Mesothelioma is a deadly lung cancer that affects the mesothelium or the thin layer of tissue covering the internal organs. It is mainly linked with exposure to asbestos which is a carcinogenic substance. Mesothelioma cancer cells occur in the linings of the abdomen and chest and, from there, can spread to other parts of the body. Unfortunately, there is no cure for mesothelioma currently, while the degree of risk of developing this cancer depends on the frequency of Asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is generally divided by not only its type but also by the location of the cancer cells.
- The most common type is the epithelioid mesothelioma that accounts for almost 50% of all mesothelioma cases.
- Fibrous or sarcomatoid mesothelioma are generally recognized by their spindle shape and accounts for 10%-20% of all mesothelioma cases.
- Biphasic or mixed type mesothelioma consists of a combination of the above two types.
Mesothelioma Symptoms And Diagnosis
Asbestos exposure is one of the main causes of mesothelioma. Certain professions, such as mining, construction, firefighting, etc., pose a higher risk of exposure. Unfortunately, due to the long latency period between symptoms and exposure, many people won’t know until the cancer has significantly spread. Therefore, not only should you keep a sharp eye on your symptoms if you work near asbestos, but also seek help regarding mesothelioma lawsuits in case you develop the disease. Chest pain, dry cough, shortness of breath, and respiratory complication; if you have these consistent symptoms while working in an asbestos-exposed environment, then it is best to visit a doctor as well as seek legal help. You should also check for other symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Hoarseness
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Reduces chest expansion
- Wheezing and dyspnea
- Bowel obstruction
After you address your symptoms that are consistent with mesothelioma, your doctor will run a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor might run a few or all of the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:
- CT Scan: It is a special type of x-ray, also called CAT scan, that takes pictures of the inside of your body. The doctor can order a CT scan of your abdomen or chest or even for doing a biopsy.
- MRI Scan: This type of scan is most helpful in looking at soft tissues as it uses strong magnets and radio waves for making detailed pictures.
- Chest X-ray: The doctor may often recommend a chest x-ray first, depending on your condition and the location of the abnormalities.
- PET Scan: This type of scan is most helpful when the doctor wants to determine the extent to which cancer has spread. It allows the doctor to look at the entire body with the help of a camera. You are given a particular type of sugar in this test which shows up as hot spots at the location of cancer.
- Biopsies: The most certain way to tell whether you have cancer or not and of which type is through a biopsy. It is a procedure where a small portion of tissue of the affected area is removed and sent to the laboratory for testing. It is the best way to tell which type of mesothelioma you are suffering from and what treatment is best for you.
How To Treat Mesothelioma?
Even though there is no definite cure for mesothelioma, there are different treatments that can help manage the disease. There are various ways to treat mesothelioma after it’s diagnosed, which depends on the following factors:
- The type of cancer
- Location of the cancer
- Your general health
- The stage of cancer
- Your age and feelings about the treatment and possible side effects
- The size of the tumor and other underlying health conditions
- Your signs and symptoms
There are three types of treatment options that are the standard of care for mesothelioma, which further divide into various categories.
Radiation Therapy/Treatment:
In radiation therapy, the doctor destroys the cancer cells through the use of high-energy x-rays. Radiation is typically used to kill the cancer cells left behind after any sort of surgical procedure. External-beam radiation is the most common type of radiation treatment where treatment is given from a machine outside of the body. Unfortunately, there are possible side effects of radiation therapy, including loose bowel movements, mild skin reactions, tiredness, and an upset stomach.
Surgery:
Depending on the spread and the size of the tumor, your doctor may recommend surgery alongside additional treatments. Doctors mostly recommend surgery when the tumor is small but isn’t always necessary. For instance, the surgeon may remove the cancerous lining around the lung if you suffer from pleural mesothelioma or sometimes may remove fluid that collects in the chest by putting a small tube.
Conclusion
Getting to know that you have been diagnosed with an illness, specially something as dangerous as mesothelioma, is never easy. It takes a noticeable physical and emotional toll on a person. Fortunately, you can manage this disease with proper diagnosis and treatment options and return to a life as normal as possible.
