The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. A known history of asbestos is present in 70-80% of mesothelioma cases. There are about five times more in men than in women. This is probably because many cases were caused by exposure to asbestos at work.
The risk of developing mesothelioma increases with the amount of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is made up of tiny fibers. You can breathe these fibers when you come into contact with asbestos. Some of the fibers that have been instilled in sputum and if swallowed. The fibers work their way into the pleura lining of the lung. They irritate the pleura and may cause genetic changes that lead to cancer growth.
However, genetic factors also play a role in determining the state that develops. In general, cancer begins when a series of genetic mutations occur in a cell, causing the cell to grow and multiply out of control. That’s probably why all those exposed to high levels of asbestos do not develop mesothelioma.
It is likely that mesothelioma due to interaction between several factors, such as hereditary diseases, your environment, your health and your life choices. Here are other factors that can lead to getting mesothelioma include:
Smoking
Although smoking was not associated with the development of mesothelioma, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person’s risk of developing mesothelioma.
Radiation
Mesothelioma has been reported in individuals after exposure to radiation therapy using thorium dioxide (Thorotrast). Some studies show an increased risk of mesothelioma among people treated with radiotherapy for cancer before. However, other studies show no increased risk. If radiation therapy increases the risk of mesothelioma, it is likely to occur in a very small number of people.
simian virus 40 (SV40)
This virus was identified in cells of human mesothelioma. Research has examined a virus called SV40. In people who have been exposed to asbestos, some studies have shown that contact with the virus SV40, it is more likely to develop mesothelioma.
Written on January 5th, 2012, Read more articles on Mesothelioma Causes.
Most cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and lodge in human tissues, causing inflammation or infection.
Asbestos likely causes cancer by physically irritating cells. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they reach the ends of the small airways and penetrate the pleura (lining of the lung). These fibers can then damage the mesothelial cells of the pleura and eventually cause mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally in the environment. Asbestos fibers are strong and heat resistant, making them useful in a wide variety of applications. Asbestos was widely used in the years after 1945. In the past, asbestos was widely used in the construction industry, the manufacture of ships, automotive, power plants, telephone exchanges, the manufacture of household appliances and many other products. Thus, most cases of mesothelioma occur in men who worked in the manufacturing of asbestos or used asbestos products, including construction and engineering.
Damage caused by exposure to asbestos typically takes 10 to 50 years to show symptoms. When symptoms appear, they are often mistaken for signs of other health problems less dangerous. Many people are not even aware that they were exposed to asbestos.
If you have been directly exposed to asbestos fibers at work or at home, your risk of mesothelioma is greatly increased. People who are exposed to asbestos can carry home the fibers on the skin and clothing. People who work with asbestos should shower and change clothes before leaving work. If you have been exposed to asbestos, your family may also have been exposed. Studies have shown that families of people exposed to asbestos also have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Written on January 5th, 2012, Read more articles on Mesothelioma Causes.
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Mesothelioma treatment depends on several factors including the stage of mesothelioma, the location of the tumor and the age and general health.
Surgery – Removal of mesothelioma
Surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue can be used depending on how the mesothelioma has spread (stage). The most advanced stage, the less likely that surgery will be effective in the treatment of mesothelioma. Surgery for malignant mesothelioma can be used to control or cure disease (aggressive surgery) or can be used to relieve pain (palliative care).
aggressive surgery
aggressive surgery involves the removal of the pleura, lung, diaphragm, or pericardim. (The guy with the removal of the pleura is called extrapleural pheumonectomy). The goal is to remove a tumor as possible. This type of surgery, also known as pneumonectomy extraplueral is usually in young patients in phase 1 mesothelioma.
Because of the complexity and high risks associated with this type of surgery, some hospitals will not perform the procedure. In addition, different treatment centers may have different criteria for accepting patients for surgery. Therefore, it is important to consult a hospital to see if it meets your criteria.
Palliative Surgery
Palliative surgery is used in more advanced stages of mesothelioma. The aim is to relieve or control symptoms caused by the collection of fluid or by compression of the lung tumor or other organs. It is not intended to cure mesothelioma.
Pleurectomy / decortization is usually a palliative operation. It is used in situations where the tumor can not be deleted. It is effective in the fight against the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleura) and the pain caused by mesothelioma.
Thoracentesis is also used to treat effusion in pleural mesothelioma. This treatment involves inserting a needle into the chest to drain fluid. Thoracentesis does not involve surgical removal of mesothelial cells.
Radiation
Radiotherapy with high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors of mesothelioma. There are two types of radiation therapy. External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body X-ray beams at the location of mesothelioma.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy consists of chemicals to produce a radiation directly on the site of the cancer mesothelioma. This is done by inserting a thin plastic tube into the chest or abdomen. Due to the location of malignant mesothelioma is very hard to deliver high enough doses of radiation to kill the tumor without damaging surrounding organs. Therefore, it is unclear whether radiation therapy is an effective method of treatment of mesothelioma. However, it was effective in killing tumor cells that remain after surgery was performed.
Radiotherapy is also used as palliative treatment to relieve symptoms of mesothelioma such as shortness of breath, chest pain and internal bleeding. Radiotherapy has several side effects such as fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Although sometimes these side effects are temporary, should let their doctor, usually can be controlled.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to treat cancer of mesothelioma. It is administered orally (tablets) or injection of drugs directly into the veins (intravenous), muscles, the chest cavity (intrapleurally) or abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal). The aim of chemotherapy is mesothelioma drugs enter the bloodstream and circulate in the body to destroy cancer cells.
Based on the results of a relatively low rate monotherapy in the treatment of mesothelioma, a combination of these drugs have been used to increase efficiency. Although some researchers have reported high rates of response to these therapies, these rates have not been consistent, and more research is needed.
Chemotherapy drugs are usually highly toxic. Therefore, a physician must be very careful in monitoring the status of a patient during treatment. Some of the most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, and fatigue. Chemotherapy can also result in cells in the blood, increasing the risk of infection and bleeding or bruising.
Side effects vary depending on the therapy and usually disappear after treatment is completed.
New treatments are being evaluated in clinical trials of mesothelioma in the hope of a cure mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Clinical trials are studies that evaluate new treatments for safety and efficacy of mesothelioma. There is no guarantee that the treatment offered by a mesothelioma clinical trial work, and because the treatments are at the stage of the trial, there are risks. However, mesothelioma clinical trial is not undertaken unless the researchers believe the treatment may have some value.
Clinical Trials
Mesothelioma clinical trial is a study to assess treatment efficacy and safety. In general, involves a new approach to treatment, and is led by a teaching hospital affiliated.
Experimental treatments
A number of experimental treatments for mesothelioma is currently being evaluated. These include:
Photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy involves the delivery of sensitive drugs in the mesothelial cells. Doctors then use a laser light to activate the photosensitive drug to kill cancer cells around them. To date, photodynamic therapy has been successful in improving the survival rate of patients with mesothelioma.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is used to correct the disease at the DNA level of abnormal genes compensation. Several types of gene therapy are being studied for the treatment of mesothelioma. Although this treatment has been proven in animal studies, the results of human studies have been disappointing.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy aims to enhance the natural ability of the immune system to fight cancer. Studies have shown that the immune system distinguishes healthy cells from cancer cells to kill cancer cells. Immunotherapy uses biological response modifiers to improve the body’s natural ability to fight disease. The first is the elimination of healthy cells, which are then exposed to cytokines and antibodies. These cells are then reinstalled in the peritoneum, which increase the body’s ability to fight against cancer.
Preliminary studies have shown a significant reduction of mesothelioma tumors at a very early stage of the disease. Much more research, however, it is necessary to determine its effectiveness as a treatment for malignant mesothelioma.
Multimodality therapy
This type of therapy simply means using a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or to treat mesothelioma. The most common form combines surgery with radiation or chemotherapy before and after intercavitary to remove and dispose of mesothelioma.
Alternative treatment
Given the relatively unsuccessful results of conventional medicine in the treatment of mesothelioma and still no cure for mesothelioma, a number of people turn to alternative treatments mesothelioma. These include forms of holistic treatment, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbs, and other forms of Oriental medicine to treat mesothelioma.
These alternative approaches can be used alone or in combination with conventional treatments for mesothelioma. Most hospitals, however, do not offer these forms of treatment, and insurance companies usually do not cover these treatments.
Written on January 5th, 2012, Read more articles on Mesothelioma Treatment.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a form of so-called primitive cancer of the pleura (membrane surrounding the lungs), which is characterized by a proliferation of tumor cells in the pleural tissue (tissue making up the pleura) itself.
We distinguish the primary cancer of the pleura and secondary cancer of the pleura.
The pleura is the serous sac consisting of a layer (of cells) in two layers which envelop the entire lung, except the hilum (entry of vessels and nerves in the lungs). The deep layer, visceral, covers the entire surface of the lung. The parietal pleura covers the chest wall and mediastinum. The two layers together around the hilum, drawing cul-de-sac pleural.
Mesothelioma, also known as primary cancer of the pleura, pleural endothelioma or pleurome, is a malignant tumor whose frequency is increasing in recent years.
This tumor develops from the mesothelium (layer of cells covering the inside of serous tunics such as the peritoneum, pericardium, pleura, lung) of the pleura.
The diffuse form of this variety of cancer develops rapidly and invades a few months (more rarely a few years) the surface region of the lung and the pericardium (membrane surrounding the heart). It also sometimes spreads to the peritoneum and then gives metastases in lymph nodes and viscera.
It seems that asbestos is responsible for 70% of cases of this variety of cancer. Inhalation of asbestos is asbestosis, a disease that were exposed subjects working in many industries such as mining of asbestos but also shipbuilding and building insulation (see the term asbestosis in Medical Encyclopedia Vulgaris).
There are currently 600 new cases per year in France mesothelioma. Approximately 20-40% of them are not directly caused by asbestos.
There is a male.
The value of thoracoscopy (viewing inside the chest, qv in the medical encyclopedia vulgaris) is related to the scanner, is the most accurate recognition of the achievement of the parietal pleura and visceral at the beginning of disease, allowing early diagnosis. Its sensitivity is about 95%.
Written on January 4th, 2012, Read more articles on Mesothelioma Information.
Symptoms and diagnosis of mesothelioma
Symptoms
Early symptoms of mesothelioma are non-specific and may delay diagnosis. In general, shortness of breath, chest pain and cough are common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, but in some cases, they can not be sufficiently serious as to push the patient to a medical consultation. Some patients complain of pain in the shoulder blade and lower back. These symptoms mostly occur 2-3 months before a confirmed diagnosis. In peritoneal mesothelioma, abdominal pain and swelling, nausea or vomiting, bowel obstruction and weight loss are the most common symptoms. Importantly, these symptoms are not specific for mesothelioma and may be symptoms of other conditions. The assessment by a qualified physician is always recommended.
As mesothelioma progresses, pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid between the two pleural layers) occurs in 95% of patients, and it is this symptom which finally leads patients to consult their doctor. During the visit, a chest X-rays can confirm the effusion. Thickening of the pleura may also be noted at this time. If the doctor suspects cancer, he may send his patient to a hospital consultant who specializes in lung cancer and mesothelioma.
When your doctor recommends you contact the following information should be given to you:
- Where you are sent.
- When the appointment will be made.
- That you view.
- What test can you expect.
- When the test results will be available.
- The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) has developed the following general guidelines to address a patient suspected of cancer, in force since June 2005. These guidelines may not apply to all individuals, and you should always discuss the details of your specific case with your health care team, so you can play a proactive function in your treatment and care.
An assessment of the emergency will be made by your doctor and will be based on the following criteria:
- A contact immediately: The patient requires a consultation in a few hours.
- A contact urgently: The patient will be seen within 15 days.
- Non-urgent: all other addresses.
- Determined once the emergency, your doctor will send all information relating to you in your specialist for evaluation.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is often obtained from a careful evaluation of clinical and radiological findings, in addition to a tissue biopsy confirmation. Some of the tests your specialist may recommend and their diagnostic value and evaluation of mesothelioma are presented below.
Computed tomography (CT)
CT scans are able to reveal a pleural effusion, and pleural thickening, pleural calcification, thickening of interlobular fissures, or possible chest wall invasion. However, CT can not distinguish between changes associated with benign asbestos disease, or between adenocarcinoma of the lung and mesothelioma. CT scans may also be of value to guide fine needle aspiration of pleural masses for tissue diagnosis. The scan takes 10-30 minutes usually, but may vary depending on the patient.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI scanners are often used to determine the extent of a tumor prior to aggressive treatment. They provide images in multiple planes and then peuvnt better identify tumors compared to normal structures. They are also more accurate than CT in estimating the enlargement of mediastinal lymph nodes located between the two lungs, as well as a clear diaphragmatic surface area, both having an important function for the surgical option. The MRI scan usually takes 20-40 minutes but can vary depending on the patient.
Positron emission tomography (PET)
PET imaging is currently occupying a large part of the diagnosis and evaluation of mesothelioma. PET scans are considered the best diagnostic of tumor sites, and the best to determine the stage of mesothelioma. PET scans are relatively new and therefore may not be available in all schools, it may be necessary to travel to find a specialized center that has one.
The analysis of fluid
Analyze pleural fluid to find malignant cells has only limited diagnostic value for mesothelioma. Diagnostic thoracentesis, in which cells are extracted from the pleural cavity is commonly done when there is a suspicion of mesothelioma. Unfortunately, the results are negative or inconclusive in almost 85% of tests. Even in the case of a positive result of fluid, doctors may opt for a biopsy to confirm the time that it is not at the expense of patient health.
Analysis of tissue (biopsy)
In most cases, finally takes a needle biopsy of pleura, or surgical biopsy confirms the diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a pleural biopsy procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the chest wall and inserted into the chest between two ribs a thin lighted tube called thorascope. It will remove a tissue sample which is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist. When peritoneal biopsy, the surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity.
Written on January 4th, 2012, Read more articles on Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Mesothelioma Symptoms.
What is mesothelioma?
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that starts in the mesothelium, a membrane that covers and protects most internal organs of the body. The mesothelium has two layers, one that surrounds the organ itself, and the other forms a sac around it completely. A small amount of fluid is normally produced between these two layers, lubricating the movement of organs protected. When normal cells of the mesothelium lose control and spread rapidly, they produce mesothelioma. The shape of the most common is mesothelioma mesothelioma “pleural”. It occurs in the pleura, the lining of the lungs. Other forms are mesothelioma “peritoneal”, reaching the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity and mesothelioma “pericardial” of the pericardium, the lining of the heart.
What causes mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Many people have been exposed to the army, others by their occupation, and others, secondarily, on contact with exposed workers. Because of latent cancer, it may not appear until 20 to 50 years or more after exposure.
Is mesothelioma is common?
Based on information obtained from The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in Helsinki, the incidence of mesothelioma in Western Europe is expected to peak between 2010 and 2020. The following are the statistics on the incidence currently available by country.
Who is at risk of developing mesothelioma?
Those who have worked directly with asbestos or asbestos products at the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma, however, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals who have had minimal exposure.
Among the shops at high risk for developing mesothelioma include:
The carpenter iron (including shipbuilding)
The builders of the vehicle chassis (including rail vehicles)
- Plumbers
- Gas installers
- Carpenters
- Electricians
- Construction workers
- Plasterers
- Contractors
- DIY
- Steel Manufacturers
- Painters
- Sheet Metal
- Welders
What types of products typically contain asbestos?
The following products commonly contained varying levels of asbestos. This list does not include them all and is a source of general information.
Molded or preformed armor used in thermal insulation of pipes and boilers
Asbestos used as projected against fire protection in ducts, firewalls, panels, partitions, soffit boards, ceiling panels and around structural steel construction
Insulation panels used as protection against fire, heat insulation, partitions and ducts
Stuffing asbestos used as a firewall in false ceilings
Millboard, paper and paper products used for insulation of electrical equipment, asbestos paper can also be used as the reverse of the combustible wood fiber panels
Asbestos cement products in flat and corrugated sheets used to cover walls or ceilings, cement products were also used in gutters, rainwater pipes and water tanks
Textured coatings (such as the Artex)
Roofing material bitumen
Vinyl floor tiles or thermoplastic
Written on January 4th, 2012, Read more articles on Mesothelioma Information.
In most cases, people often ignore the symptoms of mesothelioma due to their generic nature. This is because the early symptoms of mesothelioma can also be an indication of other common diseases. In addition, research has found that a patient with previous exposure to asbestos mesothelioma May 1 much later in life, after 20-40 years of asbestos encounter. Thus, many patients ignore the possibility of developing mesothelioma due to something that happened much earlier in their lives.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that prevents the protective covering of internal organs of the body get affected by malignant cells. These coatings are:
the pleura: the outer skin surrounding the lungs and chest cavity;
Peritoneum: the lining of the abdominal cavity, and
Pericardium: a sac holding the heart.
The symptoms of mesothelioma affecting these organs can vary due to the special nature and functions of organs. Some of these symptoms are severe, and also some of the symptoms are rare. It is therefore recommended to contact a doctor if symptoms prevail.
Additionally, if mesothelioma is detected early, the chances of an eventual cure are high.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, categorized by types:
Pleural mesothelioma symptoms:
Breathlessness
Coughing blood
Chest pain
pleural effusion (fluid in the lining of the lungs)
Back pain
Hoarse voice
Weakness
Swallowing problems
Loss of appetite
Weight Loss
Excessive coughing
Swelling
Paralysis
Fever
In severe cases, a pleural mesothelioma patient can develop pneumothorax or lung cancer (lung failure). However, some patients may show almost no symptoms.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms:
Swelling or mass accumulation in the abdomen
Weight Loss
Abdominal pains
Intestinal obstruction
Blood clots
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Hernia
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms:
Chest pain
Breathlessness
Cough
Unusual heart beating
irregular breathing patterns
The symptoms of mesothelioma can also be indications of other minor illnesses. However, if diagnosed early, these symptoms can help doctors to cure cancer at a primitive stage. Remember that only a doctor can confirm the presence of mesothelioma by examining medical records, history of asbestos exposure, MRI and / or computed tomography. In some cases, a needle biopsy can also be performed.
Written on January 4th, 2012, Read more articles on Mesothelioma Symptoms.
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor involving the mesothelial cells that make up the pleura or lining around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs. It can also affect the heart and stomach. Pleural mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, including chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, or that took place twenty years or more before the disease becomes evident. These fibers are ingested into the body by breathing or swallowing. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for about 75% of cases.
Plural types of Mesothelioma
“Localized and benign” Mesothelioma is not life threatening and can be removed by surgery.
“Diffuse and malignant” Mesothelioma is a cancer that usually leads to death within one year of diagnosis.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma
The pain of the chest wall, pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung shortness of breath, weight loss, fatigue or anemia wheezing, hoarseness, or cough and blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed. Patients may develop many tumor masses. Patients may experience pneumothorax or collapsed lung. The disease may spread or metastases to other parts of the body.
Stages of pleural mesothelioma
There are four stages of the disease. Localized cancer from pleural mesothelioma – stage I, cancer is on the membrane surface where it originated in Phase IV; advanced. In this last stage, the cancer has (metastasize) to extend beyond the surface of the membrane of origin to other parts of the body such as lymph nodes, lungs, chest, or abdominal organs.
Screening and diagnosis
Doctors first review the patient’s medical history, including any exposure to asbestos. The doctor may perform a physical examination is complete. Doctors may then go x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. These tests include various imaging tests such as CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI.
A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer. Doctors perform a thoracoscopy in patients with symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. This procedure involves making a small incision in the chest wall inserted a thin tube called a thoracoscope and enlightened in the chest between two ribs. Doctors suck fluid access into the lungs by a procedure called thoracentesis. They can then obtain tissue samples for analysis. Other types of tube insertions include bronchoscopy or mediastinoscopy
Treatment Options
Some of the most widely used treatments now.
Surgical removal of the whole lung and part of the chest wall, diaphragm and part of the sac surrounding the heart.
Radiotherapy is applied to the sites of insertion of chest tube to prevent the growth of the tumor along the track in the chest wall. Although not particularly successful, the radiation is preformed to relieve symptoms arising from tumor growth, such as obstruction of a major blood vessel.
Chemotherapy is used to stop cancer cells to proliferate and divide.
It is important to note that there are no effective treatments for mesothelioma to date. Patients generally have a median survival of 6 to 12 months after presentation of symptoms.
Written on January 4th, 2012, Read more articles on Mesothelioma Stages and Mesothelioma Types.
Some patients want to know about mesothelioma prognosis mesothelioma. They may have their own personal reasons for wanting to know their chances of survival or better. If you are a mesothelioma patient interested in the same, then you have the right to know. Keep in mind that there are various sources prognosis. Here are some important points you should consider when playing on the prognosis of cancer of asbestos.
Prognostic data
Hence it is – The first thing you must understand is where the data comes prognosis. Prognostic information is based actual data in statistical form. Researchers consider the various cases of mesothelioma in clinical studies for average figures. This may mean that the real prognostic information may be true for many patients. This does not mean however that the information is always true.
Asbestos cancer cases may be unique. This is because many different factors can affect mesothelioma. Some of These include your Overall Health, Treatment taken, When Time Began Treatment, mesothelioma type and severity of the condition. Some of these include your general health, treatment taken, when treatment began, the type of mesothelioma and severity of the disease. It is therefore important not to view the information as the prognosis is absolutely true in your case.
Difficulties with prognosis
It can be difficult to arrive at a prognosis of mesothelioma statistics or personal. This is because mesothelioma is not in itself like many other forms of cancer. The condition is rare. Exposure to asbestos, which is the main risk factor for this condition is not always known by many people. Those with the condition also can not immediately seek help from doctors for diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms are not clearly state the point and can even mimic the symptoms of other diseases.
The statistical information
So what are the statistical figures say? As patients are often diagnosed late, the prognosis for many patients are not good. Many patients are told they can expect to live for just under a year. Again, there are exceptions to this prognosis. There were personal accounts of patients who survived more than five years. Some even live up to ten years after diagnosis.
Diagnosis
Like other forms of cancer, early diagnosis of mesothelioma is important. Early diagnosis means early treatment and survival. Since early diagnosis is often not taken because of the lack of unique symptoms, you can not even think that visiting a doctor is needed. Your only clue that might suggest that you may need medical supervision is exposure to asbestos. This is true, however, for people who work closely with asbestos. Patients who do not handle asbestos on a regular basis can not even remember or know they have been exposed to asbestos.
Treatment
The treatment is a factor that may affect the individual prognosis. Depending on your overall health, stage of your disease and evaluation of your physician, you may have to undergo one or two methods of cancer treatment. Like other forms of cancer, mesothelioma can be treated with chemotherapy, surgery or radiotherapy.
The prognosis of mesothelioma is certainly not definitive. Although the prognostic information can provide valuable information about the disease, there is no reason to believe that you have absolutely no chance of survival beyond one year.
Written on January 4th, 2012, Read more articles on Mesothelioma Prognosis.
Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient’s medical history. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion of mesothelioma. A physical examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The x-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure and suspicion of mesothelioma increases. A CT scan (or cat) or MRI is usually performed. If a large amount of fluid is present, abnormal cells can be detected by cytopathology if this fluid is aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid this is done by a pleural tap or chest drain, ascites with an paracentesis or ascitic drain and in a pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis. While the absence of malignant cells on cytology does not completely exclude mesothelioma, it makes it much more unlikely, especially if an alternative diagnosis can be made (eg., Tuberculosis, heart failure).
If cytology is positive or a plaque is regarded as suspicious, a biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A doctor removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin tube and light, called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples.
If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a laparoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.
Written on January 4th, 2012, Read more articles on Mesothelioma Diagnosis.