the lung it is more likely to lead to lung failure. Mesothelioma can be a rare illness It is therefore essential to seek a second opinion from a mesothelioma expert prior to beginning treatment.
The best treatment for mesothelioma could improve the prognosis of a patient. Treatments like chemotherapy, surgery or radiation, as well as Tumor-Treating Fields, may reduce the size of tumors and improve the quality of life of patients.
Mesothelioma patients can get support from specialized care teams, including dieticians, counselors and other specialists who help manage symptoms. These specialists can also aid a patient with finding ways to live a comfortable life with mesothelioma and stay active. Patients with mesothelioma can also participate in clinical trials that test new treatments and improve the outlook of their disease.