Mesothelioma Asbestosis
People who have been exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma. It may begin in the layers of tissue that surround the lung (pleural mesothelioma) or in the tissue that covers organs in the tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Mesothelioma isn't easy to diagnose, because its symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases. Doctors use tests such as CT scans, FDG-PET and a biopsy to make the diagnosis.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma starts in the lining of the lung (pleura) or the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). It can cause pain when it grows and presses on nerves or organs. Symptoms may include chest pain, breathing problems or fluid build-up. It can also lead to weight gain or a fever. It can be difficult to identify because the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma is present, they may order imaging tests or a biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small sample of tissue or fluid from the tumor to check for cancer cells. A biopsy is usually done by surgery, but doctors may employ a needle instead of surgical instruments. If the biopsy shows mesothelioma the doctor will discuss the treatment options.
Certain types of mesothelioma can be treated more easily than others. Epithelioid cancer patients have a better chance of success because the cancer cells are less aggressive and are easier for surgeons to remove. Other types of mesothelioma, such as mixed or sarcomatoid have a more aggressive behavior and are more likely to spread rapidly. The mesothelioma of these types has lower survival rates.
The majority of people suffering from pleural mesothelioma have lung symptoms, including breathlessness and chest pain. They might also develop a chest mass or a cough that's pus. People with peritoneal mesothelioma have abdominal pain and could also experience swelling in the abdominal lining.
Biomarkers are being studied by doctors at NYU Langone’s Thoracic Oncology Research Program to find a way to detect mesothelioma earlier. Biomarkers are the substances in your blood that can indicate whether or not you might have mesothelioma.
If you're diagnosed with mesothelioma the mesothelioma doctor your doctor refers you to will help relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life. They may suggest the procedure to remove the lungs of fluid. VATS is a video-assisted thoracoscopic process. They might also suggest an indwelling drain, which drains the fluid 1-2 times every week, and keeps it from accumulating. They might also suggest palliative care to treat symptoms like nausea and fatigue.
Diagnosis
Based on the type of mesothelioma doctors can determine the type of mesothelioma through tests that search for cancerous cells within the fluid or tissue. These tests include:
A physician will begin with a physical examination and inquire about your symptoms and past medical history. They may recommend imaging scans such as an X-ray, or a computed tomography scan (CT scan) to determine the extent of mesothelioma. These scans can show whether there is a thickening or calcium deposits on the lung's lining as well as the chest wall, as well as the presence of fluid in the space between your lung and chest wall, also known as an pleural effusion.
Another test to detect mesothelioma is a positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET) scan, which uses a radioactive substance and a computer to find cancerous cells. The test can also tell whether the cancer has spread.
It can be challenging for doctors to identify mesothelioma due to its numerous symptoms that are similar to those of other illnesses. This could lead to misdiagnosis and prevent you from receiving the correct treatment for your illness.
Your doctor will perform further tests following an initial diagnosis to determine the stage of mesothelioma. This includes determining the kind of cancer you have. Different types of cancer can have different outcomes.
You may be referred different specialists based on the kind of asbestosis. asbestos exposure mesothelioma could include:
Treatment
Doctors will review the medical history of a patient to determine whether exposure to asbestos has occurred. They will perform physical examinations and order lab tests to check for indications of cancer.
Mesothelioma patients may have chest pain, trouble breathing and unexplained weight loss. Based on the type of mesothelioma, the symptoms can vary. Patients with pleural cancer may experience chest pain, coughing or wheezing. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients may experience bloating, nausea and stomach pain.
A doctor will request an examination if they find that mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This involves removing the tissue to examine under the microscope. It is the only way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Doctors can perform a biopsy through thoracentesis, using a needle to draw fluid from around the lungs. This can be done using video-assisted surgery called thoracoscopic (VAT) or open thoracotomy.
The results of a biopsy will enable doctors to identify the kind of cell. The biopsy will be compared to other tissues of the body. This will allow them to determine the best treatment options.
The most common mesothelioma treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. These can improve a patient's quality of life and increase the chances of survival. They can be used separately or in combination.
Additional procedures may be required if mesothelioma has progressed. These can include a pleural effusion draining procedure, where the doctor inserts a tube into the lungs to eliminate fluid from the lungs. Or, a pleurodesis, where the doctors use an operation to make the exterior of the lungs stick to the inside, so that the fluid can't come back.
In some cases doctors may recommend a pericardiectomy. This is a procedure to remove the mesothelioma that covers the lung. Mesothelioma patients may also benefit from immunotherapy. which is a treatment that relies on the body's own immune system to fight the cancer.
Along with the usual treatments, patients should concentrate on an active lifestyle and getting enough sleep. They should also seek help from friends and family. If they face financial hardships there are numerous resources available to assist them, including mesothelioma support groups, patient lodging programs and cancer treatment information centers.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelioma sufferers is based on a variety of factors, including the type of exposure to asbestos and the stage of cancer. asbestos-related sufferers are more likely of having an improved mesothelioma outlook if they seek treatment with a mesothelioma expert who has expertise in treating the disease.
Because mesothelioma can be so rare, many people who are diagnosed with the disease will have to undergo several rounds of tests before a doctor is able to determine a definitive diagnosis. Doctors will first conduct a physical exam and examine the patient's medical records to determine if mesothelioma is causing symptoms. They'll then recommend a round of imaging scans like chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans.
These tests can aid in identifying tumors, but only a tissue sample can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. Traditional mesothelioma biopsies include pleural fluid analysis obtained through the thoracentesis procedure; needle biopsy of the pleural tissue using CT guidance; and video-assisted surgery using the thoracoscopy technique for direct examination and biopsy.
The prognosis of mesothelioma may also be affected by the patient's age as well as the extent of the cancer at the time that the diagnosis was made. Asbestos victims who are younger and have a more limited cancer stage generally have better outcomes than patients who are older, since their cancer is easier to treat before it spreads to a greater extent.
Another factor is the kind of mesothelioma cancer cell that is that is involved in the patient's condition. The most commonly used mesothelioma kind is epithelioid. This type responds well to treatment. Sarcomatoid cancer cells are more difficult to treat and have a worse prognosis than epithelioid tumors.
Because mesothelioma can have a long time to develop, it is important for patients to speak to their physicians about their work asbestos exposure when they begin to detect any unusual signs. It is ideal for them to be able to provide complete details about their exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma symptoms to ensure that mesothelioma is diagnosed in the earliest possible time. This can help improve the mesothelioma diagnose and make it easier for doctors recommend the best treatment options.