Mesothelioma Treatment In India At Delhi At low Cost - Health

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs (mesothelium).

Doctors divide mesothelioma into different types based on what part of the mesothelium is affected, including : -

malignant mesothelioma, which affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs and is the most common form of mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the tissue in your abdomen.

Pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the tissue surrounding the heart.

Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, which occurs in the lining around the testicles.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the cancer occurs. Pleural mesothelioma signs and symptoms may include : -

Shortness of breath Painful breathing (pleurisy) Painful coughing Chest pain under the rib cage Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on your chest Unexplained weight loss Dry (nonproductive) cough

Peritoneal mesothelioma signs and symptoms may include : -

Abdominal pain Abdominal swelling A change in your bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation Lumps of tissue in the abdomen Unexplained weight loss

Other forms of mesothelioma

Signs and symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma and mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis are unclear. These forms are so rare that not much information is available. Pericardial mesothelioma signs and symptoms may include difficulty breathing or chest pains. Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis may be first detected as a mass on a testicle.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have signs and symptoms that may indicate mesothelioma. Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma aren't specific to this disease and, due to the rarity of mesothelioma, are more likely to be related to other conditions. If any persistent signs and symptoms seem unusual or bothersome to you, ask your doctor to evaluate them.

Causes of Mesothelioma

In general, cancer begins when a series of genetic mutations occur within a cell, causing the cell to grow and multiply out of control, when healthy cells would normally die. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass (tumor). Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can break off from an initial tumor to spread elsewhere in the body (metastasize).

It isn't clear what causes the initial genetic mutations that lead to mesothelioma, though researchers have identified factors that may increase the risk. It's likely that cancers form because of an interaction between many factors, such as inherited conditions, your environment, your health conditions and your lifestyle choices.

Benign pleural mesothelioma

A form of noncancerous (benign) tumor that can occur in the chest is sometimes called benign mesothelioma. However, this name is misleading. Benign mesothelioma doesn't begin in the same cells where the cancerous forms of mesothelioma begin. And, in a minority of cases, benign mesothelioma can be very aggressive, despite the term "benign." For this reason, some doctors now refer this tumor as solitary fibrous tumor.

Solitary fibrous tumor usually doesn't cause signs and symptoms. Most cases are inadvertently discovered during tests and procedures for other conditions. It isn't clear what causes solitary fibrous tumors, but they aren't linked to asbestos exposure. Treatment for solitary fibrous tumor typically includes surgery.

Risk factors of Mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure: The primary risk factor for mesothelioma

Asbestos is a mineral that's found naturally in the environment. Asbestos fibers are strong and resistant to heat, making them useful in a wide variety of applications, such as in insulation, cement, brakes, shingles, flooring and many other products. People who work around asbestos fibers are thought to have the greatest risk of mesothelioma.

When asbestos is broken up, such as during the mining process or when removing asbestos insulation, dust may be created. If the dust is inhaled or swallowed, the asbestos fibers may settle in the lungs or in the stomach, where they can cause irritation that may lead to mesothelioma, though how exactly this happens isn't understood.

Mesothelioma risk is believed to be increased in people who are exposed to high levels of asbestos, in people who are exposed to asbestos over a long period of time and in people exposed to asbestos at a young age. It can take 30 to 40 years or more for mesothelioma to develop as a result of asbestos exposure.

Some people with years of asbestos exposure never develop mesothelioma. And yet, others with very brief exposure develop the disease. This indicates that other factors may be involved in determining whether someone gets mesothelioma or doesn't. For instance, you could inherit a predisposition to cancer or some other condition could increase your risk.

Possible risk factors Factors that may increase the risk of mesothelioma include : -

Personal history of asbestos exposure : - If you've been directly exposed to asbestos fibers at work or at home, your risk of mesothelioma is greatly increased.

Living with someone who works with asbestos : -People who are exposed to asbestos may carry the fibers home on their skin and clothing. These stray fibers can put others in the home at risk of mesothelioma. People who work with asbestos should shower and change clothes before leaving work.

Smoking : - Risk of mesothelioma is increased greatly in smokers who are exposed to asbestos.

SV40 : - Some research indicates a link between mesothelioma and simian virus 40 (SV40), a virus originally found in monkeys. Millions of people may have been exposed to SV40 when receiving polio vaccinations between 1955 and 1963, because the vaccine was developed using monkey cells. Once it was discovered that SV40 was linked to certain cancers, the virus was removed from the polio vaccine. Whether SV40 increases the risk of mesothelioma is a point of debate, and more research is needed.

Radiation : - Some research links mesothelioma to the radioactive substance thorium dioxide, which was used along with X-rays to diagnose various health conditions from the 1920s to the 1950s. Thorium dioxide was later found to cause cancer and is no longer used.

Family history : - A family history of mesothelioma may increase your risk of mesothelioma, but more research is needed to understand this theory.

Tests and diagnosis of Mesothelioma

If you have signs and symptoms that might indicate mesothelioma, your doctor will conduct a physical exam to check for any lumps or other unusual signs. Your doctor may order imaging scans, such as a chest X-ray or a computerized tomography (CT) scan of your chest or abdomen, to look for abnormalities.

It's not uncommon for mesothelioma to be misdiagnosed initially because mesothelioma is rare, and its signs and symptoms aren't specific. Your doctor will likely rule out other more common conditions before considering mesothelioma.

Biopsy

Biopsy, a procedure to remove a small portion of tissue for laboratory examination, is the only way to determine whether you have mesothelioma. Depending on what area of your body is affected, your doctor selects the right biopsy procedure for you Options include : -

Fine-needle aspiration : - The doctor removes fluid or a piece of tissue with a small needle inserted into your chest or abdomen.

Thoracoscopy : -Thoracoscopy allows the surgeon to see inside your chest. In this procedure, the surgeon makes one or more small incisions between your ribs. A tube with a tiny video camera is then inserted into your chest cavity - a procedure sometimes called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Special surgical tools allow your surgeon to cut away tissue for testing.

Laparoscopy : - Laparoscopy allows the surgeon to see inside your abdomen. Using one or more small incisions into your abdomen, the surgeon inserts a tiny camera and special surgical tools to obtain a small piece of tissue for examination.

Thoracotomy : - Thoracotomy is surgery to open your chest between the ribs to allow a surgeon to check for signs of disease. He or she removes a sample of tissue for testing.

Laparotomy : - Laparotomy is surgery to open your abdomen to allow a surgeon to check for signs of disease. He or she removes a sample of tissue for testing.

The tissue sample is analyzed under a microscope to see whether the abnormal tissue is mesothelioma and what types of cells are involved. The type of mesothelioma you have determines your treatment plan.

Staging

Once mesothelioma is diagnosed, your doctor orders other tests to determine the extent, or stage, of the cancer. Imaging tests that may help determine the stage of your cancer include : -

Chest X-ray CT scans of the chest and abdomen Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Positron emission tomography (PET)

Once the extent of pleural mesothelioma is determined, a stage is assigned. Formal stages aren't available for other types of mesothelioma because these types are rare and aren't well studied. The stages of pleural mesothelioma are : -

I : - Stage I pleural mesothelioma is considered localized cancer, meaning it's limited to one portion of the lining of the chest.

II : - Stage II mesothelioma may have spread beyond the lining of the chest to the diaphragm or to a lung.

III : -Stage III mesothelioma may have spread to other structures within the chest and may involve nearby lymph nodes.

IV : - Stage IV mesothelioma is an advanced cancer that has spread to distant areas (metastasized). Mesothelioma most commonly spreads (metastasizes) to the brain, lymph nodes in the chest and areas of the lung that are away from the tumor.

Treatments of Mesothelioma

What treatment you undergo for mesothelioma depends on your health and certain aspects of your cancer, such as its stage and location. Unfortunately, mesothelioma often is an aggressive disease and for most people a cure isn't possible. Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage - when it isn't possible to remove the cancer through an operation. Instead, your doctor may work to control your cancer to make you more comfortable.

Discuss treatment goals with your doctor. Some people want to do everything they can to treat their cancer, even if that means enduring side effects for a small chance of an improvement. Others prefer treatments that make them comfortable so that they can live their remaining months as symptom-free as possible.

Surgery

Surgeons work to remove mesothelioma in instances where it is diagnosed at an early stage. Sometimes it isn't possible to remove all of the cancer. In those cases, surgery may help to reduce the signs and symptoms caused by mesothelioma spreading in your body. Surgical options may include : -

Surgery to decrease fluid buildup : - Pleural mesothelioma may cause fluid to build up in your chest, causing difficulty breathing. Surgeons insert a tube or catheter into your chest to drain the fluid. Surgeons may also inject medicine into your chest to prevent fluid from returning (pleurodesis).

Surgery to remove the tissue around the lung or abdomen : - Surgeons may remove the tissue lining the ribs and the lungs (pleurectomy) or the tissue lining the abdominal cavity (peritonectomy) in order to relieve signs and symptoms of mesothelioma.

Surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible (debulking) : - If all of the cancer can't be removed, surgeons may attempt to remove as much as possible.

Surgery to remove a lung and the surrounding tissue : - Removing the affected lung and the tissue that surrounds it may relieve signs and symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. This procedure also allows doctors to use higher doses of radiation against any remaining mesothelioma, since they won't need to worry about protecting your lung from damaging radiation.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. Systemic chemotherapy travels throughout the body and may shrink or slow the growth of a pleural mesothelioma that can't be removed using surgery. Chemotherapy may also be used before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to make an operation easier or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to reduce the chance that cancer will return.

Chemotherapy drugs may also be heated and administered directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal chemotherapy), in the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, or into the chest cavity (intrapleural chemotherapy), in the case of pleural mesothelioma. Using this strategy, chemotherapy drugs can reach the mesothelioma directly without injuring healthy cells in other parts of the body. This allows doctors to administer higher doses of chemotherapy drugs.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy may also be used to reduce the signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma that can't be removed through surgery.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy focuses high-energy beams to a specific spot or spots on your body. Radiation may reduce signs and symptoms in people with pleural mesothelioma. Doctors aim radiation at the entire chest to obtain the best result. However, many sensitive organs are in the chest, such as the heart, lungs, esophagus and spinal cord, so doctors must use low doses of radiation to spare these organs. Radiation therapy is sometimes used after biopsy or surgery to prevent mesothelioma from spreading to the surgical incision.

Radiation therapy is used occasionally in people with peritoneal mesothelioma to reduce signs and symptoms caused by the cancer.

Combination therapy

Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be combined. This aggressive therapy can be grueling and may not be appropriate for everyone. Younger, healthier people and those with earlier stage mesothelioma may be more able to endure this treatment. Combination therapy has shown the most promise in treating mesothelioma. However, most people will eventually experience a recurrence of this cancer despite aggressive treatment. Combination therapy has been used in both pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma.

Treatment for other types of mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma and mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis are very rare and can be very aggressive. Early-stage cancer may be removed through surgery. Doctors have yet to determine the best way to treat later stage cancers, though. Your doctor may recommend other treatments to improve your quality of life.Please Log On To: /cancer-treatment/mesothelioma-treatment-india.htmlEmail Us:

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Mesothelioma on the Rise in the UK - Health - Cancer

It is a rare cancer disease with cases that has been increasing significantly in the UK every year. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. A person contracts the disease either through contact with the skin or cloth or, worst, through direct inhalation. It has been diagnosed that it takes years and years before the disease eventually manifests and starts destroying the body. Upon contracting the disease, the malignant cells start lining the chest cavities, abdominal region, and the surrounding areas of the heart.It takes years - sometimes decades - before the cancer patient shows indications of suffering from mesothelioma. The progression from diagnosis to a chain of eventual degeneration is quiet long and very erratic. This is the reason why experts find it difficult to get accurate data concerning this disease.Asbestos exposure of one single member in the family can already be detrimental because the disease could quickly contaminate all other household members. No matter how small the contamination is, the percentage of infection would still be very higher. At present, it is reported that about 3000 patients have been confirmed as having the disease and about 1,700 mesothelioma cancer patients die every year.Smokers are more susceptible to mesothelioma. However, there are those who contract the disease who are declared to be smokers even if they are not. The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma are very common. Chances are at the very first time that symptoms manifest, they are ignored or simply dismissed as those of an ordinary illness. The reason why a patient's health could decline quickly is the lack of proper and immediate treatment owing to this.The typical symptoms that denote the severity of a patient's condition are: dyspnea, pleuritic pain, lingering cough, unreasonable weight loss, frequent collapse of strength. Not all mesothelioma victims exhibit symptoms before the terminal stage is reached. But it is a must that a thorough chec k up must be done by an expert to get an accurate assessment.

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Why we need to raise Mesothelioma & Asbestos awareness? - Law

We live in a time where cancer is very prevalent, even with advances in medical technology, millions die from some form of cancer each year. Many forms of cancer can be nearly unavoidable due to genetics; however there are some forms of cancer that are caused by our day by day activities and can be avoided. Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma are both really good examples of the latter; smoking has been linked to being one of the major causes to lung cancer, where Mesothelioma is caused solely due to exposure to Mesothelioma.Generally when we look to spread Cancer Awareness, we spread awareness about Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, and just the general umbrella of cancer. While over 200,000 cases of lung cancer and over 175,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year, about only 3,000 cases of Mesothelioma are diagnosed each year. Though Mesothelioma may not have the mainstream media eyes or the number of victims that Breast Cancer and Lung Cancer claims, it is still important that we spread awareness of Mesothelioma and the dangerous fibers that cause it: Asbestos.Much like smoking, the use of asbestos in products and construction wasn't thought to have deadly side effects, however also like smoking time has shown that there is a deadly side effect of asbestos. Asbestos has been the sole link to the incurable Mesothelioma cancer that generally claims the lives of elder males. There are many issues that make Mesothelioma such a deadly cancer, notably the latency period that occurs between the time the victim was exposed to asbestos and when they see symptoms of Mesothelioma. Typically the Mesothelioma latency period is between 30-40 years, but can also be between 10 and 60 years after the victim was exposed to Mesothelioma. The latency period typically causes symptoms of Mesothelioma to not appear until the late stages of the cancer, making the cancer untreatable, and limiting the lifespan of its victims to an average of 4-18 months after diagnos es.It's important that we raise awareness for this cancer as Asbestos is still in use today in the United States. Every day countless people work products that can have asbestos making up as much as 70% of the product, while the government and court system know the dangers Asbestos has. Though an ideal replacement has not been found for Asbestos, there are many suitable substitutes that can be used and save thousands of lives. The public needs to raise up against Mesothelioma and get Asbestos banned in the country for good.

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Mesothelioma and its treatment - Health - Cancer

Mesothelioma is a very uncommon form of a cancer which is mainly caused when one is exposed to asbestos. One of the common types of the Mesothelioma is the Pleural Mesothelioma and it is a cancer that is developed in the Mesothelioma cells that make up the mesothelium. It is membrane that lines many of the bodys organs and cavities.

The Pleural Mesothelioma cancer, the cancer is developed in the lining of the lungs which is known as the pleura or pleural membrane. About two third of the pleural Mesothelioma cases are diagnosed. The Pleural Mesothelioma is developed in one layer but it can metastasize or spread to the other layer. All types of Mesothelioma are not easily diagnosis in the initial stage as soon as one is exposed to asbestos.

The pleural Mesothelioma is caused due to exposure to asbestos as all the Mesothelioma is developed. It is developed when the toxic asbestos fibers become trapped in the spaces between the mesothelial cells. Once inside the body, the asbestos fibers cause cancerous cells to divide abnormally. This development results in the thickening of the pleural membrane layers and mesothelial cells which helps in the building up of the fluid and this is known as pleural effusion.

A greater chance of developing Mesothelioma was found among shipyard workers and among people working in asbestos mills and mines, producers of asbestos products, workers inside the heating and construction industries and other trades people.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have set limits to the exposure to asbestos in the workplace. They have also created a principle for engineering controls and respirators, protective clothing, exposure monitoring, hygiene facilities and practices, warning signs, labelling, record keeping and medical exams. The friends and family of the person who live with asbestos workers have a greater chance of developing Mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases.

The risk of developing Mesothelioma is the result of exposure to asbestos dust which is brought home within the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. It is therefore advisable to that a asbestos worker should take a shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace. Many public and domestic building which were built before the banning of asbestos materials can always contain asbestos within them. Those performing renovation works or do-it-yourself projects may expose themselves to asbestos dust.

The clinical research to treat malignant Mesothelioma is very active and although so far no treatment has so far been successful and there are vast treatments available for the disease. There are three types of treatments used to treat malignant Mesothelioma which include: surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

The surgery for malignant Mesothelioma is divided into a number of sub-classes and is specially designed to limit the disease for individuals with particular strains of the disease. The surgical procedure pleurodesis is a distinct technique as it employs a blend of chemicals to create an intentional scar between the layers of the pleura.

The medical technique used to fight the development of malignant Mesothelioma is radiation. Radiation therapy uses the basic technology as other forms of medical radiation as it employs high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells.

The Chemotherapy uses the drugs which target cancer cells and stop them from dividing and thus helps in preventing their growth. In systemic chemotherapy, the drug can be taken by mouth or injected. The goal is to have it reach cancer cells by means of the bodys own blood circulation system.

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Mesothelioma and its treatment - Health - Cancer

Mesothelioma is a very uncommon form of a cancer which is mainly caused when one is exposed to asbestos. One of the common types of the Mesothelioma is the Pleural Mesothelioma and it is a cancer that is developed in the Mesothelioma cells that make up the mesothelium. It is membrane that lines many of the bodys organs and cavities.

The Pleural Mesothelioma cancer, the cancer is developed in the lining of the lungs which is known as the pleura or pleural membrane. About two third of the pleural Mesothelioma cases are diagnosed. The Pleural Mesothelioma is developed in one layer but it can metastasize or spread to the other layer. All types of Mesothelioma are not easily diagnosis in the initial stage as soon as one is exposed to asbestos.

The pleural Mesothelioma is caused due to exposure to asbestos as all the Mesothelioma is developed. It is developed when the toxic asbestos fibers become trapped in the spaces between the mesothelial cells. Once inside the body, the asbestos fibers cause cancerous cells to divide abnormally. This development results in the thickening of the pleural membrane layers and mesothelial cells which helps in the building up of the fluid and this is known as pleural effusion.

A greater chance of developing Mesothelioma was found among shipyard workers and among people working in asbestos mills and mines, producers of asbestos products, workers inside the heating and construction industries and other trades people.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have set limits to the exposure to asbestos in the workplace. They have also created a principle for engineering controls and respirators, protective clothing, exposure monitoring, hygiene facilities and practices, warning signs, labelling, record keeping and medical exams. The friends and family of the person who live with asbestos workers have a greater chance of developing Mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases.

The risk of developing Mesothelioma is the result of exposure to asbestos dust which is brought home within the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. It is therefore advisable to that a asbestos worker should take a shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace. Many public and domestic building which were built before the banning of asbestos materials can always contain asbestos within them. Those performing renovation works or do-it-yourself projects may expose themselves to asbestos dust.

The clinical research to treat malignant Mesothelioma is very active and although so far no treatment has so far been successful and there are vast treatments available for the disease. There are three types of treatments used to treat malignant Mesothelioma which include: surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

The surgery for malignant Mesothelioma is divided into a number of sub-classes and is specially designed to limit the disease for individuals with particular strains of the disease. The surgical procedure pleurodesis is a distinct technique as it employs a blend of chemicals to create an intentional scar between the layers of the pleura.

The medical technique used to fight the development of malignant Mesothelioma is radiation. Radiation therapy uses the basic technology as other forms of medical radiation as it employs high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells.

The Chemotherapy uses the drugs which target cancer cells and stop them from dividing and thus helps in preventing their growth. In systemic chemotherapy, the drug can be taken by mouth or injected. The goal is to have it reach cancer cells by means of the bodys own blood circulation system.

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Mesothelioma Claims - What Does Mesothelioma Cause - Law - Personal Injury

In the industrial setting, asbestos use has been an epidemic that continues today. Millions have been exposed to it's carcinogenic properties due to corporate greed and lack of interest for the common worker. It's harmful properties were known since the 1930's, yet it's use continues to this day. Despite attempts to hide it's impact on health, more and more mesothelioma claims are surfacing each year.

Asbestos history - It's no surprise that asbestos use still continues today. It happens to be a very reliable product, capable of holding it's integrity against heat and chemical damage. Products such as welding gloves, ovens, and household insulation were commonly known to contain asbestos. During the 1940's, following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, millions of workers were exposed to asbestos during the production of new war ships. Even cigarette filters were known, for a time, to contain asbestos fibers.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma - As with other forms of lung cancer, early warning signs are often not present. This is why it is such a devastating form of cancer.

Some forms of mesothelioma can present with early signs, indicating the need for diagnostic testing. Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing indicates trouble in the lungs. This may also include the appearance of blood upon coughing and persistent difficulty with swallowing.

Regardless of asbestos exposure, this should be discussed with your doctor. A change in normal bowel habits or feelings of nausea are often noted, along with weight loss and an unexplained fever. These symptoms tend to accompany periods of unexplainable fatigue.

What to Do - It is very important to seek medical treatment if you suspect past asbestos exposure, or if the symptoms described persist. If mesothelioma is the cause, the prognosis depends heavily on early detection and treatment. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention, as your life could depend on it.

While a diagnosis of mesothelioma is devastating, there is something that can be done. Seeking legal counsel through a lawyer will help to determine your options. Sometimes, you can find lawyers who specialize in the area of mesothelioma claims.

The only way to put an end to this unethical practice is to punish those who have, and continue to put people at risk. It's not just a right, it's a duty! Speak with a lawyer immediately, as they will be your best source for legal counsel. It may also be worth seeking a lawyer whom specializes in mesothelioma claims.

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Mesothelioma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment - Health - Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer of the mesothelium, the protective covering on and around most of the organs in the human body. The major cause of the disease is overexposure to asbestos. It most commonly affects the pleura, which lines the lungs and the chest cavity, but can also be found in the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) and the pericardium (sac surrounding the heart). Despite a common assumption that the disease is of the same origin as a smoker's lung cancer, there is no link between mesothelioma and smoking.Symptoms of the disease may take as many as 20 to 50 years after exposure to become apparent. Different forms of mesothelioma present with different symptoms, but all are unpleasant. Coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain resulting from a build-up of fluid in the pleural area are common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma may result in weight loss, ascites (a build-up of fluid in the abdomen), and abdominal pain. A person with peritoneal mesothelioma may also experience bowel obstruction, fever, anemia, or abnormal blood clotting. If the cancer metastasizes past the mesothelium, difficulty swallowing and swelling of the neck and face may occur.

In severe cases where many tumor masses are present, symptoms include: collapsed lung/lungs, blood clotting in the veins, blood clotting in the heart's arteries, severe bleeding in many organs, jaundice, a low blood sugar level, and severe ascites.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are shared by various other disorders, making this cancer a difficult disease to diagnose. When the above symptoms are presented, suspicion of mesothelioma is raised if the patient has a history of exposure to asbestos. A physical examination, chest x-rays, and lung-function tests are performed to rule out other possible problems. X-rays are used to determine if there is the pleural thickening that is normally seen after exposure to asbestos. A CAT scan and an MRI are performed if pleural thickening is detected, and tests are performed to detect abnormal cells in the pleural fluid. If abnormalities are found, a biopsy is performed to confirm results. A laparoscopy may be performed to determine if the cancer is in the abdomen.

Once the diagnosis has been made, doctors will assess the stage of the cancer. The stage is classified as "localized" if the cancer is limited to the membrane surface from which it originated, and "advanced" if it has spread farther.

The disease can be treated with surgery (but the average result is a 5 year survival rate of less than 10%), chemotherapy, radiation (used to relieve symptoms as the tumors are highly resistant to radiation), immunotherapy (which has produced varying results of success and disappointment), and heated intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (a procedure in which the surgeon removes as much of the tumor as possible before administering chemotherapy treatment immediately after, allowing 60 to 120 minutes to take effect before it is drained).

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