The 10 Most Popular Pinterest Profiles To Keep Track Of About Mesothelioma What Is It Mesothelioma - What is it?    Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, occurs when cells lining organs such as the stomach or lungs, grow uncontrollably. The primary cause is exposure to asbestos.    Mesothelioma patients are often treated to treat their symptoms and extend their lives. Treatment options depend on the stage of mesothelioma and cell type as well as the overall health of the patient.    Symptoms    Mesothelioma can cause symptoms like constant coughing and weight loss, fatigue and chest pain. Patients may also experience abdominal pain as well as breathing difficulties, among other symptoms based on the area of the cancer and the extent to which it has spread.    Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). It is most often found in the pleura, but can also occur in other organs with similar linings, like the stomach and the heart.    Asbestos exposure is a major cause of mesothelioma. Many patients with this condition were exposed at work to this mineral that occurs naturally. The asbestos fibers that are inhaled or ingested may stick to organ linings, and, in time, cause abnormal cell growth. The tumors that develop as a result of this process can be benign or malignant.    In the early stages there are instances when people suffering from asbestosis pleural don't show any symptoms. In these cases doctors typically diagnose the condition with imaging tests, blood work and the procedure of a biopsy.    X-rays may show lung changes, such as a thickening of the pleura, or a buildup of fluid in the chest cavity. A doctor can also use CT scans, MRIs and positron emission tomography (PET) scans to look for mesothelioma and assess the extent to which the cancer has spread. Blood tests can help doctors see whether a patient has high levels of certain proteins related to mesothelioma, such as fibulin-3 as well as soluble mesothelin-related protein.    If a doctor suspects a patient has pleural mesothelioma they will use a procedure called thoracentesis to drain fluid from around the lungs and take an x-ray for further analysis. This minimally invasive procedure is able to alleviate pressure on the chest, and increase comfort.      For some patients with pleural mesothelioma doctors may recommend a longer-lasting solution to stop the reaccumulation of lungs-related fluid, which is called pleurodesis. This is achieved by injecting fluid suppressing drugs, such as Talc, into the pleural space. In more severe cases, the physician might recommend a pleural catheter that is implanted to drain fluid at home on a regular schedule.    Diagnosis    A precise mesothelioma diagnosis is the first step towards receiving treatment. Doctors use multiple methods to determine if a patient has mesothelioma, including tests for blood, imaging and surgical procedures.    The most frequent mesothelioma symptom is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). what does mesothelioma mean is used to take a sample of fluid to be tested. They may also order a CT scan, MRI scan or positron-emission tomography (PET) to determine if the cancer has spread.    Mesothelioma is typically discovered when it has reached the late stages, which means it has spread beyond the area where it first began. To help prevent this from happening, doctors have begun using a new test that can detect mesothelioma before symptoms show up. The test looks for high levels of a biomarker referred to as soluble mesothelin-related Peptides, which is released by mesothelioma cells.    If mesothelioma is present in its final stages, doctors may perform a biopsy for confirmation. They can also perform a lung biopsy that involves inserting an endoscope with a camera into the lungs through the mouth. This is to check for a tumor.    Another surgical procedure that helps detect mesothelioma can be described as a laparoscopy. This procedure involves inserting a tube with camera into the stomach through a tiny abdominal incision. The doctor will then collect the tissue sample and relieve any discomfort caused by peritoneal mesothelioma with a procedure known as cytoreductive surgical by using intraperitoneal heated chemotherapy.    Endoscopic ultrasound combined with a thoracoscopic biopsies is a less-invasive method to identify mesothelioma. This is done by inserting a tube with an ultrasound device on the end into the lungs through the mouth or throat while under sedation. This helps doctors discover lymph nodes that are enlarged and determine whether mesothelioma has spread into these areas. A doctor can also conduct an endobronchial ultrasonography-guided needle biopsy to test for mesothelioma. This involves inserting a flexible tube with an ultrasonic device on the end into your lungs while you breathe in.    Treatment    In many instances mesothelioma treatment can prolong the life expectancy of patients. However the prognosis will depend on the type of mesothelioma, stage and general health of the patient.    Inhaling asbestos fibers causes mesothelioma. They are then transported to the lungs where they cause irritation to the pleura causing cancerous cells to form. The cancer cells later spread to other parts of the body, where they continue to grow and expand. In some instances, the mesothelioma may also cause fluid to build up in the chest.    Some sufferers feel breathless (dyspnea) and a build-up of fluid around the lungs, which can make breathing difficult or cause pain. In other instances, mesothelioma may be present with no symptoms.    The tumors can be difficult to identify because they appear similar to other cancers. Doctors aren't always able to detect them. Misdiagnosis can cause more serious complications and give the cancer time to grow and spread.    If mesothelioma is suspected, doctors will order tests to confirm a diagnosis. X-rays of the chest CT scans, and MRIs are all used to create precise images. A biopsy can also be done to detect mesothelioma. The cells are then examined with a microscope to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma.    The biopsy will reveal which cell type makes mesothelioma tumors, which can help determine the best treatment plan. Epithelioid mesothelioma has the highest rate of common, and these types of cells tend to shrink slower and are less difficult to treat. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma grows and spreads faster. Sarcomatoid cells are more difficult to treat than epithelioid, which may be the reason why this tumor is more invasive than epithelioid.    A thoracentesis can also be an operation in which an amount of fluid is taken from the region surrounding the lungs to be evaluated by a doctor. A thoracentesis procedure is used to detect the presence of cancerous cells or accumulation of fluid that could cause breathing issues.    In some instances, doctors can remove mesothelioma during surgery and heal the patient. In most cases, surgery can only relieve some symptoms or reduce the likelihood of cancer recur.    Prognosis    The prognosis for mesothelioma varies on the extent of the cancer's spread as well as how a person is doing. Mesothelioma can affect the lungs, chest wall abdomen, chest wall or the pericardium (the thin membrane surrounding the heart). Three out of four cases begin with the lungs. Other types of mesothelioma occur in the peritoneum or the pleura. Mesothelioma is most often seen in those who were exposed to asbestos while at work.    A physical examination and blood tests are typically the first steps to determine if you have mesothelioma. The doctor will go over a patient's medical history to look for signs and possible factors that raise the risk of mesothelioma such as past exposure to asbestos.    A biopsy or an imaging scan is performed by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a biopsy procedure, doctors remove a small sample of fluid or tissue from the affected part of the body to study it under a microscope to look for cancerous cells. During an imaging scan doctors can spot any mass or tumors in the chest cavity or abdomen. They can also determine the thickness of the Pleura, or the lining of the lungs.    A shortness of breath, pain in the lungs and swelling of the abdomen or chest are the most frequently reported symptoms. Certain symptoms are more severe than others. For example when mesothelioma has been diagnosed in the lungs, it is more likely to lead to lung failure. It is important to get a second opinion before beginning treatment. Mesothelioma is a rare condition.    The most effective treatment for mesothelioma can improve the patient's chances of survival. Treatments such as surgery chemotherapy and radiation, or Tumor Treatment Fields can reduce the number of tumors and improve the quality of life of a patient.    Patients with mesothelioma receive assistance from specially-trained teams of medical care, including counselors and dieticians who assist patients to manage symptoms. These specialists can also aid patients in finding a way to live with mesothelioma and remain active. Patients with mesothelioma are able to take part in clinical trials that test new treatments and improve the prognosis for their disease.