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Mesothelioma Diagnosis A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma with an examination and imaging tests as well as lab tests. Doctors may also conduct biopsy procedures to remove tissue and examine it under a microscope. A chest X-ray, or CT scan is used to guide the needle through the lung's lining. The test can be not invasive and could have the potential of revealing false-negative results. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, which means it takes time to make an official diagnosis. Your doctor will start by taking your medical history and then performing an examination to look for signs. They will also inquire about any asbestos-related work you have done previously. Exposure to asbestos is the most common one thing that increases the risk of mesothelioma. Often, the first indication of mesothelioma is a fluid accumulation around the lungs or abdomen. These fluids are referred to as pleural effusions or ascites. Doctors examine the fluid to determine if it has any cancerous cells. A biopsy is the only way to determine if mesothelioma is present. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny portion of the affected tissue to be examined in a laboratory. The mesothelioma cells are analyzed under a microscope to determine if they are cancerous, and the kind of mesothelioma. Doctors can also use other tests to determine the extent to which the cancer's spread. If mesothelioma is found to be a possibility the doctor will discuss your treatment options with you. Your treatment may vary depending on the area of the mesothelioma and how far it's spread. The first mesothelioma treatment your doctor will recommend is typically chemotherapy or radiation. These treatments can shrink tumors, alleviate symptoms and decrease pain. They can also help patients live longer. Before you begin treatment your doctor will inform you about your diet. Patients should maintain a healthy eating pattern when receiving chemotherapy or radiation. The diet is important as it can help in preventing weight loss and malnutrition. Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments once they have identified the best course of action for you. Your first appointment may be with a doctor who specializes in lung diseases (pulmonologist) or abdominal problems (gastroenterologist). The doctors and nurses you see at these appointments are part of your mesothelioma multidisciplinary group. They include X-ray specialists called radiologists, as well as cancer specialists referred to as oncologists. The team meets weekly to discuss your test results and plan your care. This team approach to mesothelioma treatment is the most effective method to ensure you receive the best treatment. Symptoms The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the tumors are located within the body. People who have peritoneal or pleural cancer may experience chest discomfort and shortness breath, whereas those suffering from peritoneal or pleural cancer might feel bloated, swollen, or feel a sense of abdominal tightness. The symptoms also depend on the stage of mesothelioma as well as the extent to which it spreads to other organs or tissues. Patients suffering from mesothelioma that is in its final stages typically suffer more severe and painful symptoms. A physical examination is the initial step in diagnosing mesothelioma. A doctor will pay special attention to the areas of the body in which patients are experiencing symptoms. They will also ask patients about their past exposure to asbestos. A chest X-ray is one the most commonly used tests to detect mesothelioma. The X-ray can reveal abnormal lung lining thickening or calcium deposits, as well as fluid in the space (pleura) between the lungs caused by mesothelioma. Other diagnostic tests include CT scan or an MRI. These tests can provide detailed images of the inside of the body, which aids doctors in identifying mesothelioma as well as other non-cancerous or cancerous tumors. X-rays and MRIs can also aid doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma which will help patients understand what they can expect regarding treatment options. Patients who experience severe symptoms should see their doctor immediately. It is crucial to schedule an appointment with a mesothelioma expert so that the doctor is able to accurately diagnose and treat the disease. Patients should bring a list with their symptoms to the appointment to ensure the doctor has all the information necessary to make an accurate diagnosis. Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, making it difficult for doctors at 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 the majority of those diagnosed are men over the age of 50. Asbestos fibers may get stuck in the small airways in the lungs, irritating the lining of the lungs and causing cell growth that forms into tumors. Mesothelioma can be expand to other organs such as the stomach, heart and testicles. Treatment If mesothelioma is discovered in its earliest stages, doctors can treat it to control symptoms and extend survival. The treatment plan is determined by the type of cancer, its location, and the rate at which it is growing. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the cells are like those of other types of cancer, which could cause confusion for doctors. Doctors conduct a physical exam and order imaging scans like chest X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormalities. They also collect a sample of tissue, or biopsy, in order to check for mesothelioma cells. For mesothelioma of the pleural, surgery is usually the best option to relieve symptoms and increasing the chance of survival. Operations include an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), which removes the affected lung and a portion of the diaphragm. Or a pleurectomy and decortication which removes the pleura but not the entire lung. Surgery for peritoneal msothelioma, though less frequent can help ease symptoms by draining fluid from the chest cavity or abdominal area. If mesothelioma is found out chemotherapy can be employed to kill cancerous cells or slow their growth. Pemetrexed is one of the most prescribed medications. These are usually given alongside other treatments, such as radiation and surgery. In some instances the cancer can expand to other areas of your body. This can reduce the chances of a cure, and also affect the prognosis of the patient. If the mesothelioma is advanced, the doctor will recommend palliative therapy to improve the quality of life, alleviate pain and other symptoms. This could include the possibility of a trial of an experimental drug or the combination of treatments. Some people also experience relief from mesothelioma-related symptoms by alternative treatments like acupuncture and yoga. Patients with mesothelioma should follow up with their doctor regularly to check how their treatment is progressing. Since each mesothelioma is unique it is not possible to establish a routine schedule for follow-up appointments. The doctor will work with the patient in order to establish a schedule for follow-up visits. If a patient is interested in take part in a clinical study it is best to talk to their doctor regarding eligibility. Prognosis The mesothelioma prognosis is based on a variety of factors, including the stage and type of cancer, age and overall health, and how well a patient reacts to treatment. A mesothelioma prognosis does not necessarily predict how long a patient will live, but many people have survived mesothelioma for decades. Doctors can help patients comprehend their mesothelioma prognosis as well as what it means to them personally. The prognosis for mesothelioma will inform the patient of what their odds are of recovering from the cancer, and if they have a chance of recurrence. This can happen years after the initial diagnosis. In general, the more fit one is, the better the chance of being able to beat mesothelioma. Non-smokers and people with normal haemoglobin tend to have higher survival rates and also those in good health. naperville mesothelioma lawyer can be caused by asbestos exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos fibers at work are more likely to develop the disease. Patients often experience negative side effects, including fatigue and pain, as well as weight loss. Palliative care may be advised by doctors to decrease these symptoms, and improve the quality of life for their patients. If the cancer isn't spreading, surgery could be carried out to remove the tumor. This is not always successful and will not cure the patient but it is an effective way to manage the symptoms of mesothelioma. If the cancer has progressed, doctors will often still shrink the size of the tumor by using chemotherapy or other medical treatments. The mesothelioma cancer is a common occurrence however, it is less frequent than other types. It is important for patients to see mesothelioma specialists and to get as much information as possible about the cancer. A mesothelioma doctor will determine whether a patient has a low or high chance of recurrence of cancer based on the mesothelioma stage and grade. The worse a patient's outlook is, the more mesothelioma stage and grade they are. This is because mesothelioma can be harder to treat if it has returned and has gotten worse.