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While they share the same symptoms mesothelioma as well as lung cancer are two distinct illnesses. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the membrane that surrounds organs and structures, which includes the lungs.
To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors examine fluid samples from pleural space and CT scans. They may also perform a lung biopsy or a VATS procedure that uses keyhole surgery to remove tissue to be examined.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer that forms in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs. Pleural mesothelioma, the most commonly encountered type of cancer that forms on the tissue lining (pleura) of your lungs. The cancer is caused by asbestos fibers blown into the lungs. This causes irritation and scarring.
The first signs of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and dry cough. These symptoms are similar to many other lung diseases, and so mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed until it is at the stage of late.
As mesothelioma advances, it becomes more difficult to breathe and sufferers are afflicted with fatigue, weight loss, nausea and fever. Other symptoms, like swelling of the arms or face and a lump in the chest, may indicate mesothelioma. In the last stages of mesothelioma, patients may experience night sweats and anemia.
Doctors determine mesothelioma through taking the patient's medical records and conducting a physical examination. They also perform imaging tests to identify cancerous tumors or other signs of mesothelioma. In some instances, doctors may insert a tube in the chest to drain fluid that has built up there. They may also order blood tests to determine the levels that are higher in mesothelioma patients. These biomarkers are used to distinguish mesothelioma cancer cells from lung cancer cells.
Diagnosis
When mesothelioma is first diagnosed typically, it's at an advanced stage. It can be difficult for doctors to distinguish from other lung diseases. The two diseases share similar symptoms like difficulty breathing, pressure in the chest and the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Many doctors don't recognize mesothelioma prior to it having advanced or reaches a late stage.
Mesothelioma is classified by the site of origin, with pleural mesothelioma located in the lining of the lungs. Other less frequent types include peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the abdomen, and testicular mesothelioma.
In mesothelioma, Lung Cancer Mesothelioma the cancerous cells form tumors that expand to the surrounding tissues. Mesothelioma is more aggressive than other lung cancers. A biopsy is when the doctor collects a tissue sample and examines mesothelial cells under a microscope. By using this information doctors can determine if the patient is suffering from mesothelioma, or lung cancer.
A blood test is able to determine if a patient has mesothelioma. It checks for a specific mesothelial cell released a protein into the bloodstream, a protein called soluble mesothelin-related peptides. This protein may be in the bloodstream for several years before the mesothelioma cancer is identified by imaging tests or biopsy. Doctors may also look at the chest X-ray for signs of asbestos, like calcium deposits or a thickening of the pleura. Doctors can also employ a needle to remove fluid from the pleural space to detect cancerous cells.
Treatment
There are several treatment options for those diagnosed with mesothelioma of the lung. The treatments are based on the mesothelioma type, the location it is situated in the body, and how advanced the disease is. When making a decision on a treatment doctors will also consider the patient's health condition and medical history.
Doctors use various imaging studies to determine mesothelioma. These include chest Xrays and computerized tomography scans. They can also request a biopsy, which is the removal of a tiny amount of tissue for testing. They may also conduct the blood and lung function test to identify biomarkers that indicate mesothelioma's presence.
Malignant mesothelioma falls into three categories based on the way that cells appear under microscope. The three types are epithelioid and sarcomatoid mixed. Each one of these categories has different survival rates and treatments options.
The majority of the time, mesothelioma can be diagnosed at a late stage. This is when surgery is not an option. Doctors are focused on managing symptoms to provide the best possible patient comfort. This is known as palliative treatment.
Patients with mesothelioma could also be interested in participating in a clinical study. These studies help improve existing treatments as well as create new ones. A mesothelioma expert can help patients locate the appropriate study and also discuss treatment options.
Prognosis
The rate of survival for malignant mesothelioma differs based on the kind of tumor and the stage at which it was diagnosed. Other factors include the general health and the treatment method selected. The process of metastasis can cause mesothelioma cells to spread to other areas. It could also recur after it has been treated.
The mesothelium membrane lines many cavities in the body. It is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but can also form in the abdomen's lining or around the heart.
Lung cancer mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain. The symptoms can be similar to other illnesses. It is imperative to see a doctor in case you have any concerns.
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be determined with the help of tests. For instance, a doctor might recommend a CT scan or an MRI to determine changes in the lungs, such as pleural thickening or effusion, lung cancer Mesothelioma which is a buildup of fluid in the lungs. They could also do an positron-emission tomography (PET) scan (PET). This test involves administering a shot of the radioactive compound consumed by cancerous cells. The doctor can then observe the region that has the most cancerous tissues in a PET image.
Patients with mesothelioma might choose to take part in a clinical study. These studies are designed to improve treatments currently in use and introduce new ones.
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