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Mesothelioma Diagnosis A doctor can identify mesothelioma by an examination as well as imaging tests and laboratory tests. Doctors may also perform a biopsy, which involves taking tissue and then examining it under a magnifying glass. A chest X-ray, also known as a CT scan, is used to guide the needle through the lining of the lung. The procedure is not invasive and may result in false-negative results. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, which means it takes time to make an official diagnosis. Your doctor will begin by taking a medical history, and then conducting a physical exam to check for symptoms. They will also inquire about your previous asbestos work. Exposure to asbestos is the number one factor that increases the risk of mesothelioma. Fluid accumulation around the abdomen or the lungs is often the first sign of Mesothelioma. These fluids are called an ascites or pleural effusion. Doctors examine the fluid to determine if it is contaminated with any cancer cells. A biopsy is the only way to determine if mesothelioma is present. In a biopsy, doctors take an insignificant portion of the affected tissue for testing in a laboratory. Under a microscope the mesothelioma will be examined to determine if it's cancerous and what type of mesothelioma it's. Doctors may also conduct other tests to determine how far the cancer spreads. Your doctor will discuss with you the options for treatment if mesothelioma has been identified. Your treatment may vary depending on the area of the mesothelioma and how far it's spread. The first treatment for mesothelioma that your doctor will recommend is usually chemotherapy or radiation. These can shrink tumors, reduce symptoms, and reduce pain. They also can help patients live longer. Your doctor will discuss diet with you prior to beginning treatment. Patients must maintain an appropriate eating routine when receiving chemotherapy or radiation. It is also essential because it helps in preventing weight loss and malnutrition. After your doctor has determined the best treatment for you, they'll schedule 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 X-rays and oncologists who are cancer specialists. The team meets each week to discuss your results from tests and plan your care. This team approach to mesothelioma treatment is the most effective method to ensure that you receive the best care. Signs and symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location where the tumors are located in the body. For instance, those with pleural mesothelioma may experience chest pain and shortness of breath as well as peritoneal mesothelioma may notice abdominal swelling or a bloated feeling. The symptoms are also dependent on how far the mesothelioma has spread. Patients suffering from mesothelioma that is in its last stages typically suffer more severe and painful symptoms. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is to conduct a physical examination. A doctor will pay special attention to the areas of the body where patients are suffering from symptoms. They will also inquire with patients about their experiences with exposure to asbestos. Chest X-rays are among the most common methods used to detect mesothelioma. The X-ray can show 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 include CT scan or an MRI. These tests provide precise images of the interior of the body. They can aid doctors in identifying mesothelioma, as well as other non-cancerous or cancerous tumors. X-rays and MRIs can also assist doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma which can help patients comprehend what to expect in terms of treatment options. Patients with severe symptoms should see their physician immediately. It is crucial to schedule an appointment with a mesothelioma specialist to ensure the doctor can accurately diagnose and treat the condition. Patients must bring a list of their symptoms to the appointment to ensure the doctor has all the details required to make an accurate diagnosis. Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of other cancers which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the beginning stages of the disease. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects less than 3000 people in the United States each year, and most of patients diagnosed are men who are over the age of 50. woodbridge mesothelioma attorney may become lodged in the smallest airways of the lungs, causing irritation and the growth of cells. Tumors may form. Mesothelioma may also spread to other organs such as the stomach, heart and testicles. Treatment If mesothelioma is diagnosed in the earliest stages, doctors can treat it to reduce symptoms and prolong the life span. The treatment plan is based on the type of mesothelioma and its place of origin and how fast the cancer is growing. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the cells are so similar to other types of cancer, which could cause confusion for doctors. Doctors conduct a physical examination and request imaging scans, such as chest X-rays or CT scans to check for abnormalities. They also collect a tissue sample or biopsy, to check for the presence of mesothelioma cells in the body. Surgery is typically the most effective way to relieve symptoms and improve the chance of survival for patients with pleural cancer. Operations include an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), which removes the affected lung as well as parts of the diaphragm, or a pleurectomy that includes decortication, which removes the pleura but not the entire lung. Surgery for peritoneal Msothelioma, although less common will alleviate symptoms by draining fluid from the chest cavity or abdominal area. Chemotherapy is a method to slow the growth of cancer cells or to kill them once the mesothelioma has been identified. Some of the most commonly prescribed drugs are pemetrexed carboplatin and cisplatin. These drugs are often prescribed in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery and radiation. In certain cases cancer may expand to other areas of your body. This can reduce the chances for a cure and affects the prognosis of a patient. If the mesothelioma is advanced The doctor may recommend palliative treatment to improve quality of life, alleviate pain and other symptoms. This may include the trial of an experimental drug or a combination of treatments. Alternative treatments such as yoga or acupuncture may offer relief from the symptoms that are related to mesothelioma. Patients with mesothelioma should follow regularly with their doctor to see how their treatment is going. There is no set schedule of follow-up appointments since every mesothelioma situation is unique. However, a patient's physician will collaborate with them to develop an appropriate schedule for follow-up. If the patient is interested in participating in a clinical study, they should consult their doctor regarding the their eligibility. Prognosis Mesothelioma prognosis depends on various factors, including the stage and type of mesothelioma as well as the patient's general health and age, and how well they respond to treatment. The mesothelioma prognosis doesn't necessarily predict the length of time a patient will live, but many patients have survived mesothelioma for many years. Doctors can help patients understand their mesothelioma diagnosis and what it means for them personally. The mesothelioma prognosis will inform the patient how likely they are of regaining their health from the cancer, and whether they have a chance of recurrence. This can happen years after the initial diagnosis. In general, the more fit a person is the better the chance of surviving mesothelioma. People who have good overall health and normal hemoglobin levels are more likely to survive, as do non-smokers. Mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to asbestos. those who have been exposed to asbestos fibres at work are at greater chance of developing the disease. Patients are often affected by adverse effects, like fatigue or pain, as well as weight loss. Doctors may recommend palliative care to reduce these symptoms and enhance the quality of life for patients. If the cancer isn't spreading, surgery may be done to remove the tumor. This is not always successful and does not cure the patient, but it can be effective in managing the symptoms of mesothelioma. If the cancer has progressed, doctors will often still shrink the size of the tumor by using chemotherapy or other treatments. Recurrence is common in mesothelioma, but the rate of recurrence is lower than that of other types of cancer. It is important for patients to work with mesothelioma specialists and to learn as much as possible about the cancer. A mesothelioma doctor will determine if a patient has a low or a high risk of recurrence from cancer by analyzing the mesothelioma's stage and grade. The worse a patient's chance of survival is, the higher mesothelioma stages and grades they are. The cancer can be more difficult to treat when the cancer has recurred or advanced.