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Mesothelioma Diagnosis A doctor can identify mesothelioma by a physical exam as well as imaging tests and laboratory tests. Doctors can also perform biopsy, which is taking tissue and then examining it under a magnifying glass. A pleural biopsy is done using a chest X-ray or a CT scan to guide the needle into the lung lining. The test can be invasive and has a chance of producing false-negative results. Diagnosis It takes time to diagnose mesothelioma, as it is a rare type of cancer. Your doctor will begin by taking your medical history and performing an examination to look for any signs. They will also ask about your previous work experience with asbestos. Exposure to asbestos is the number one thing that increases the risk of mesothelioma. The most common symptoms of mesothelioma are fluid accumulation around the abdomen or lungs. These fluids are called pleural effusions or ascites. Doctors examine the fluid to determine if it has any cancerous cells. A biopsy is the only way to identify mesothelioma with certainty. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove an insignificant portion of the affected tissue for testing in the laboratory. The mesothelioma cell is examined under microscopes to determine if they are cancerous and also the type of mesothelioma. Doctors can also conduct other tests to determine how far the cancer has spread. Your doctor will discuss with you the options for treatment if mesothelioma is been diagnosed. Your treatment may vary depending on the area of the mesothelioma and the extent of its spread. Your doctor may suggest radiation or chemotherapy as the first option for mesothelioma. These treatments can shrink tumors and reduce symptoms, and also reduce the pain. They also aid patients to live longer. Your doctor will discuss diet with you before starting treatment. It is important for patients to adhere to a healthy diet while they receive chemotherapy or radiation. The diet is also important because it helps in preventing weight loss and malnutrition. Once your doctor has determined which treatment is best for you, they will arrange follow-up appointments. Your first appointment may be with a doctor who specializes in lung diseases (pulmonologist) or abdominal problems (gastroenterologist). These doctors and nurses are part of the multidisciplinary mesothelioma team. The team includes radiologists who are experts in Xrays, and oncologists, who are specialists in cancer. The team meets each week to discuss your results from tests and plan your treatment. This team approach to mesothelioma treatment is the most effective way to ensure that you get the best treatment. Symptoms Mesothelioma symptoms can vary based on the location in the body where the tumors develop. People who have peritoneal or pleural cancer may feel chest discomfort and shortness of breath, while those with the peritoneal or pleural cancer may feel bloated, swollen, or have a feeling of abdominal tightness. The symptoms also depend on the stage of mesothelioma as well as how it spreads to other organs or tissues. Mesothelioma patients who are in the final stages of the disease generally suffer more painful and severe symptoms. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is an examination. A doctor will pay particular attention to the parts of the body that show symptoms. Patients will be asked about their history of exposure to asbestos. Chest X-rays are among the most common methods used to detect mesothelioma. The X-ray may reveal abnormal thickening or calcium deposits on the lung lining as well as fluid in the space between the lungs (pleura) caused by mesothelioma. Other diagnostic tests may include a CT scan and an MRI. These tests can provide detailed images of the inside of the body. These images help doctors to locate mesothelioma as well as other non-cancerous or cancerous tumors. X-rays and MRIs can also help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma, which can help patients comprehend what to expect in terms of treatment options. Patients who experience extreme symptoms should see their doctor immediately. Schedule an appointment with mesothelioma specialists to ensure that the doctor can identify and treat your disease. nevada mesothelioma attorney should bring their symptoms with them to the appointment so that the doctor can determine the exact diagnosis. Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and make it difficult for doctors in the earliest stages of the disease. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects less than 3000 people in the United States each year, and the majority of patients diagnosed are men who are over the age of 50. Asbestos fibers can become lodged in the tiny airways of the lungs, irritating the lining of the lungs and causing cell growth that develops into tumors. Mesothelioma can also grow into the linings of other organs, such as the heart, stomach and testicles. Treatment When mesothelioma at its earliest stages is detected, doctors can treat the disease to reduce symptoms and prolong the duration of survival. The treatment plan is determined by the kind of cancer, its place of origin, and the speed at which it is growing. Mesothelioma is difficult to detect because the cells are so similar to other types of cancer which can cause confusion among doctors. Doctors conduct a physical exam and order imaging scans like chest X-rays or CT scans to check for abnormalities. They also take an organ sample, or biopsy, to test for the presence of mesothelioma cells in the body. Surgery is usually the most effective method to relieve symptoms and improve survival in pleural cancer. Extrapleural pneumonectomy, which removes parts of the diaphragm as well as the affected lung, or a pleurectomy with decortication which removes only the pleura and not the entire lung, are two of the most common procedures. Surgery for peritoneal msothelioma, though less frequent will alleviate symptoms by draining fluid from the chest cavity or abdominal area. If mesothelioma is found out, chemotherapy may be used to kill the cancer cells or slow their growth. The most frequently prescribed drugs include pemetrexed, cisplatin and carboplatin. These are usually prescribed in conjunction alongside other treatments, such as radiation and surgery. In some instances mesothelioma can spread to other organs or metastasizes. This can reduce the chances for a cure and impact the prognosis of a patient. If mesothelioma is in advanced stages The doctor may recommend palliative therapy to improve the quality of life, relieve discomfort and other signs. This may include the trial of an experimental drug or the combination of treatments. Patients can also get relief from mesothelioma related symptoms through alternative treatments such as yoga and acupuncture. Patients with mesothelioma should check in with their doctor on a regular basis to monitor the progress of their treatment. There is no set schedule for follow-up appointments as each mesothelioma case is different. However, the doctor of the patient will collaborate with them to develop an appropriate follow-up schedule. If a patient wants to participate in a clinical trial it is best to talk to their doctor about eligibility. Prognosis The prognosis of mesothelioma is based on a range of factors, such as the type and stage, age and overall health, and how well a patient responds to treatment. A mesothelioma diagnosis does not indicate how long someone will live. Many have been diagnosed with mesothelioma for many years. Doctors can help patients understand their mesothelioma diagnosis and what it means for them personally. The prognosis for mesothelioma will inform the patient how likely they are of regaining their health from the cancer, and whether they are at risk of having a recurrence. This can happen in the years following the initial diagnosis. In general, the healthier one is, the better the odds of beating mesothelioma. People who are in good overall health and normal hemoglobin levels tend to be healthier and so do those who don't smoke. Mesothelioma can result from asbestos exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos fibres at work are more likely to develop the disease. Patients frequently experience adverse effects, like fatigue, pain, and weight loss. Palliative care may be suggested by doctors to lessen these symptoms, and to improve the quality of life for their patients. If the cancer isn't growing, surgery can be carried out to remove the tumor. Although it is not always successful and does not cure patients, it can be an effective method to treat symptoms of mesothelioma. If the cancer has spread, doctors can often still shrink the size of the tumor by using chemotherapy or other treatments. Recurrence of mesothelioma is common however, it is less common than other types. It is essential for patients to work with a mesothelioma specialist and to get as much information as they can about the disease. A mesothelioma doctor will determine if a patient is at a low or high risk of cancer recurrence by analyzing the mesothelioma's stage and grade. The more stages and grades of mesothelioma a patient is diagnosed with, the worse their prognosis will be. This is because the cancer can be more difficult to treat if it is back and has gotten worse.