Cancer Spreads to Internal Organs in Mesothelioma Patients

Malignant mesothelioma is cancer that has spread to the cancer cells that cover most of the internal organs (the mesothelium). Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly type of cancer. Treatments for mesothelioma are available, but women with mesothelioma are not cured.

Doctors divide mesothelioma into different types according to which part of the mesothelium is affected. Mesothelioma most often affects the tissues that surround the lung (pleura). 

This type is called pleural mesothelioma. Other, rarer types of mesothelioma affect the tissues in the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma), around the heart, and around the testicles.

Uncovering the Hidden Symptoms: Understanding Mesothelioma Cancer

The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the location of the cancer.

Pleural mesothelioma

which affects the tissues surrounding the lungs, and may include the following signs and symptoms: 

• Chest pain
• Coughing that hurts; shortness of breath
• The appearance of abnormal tissue masses under the skin of the chest
• Unknown cause of weight loss

Peritoneal mesothelioma

which affects the tissues surrounding the abdomen, and may include the following signs and symptoms: 

• Tummy ache 
• Abdominal distension 
• Nausea 
• Unexplained weight loss

The signs and symptoms of other types of mesothelioma are not clear, as other forms are very rare. 

Pericardial mesothelioma

which affects the tissues surrounding the heart and can cause signs and symptoms such as difficulty breathing and chest pain. 

Tunica albuginea mesothelioma

which affects the tissues surrounding the testicles, may initially be diagnosed by the appearance of a swelling or mass on the testicle.

Unveiling the Root Cause: Understanding the Risk Factors of Mesothelioma Cancer

Generally speaking, cancer begins when a series of changes (mutations) occur in a cell's DNA. DNA contains the instructions that tell the cell what to do. 

The mutations tell the cell to grow and multiply uncontrollably. The abnormal cells accumulate and form a tumor. It's not known what causes the primary genetic mutations that cause amiantiform, although researchers have identified factors that may increase the risk. 

Cancer is likely to form as a result of the interaction of many factors, such as: genetic conditions, the environment, your health condition, and lifestyle choices.

Among the risk factors are the following:

Exposure to asbestos

the primary risk factor for mesothelioma It is believed that most cases of mesothelioma are related to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral in the environment. Asbestos fibers are strong and heat resistant, which makes them useful in a variety of uses, such as insulation, skirting, roofing, flooring, and many other products.

A family history of mesothelioma 

If one of your parents, siblings or children has had mesothelioma, you may have an increased risk of developing the disease.

Radiotherapy to the chest 

If you've had radiation therapy to treat cancer in your chest, you may have an increased risk of mesothelioma

Unlocking the Secrets of Early Detection: Revolutionary Methods for Diagnosing Mesothelioma Cancer

If you have signs and symptoms that may indicate mesothelioma, your doctor will perform a physical exam to check for any lumps or other unusual signs. 

Your doctor may order imaging scans, such as a chest X-ray and a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the chest or abdomen, to look for any abnormalities.

Depending on the results, you may undergo further tests to determine whether mesothelioma or another disease is causing your symptoms. 

Biopsy

A biopsy, a procedure to remove a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination, is the only way to determine whether you have mesothelioma. Your doctor will select the appropriate biopsy procedure for you based on the area of your body that is affected.

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

Determine the cancer's extent

Once your diagnosis of mesothelioma is confirmed, your doctor will run a series of tests to see if the cancer has spread to your lymph nodes or anywhere else in your body.

Examinations may include:

• Computed tomography of the abdomen and chest
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Po-sitron emission tomography (PET)

The doctor will select the necessary tests for you. Not everyone needs to have all of these tests.

Fighting Back: Innovative Treatment Strategies for Defeating Mesothelioma

The treatment you undergo for mesothelioma depends on your health and specific aspects of the cancer, such as its stage and location

Surgery 

Surgeons remove mesothelioma when it is diagnosed at an early stage. In some cases, cancer can be cured. 

Sometimes the entire cancer cannot be removed. In these cases, surgery can help reduce the signs and symptoms caused by the spread of mesothelioma in your body.

Surgical options may include:

Surgery to reduce fluid buildup 

Pleural mesothelioma can cause fluid to build up in your chest, making it difficult to breathe. Surgeons insert a tube or catheter into your chest to drain fluid. Doctors may also assist you in injecting medication into your chest to prevent fluid buildup (pleura).

Surgery to remove the tissue surrounding the lungs 

Surgeons may remove tissue that lines the ribs and lungs (pleurectomy). This procedure doesn't cure mesothelioma, but it can relieve its signs and symptoms.

Surgery to remove the lung and surrounding tissue 

Removing the affected lung and surrounding tissue can relieve the signs and symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. If you will be receiving radiation therapy to the chest after surgery, this procedure also allows doctors to use higher doses. 

Since you don't have to worry about protecting your lungs from damaging radiation. 

Surgery of the membrane surrounding mesothelioma 

Sometimes the membrane surrounding mesothelioma may be treated with surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible. Other treatments may be used before or after surgery.

Chemotherapy 

Chemotherapy uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. Systemic chemotherapy travels through the body and may shrink or slow the growth of mesothelioma that cannot be removed surgically. 

Chemotherapy may also be used before surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to make surgery easier or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to reduce the chance of cancer returning. 

Chemotherapy drugs may be warmed and given directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal chemotherapy) for peritoneal mesothelioma.

Radiation therapy 

Radiation therapy focuses high-energy beams such as X-rays and protons on a specific spot or spots on your body. 

Radiation therapy may be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. It may also help reduce the signs and symptoms of advanced cancer in cases where surgery is not an option.

Other treatments 

In some cases, other treatments may be used to treat mesothelioma. 

Other treatments include:

Immunotherapy 

Immunotherapy uses your immune system to fight cancer. Your disease-fighting immune system may not attack cancer. because cancer cells produce proteins that blind cells of the immune system.

Immunotherapy works by disrupting this process. This treatment may be an option if other treatments haven't worked. 

Targeted therapy 

Targeted therapy uses drugs that attack specific weaknesses in cancer cells. These drugs aren't commonly used to treat mesothelioma, but your doctor may recommend targeted therapy based on the results of the tumor's DNA test.