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Mesothelioma Diagnosis A doctor can identify the condition through physical exam, imaging tests and lab tests. Doctors can also perform biopsy procedures to remove tissues and examine them under microscope. A chest X-ray, or 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 cancer, which means it takes time to establish a diagnosis. Your doctor will start by taking your medical history and performing an examination of your body to look for signs. They will also ask about any previous work you've done with asbestos. Exposure to asbestos is the most common one thing that makes mesothelioma more probable. The most common sign of mesothelioma is the accumulation of fluid around the lungs or abdomen. These fluids are called an ascites or pleural effusion. Doctors test the fluid to determine if it contains any cancerous cells. A biopsy is the only way to determine if mesothelioma is present. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove only a small amount of affected tissue to be tested in an laboratory. The mesothelioma cells are analyzed under a microscope 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 your options for treatment if mesothelioma is been identified. Based on the location the location of the mesothelioma and how far it has spread, your treatment could be more or less aggressive. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy or radiation as the first treatment for mesothelioma. These treatments can shrink tumors, and reduce symptoms, and also lessen pain. They can also help patients to live longer. Before beginning treatment, your doctor will consult with you about the diet you should follow. Patients must adhere to an appropriate eating routine while receiving radiation or chemotherapy. Diet is important to prevent weight loss and malnutrition. Once your doctor has determined the best treatment for you, they will schedule follow-up appointments. richardson mesothelioma lawyer may be with a doctor who specializes in lung diseases (pulmonologist) or abdominal problems (gastroenterologist). The nurses and doctors you see at these appointments are part of your mesothelioma multidisciplinary team. They include X-ray specialists, also known as radiologists, as well as cancer specialists referred to as oncologists. The team meets weekly to discuss your results from tests and plan your care. This team approach to treating mesothelioma is the most effective method to ensure you receive the best care. Signs and symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the tumors are situated in the body. For example, people who have pleural mesothelioma might experience chest pain and shortness of breath, while those with mesothelioma in the peritoneal region may experience abdominal swelling or a feeling of bloating. The symptoms can also be influenced by the stage of mesothelioma and how it spread to other organs or tissues. Mesothelioma patients who are in the latter stages of the disease generally suffer more painful and severe symptoms. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is an examination. A doctor will pay particular attention to the parts of the body showing symptoms. They will also inquire about their history of exposure to asbestos. A chest X-ray is one of the most common tests used to detect mesothelioma. The X-ray could reveal abnormal thickness or calcium deposits on the lung lining and fluid in the lung space (pleura) caused by mesothelioma. Other diagnostic tests include the CT scan and an MRI. These tests can produce detailed images of the inside of the body, which help doctors to locate mesothelioma and other cancerous or non-cancerous tumors. X-rays or MRIs are also useful in determining the stage of mesothelioma. This will allow patients to better understand their treatment options. If a patient is experiencing severe symptoms, they should visit their doctor immediately. It is crucial to schedule an appointment with a mesothelioma specialist to ensure the doctor is able to accurately diagnose and treat the disease. Patients must bring a list of their symptoms to to ensure the doctor has all the data needed to make a precise diagnosis. Mesothelioma symptoms can resemble those of a variety of other illnesses and it can be difficult for doctors to recognize the condition at the earliest stages. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, affects less than 3,000 people every year. Most of those diagnosed have reached the age of 50. Asbestos fibers may get stuck in the small airways in the lungs, damaging the lining and causing cell growth that develops into tumors. Mesothelioma may also expand to other organs like stomach, heart and testicles. Treatment If mesothelioma has been diagnosed in its early stages, doctors can treat it to manage symptoms and extend survival. The treatment plan is determined by the type of cancer, the location, and the speed at which it is growing. Mesothelioma is difficult to detect because the cells are so like those of other types of cancer, which could cause confusion for doctors. To determine the diagnosis, doctors conduct physical examinations and order imaging scans, such as chest X-rays and CT scans, to search for abnormalities. They also take a small amount of tissue, also known as a biopsy, in order to determine if mesothelioma cancer cells. For pleural mesothelioma, surgery is usually the most effective option for relieving symptoms and improving survival. 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 operations. Surgery for peritoneal msothelioma though less frequent can help alleviate symptoms by draining fluid from the chest cavity or abdominal area. Chemotherapy can slow the growth of cancer cells or to kill them once the mesothelioma has been identified. Some of the most frequently prescribed drugs are pemetrexed cisplatin and carboplatin. These medications are usually prescribed in conjunction with other treatments such as radiation and surgery. In some cases, mesothelioma spreads to other organs or even metastasizes. This could reduce the likelihood for a cure and impact the prognosis of the patient. If the mesothelioma is advanced The doctor may recommend palliative treatment to improve the quality of life, relieve pain and other symptoms. This could include a combination of treatments or an experimental drug. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture or yoga can offer relief from the symptoms that are related to mesothelioma. Patients with mesothelioma should check regularly with their doctor to assess how their treatment is progressing. There is no set schedule of follow-up appointments since each mesothelioma patient is different. The doctor will collaborate with the patient to establish a schedule for follow-up appointments. If the patient is interested in taking part in a clinical study they should consult their doctor regarding the whether they are eligible. Prognosis Mesothelioma prognosis is based on many factors, including stage and type of mesothelioma as well as the patient's overall health and age, and how they respond to treatment. The mesothelioma prognosis doesn't necessarily predict how long a patient will live, and many patients have survived mesothelioma for many years. Doctors can help patients understand the mesothelioma diagnosis and what it means to them personally. The mesothelioma prognosis will tell the patient how likely they are of regaining their health from the cancer, and if they are likely to experience the cancer recurring. This can happen years after the initial diagnosis. In general, the more fit one is, the better the chance of surviving mesothelioma. Smokers who do not smoke and those with normal haemoglobin levels tend to have higher survival rates as well as those in good health. Mesothelioma is often caused by asbestos exposure. People who have been exposed to fibres while at work are more likely to contract the disease. Patients are often affected by side effects, such as fatigue, pain, and weight loss. Doctors may suggest palliative care to ease these symptoms and improve quality of life for patients. If the cancer is not spreading, surgery could be done to remove the tumor. While it's not always effective and does not cure patients, it is an effective way to control symptoms of mesothelioma. Even even if the cancer has spread to other organs, doctors can still reduce the size of the tumour using chemotherapy or other medical treatment. Recurrence of mesothelioma is common however, it is less common than other kinds. Patients should consult a mesothelioma expert and learn as much about the disease as is possible. A mesothelioma physician will also determine if the patient is at a high or low risk of the cancer returning depending on their mesothelioma stage and grade. The more stages and grades of mesothelioma a patient has and the worse their chances of survival will be. The cancer can be more difficult to treat when the cancer has recurred or advanced.