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Mesothelioma Cell Types  One way that mesothelioma is detected is how the mesothelioma cells look under a microscope – called “cell type.” There are four main cell types: EPITHELIOID The most common cell type, which accounts for around 50% to 70% of all mesothelioma diagnoses. Epithelioid mesothelioma has the best prognosis of the types of malignant mesothelioma. SARCOMATOID The cell type described as Sarcomatoid accounts for around 10% to 20% of all mesotheliomas and is categorized as having an erratic character. BIPHASIC Also commonly referred to as “mixed variant,” the biphasic cell type is a combination of both the epithelioid and Sarcomatoid cell types and accounts for between 10% and 30% of mesotheliomas. DESMOPLASTIC Known as “DMM,” cells categorized as desmoplastic are rare and aggressive, making up 5% to 10% of malignant mesotheliomas. Mesothelioma cell types are further divided into four subgroups: Clear cell – the inside of the cell appears cle...

Mesothelioma Diagnosis & Tests - Cytology Unlike imaging tests, cytology is a pathological means to diagnosing malignant mesothelioma in patients, consisting of a fluid biopsy of abnormalities previously discovered. Once cytology is performed, the cells from the sample are examined to arrive at a diagnosis. There are two types of cytology that can be performed- Paracentisis and Thoracentisis. PARACENTISIS Paracentisis refers to a biopsy of fluid that has collected in the belly (peritoneal fluid). Apart from an interventional radiologist (IR) initially cleaning the area to be tested, there is no preparation for the procedure required from the patient. During Paracentisis, the patient will be under local anesthesia at the site of the targeted area. A needle will be injected into the targeted area being tested and will extract the fluid with which the cytology is to be performed. THORACENTISIS Thoracentisis refers to a biopsy of fluid that has collected within the pleur...

Mesothelioma Diagnosis & Tests - Biopsy While imaging tests can detect abnormalities, they don’t always identify exactly what the abnormalities are. For this reason, the findings of an X-ray, CT scan or both often lead to a pathological evaluation done via needle or surgical biopsy. With a biopsy, a tissue sample taken from the body will be reviewed under a microscope to determine if the tumor is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The tissue will often be "stained" to determine the type of cancer and examined to determine the types of cells involved (epithelial, sarcomatoid, or mixed/biphasic). A biopsy is performed under local anesthesia. In some cases, sedation/analgesia may be needed. To prepare for the procedure, the patient must typically stop eating 6 hours before the biopsy, and they must abstain from smoking for 48 hours before the procedure. To begin, the patient will change into a hospital gown and an IV (intravenous line) will be pla...

Mesothelioma Diagnosis & Tests - PET Scans Some doctors may also order a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. The PET scan may reveal areas where there is abnormal, perhaps cancerous, tissue. PET scans are used in situations where there may be scar tissue present and are used in conjunction with CT scans in many cases. They are also often used to find the stage of cancer. With a PET scan, a radioactive substance is injected into the blood. This substance is usually a type of sugar related to glucose. After some time, the scanners can detect and will show images of the tissue that is interacting with the substance. Due to the quick growth activity of cancer cells, they absorb more of the injected substance compared to other healthy cells. Even though the picture results from a PET scan are not as detailed as a CT or MRI scan, they can provide doctors with very helpful information regarding if abnormal areas are cancerous or not. Many doctors use this test to see if the ...

Mesothelioma Diagnosis & Tests - CT Scans If after reviewing the chest x-rays the doctor would like to gather more information, they order a Computed Tomography Scan or more commonly referred to as a CT scan for further evaluation. CT scans are typically more conclusive than x-rays and they can also determine the location of any tumors and if fluid has built up around the lungs. Computed tomography (CT) scans are considered painless, noninvasive, and accurate. They also offer more details than X-rays. To prepare for a CT scan, the patient may be asked to avoid eating and drinking anything for several hours before the procedure and to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. During CT scanning, the patient may be asked to lie on a table, which is part of a tunnel-like apparatus with a hole in the center. Several X-ray beams and a set of electronic X-ray detectors will rotate around the body, measuring the radiation being absorbed throughout the body. At the same time, the e...

Mesothelioma Diagnosis & Tests -  Chest X-Rays  One of the usual first steps to a mesothelioma diagnosis is a chest x-ray. A chest x-ray may show a buildup of fluid in the lining around the lung and is a quick procedure that requires no preparation. A chest X-ray is performed by a radiology technologist. Before the x-ray, the technologist may ask you to remove your clothing from the waist up and remove all jewelry or other objects containing metal. This can block images and compromise the test results. Your body will be positioned against the X-ray film and the technologist will take images from two positions: Back to front (called a posterior-anterior, or PA, view) The side (called a lateral view) Each of the positions only lasts just a few seconds so the x-rays are taken quickly. The amount of radiation from a chest X-ray is low—even lower than what you're exposed to through natural sources of radiation in the environment, says the Mayo Clinic. In short,...

How is Mesothelioma Esothelioma Diagnosed? Mesothelioma is not easy to diagnose. There are multiple tests that doctors may use to diagnosis mesothelioma including: Chest X-Rays Computed Tomography (CT) Scans PET Scans Pathological Evaluation Cytology Thoracoscopy Biopsy A chest x-ray may show a buildup of fluid in the lining around the lung. The doctor may order a CT scan for further evaluation. A CT scan can also determine if fluid has built up inside the lungs. Some doctors may order a PET scan. The PET scan may reveal areas where there is abnormal, perhaps cancerous, tissue. After the CT and/or PET scan, a doctor may perform a biopsy or cytology to make a definitive diagnosis. If a biopsy is performed, a tissue sample taken from the body will be reviewed under a microscope to determine if the tumor is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The tissue will often be "stained" to determine the type of cancer and examined to determine the typ...

Mesothelioma Pain Management Some patients may prefer to try complementary or alternative treatments either alone or in combination with prescribed medications to relieve pain. It is important to keep in mind that each mesothelioma patient must work with their doctor to determine the best pain management plan for that individual. If pain medications are the only option for pain management, a doctor or pain specialist may prescribe medications dependent on the type of pain being experienced by the patient. These include: SOMATIC PAIN Opioid medications – codeine, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, or oxymorphone NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin VISCERAL PAIN Analgesics, such as gabapentinoids NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin Opioid medications – codeine, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, or oxymorphone NEUROPATHIC PAIN Anesthetics – lipoderm patches, capsaicin cream, k...

Mesothelioma Pain Mesothelioma pain can be dull or sharp, aching or tingling, burning or pounding, or any other number of descriptions. Symptoms associated with the pain may range from sweating, numbness, and dizziness, to tension, nausea, and rapid pulse. The intensity of the pain is often measured by how it interferes with the patient’s daily life. There are at least three distinctive types of pain suffered by those with malignant mesothelioma. SOMATIC Somatic pain originates in the skin, bone, and muscle, and is what most people consider to be “normal” pain. Usually, it is localized, and described by patients with terms such as aching, sharp, pressure, or stinging. Dominant somatic pain complaints of mesothelioma patients are: Pleural Mesothelioma – pressure or sharp pain in the chest, under the rib cage, or upper abdomen Pericardial Mesothelioma – pressure in the chest Peritoneal Mesothelioma – aching, pressure, or fullness in the abdominal area Testicular Mesothe...

Mesothelioma Symptoms SYMPTOMS OF PLEURAL, PERITONEAL, AND PERICARDIAL MESOTHELIOMA What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma? Pleural Mesothelioma causes a buildup of tumor tissue surrounding the lung. Fluid can build up in the pleural space, preventing the lungs from moving easily and expanding naturally. Pressure on the lungs caused by this buildup leads to pain and shortness of breath; two of the most common symptoms. If you are experiencing unexplained shortness of breath or pain in the chest area, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. An individual with pleural mesothelioma (cancer in the lining around the lungs) may also experience: Difficulty swallowing A persistent cough Coughing up blood Fever Sweating Fatigue Weight loss Back pain Pneumonia An individual with peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining around the stomach) may experience: Pain or swelling of the abdomen Swelling of the feet Nausea Vomiting Hernia Difficult bowel mov...

Testicular Mesothelioma Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma cancer and is found in the serous membrane, or “tunica vaginalis,” surrounding the testes in men. While it is considered highly aggressive and is known to metastasize rather quickly, testicular mesothelioma accounts for only 1% of 3,000 diagnosed mesothelioma cases in the United States each year. TESTICULAR MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTOMS Mesothelioma cancer is caused by the exposure to asbestos. Once the initial exposure to asbestos occurs, mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to develop as the asbestos fibers build up, creating scar tissue, and eventually, mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed, as mesothelioma victims may be years removed from the exposure once the mesothelioma cancer has developed and is detected. In particular, testicular mesothelioma is often initially diagnosed as a hernia, and typically not found to be mesothelioma until surgery is performed. While ...

Pericardial Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the tissue surrounding the lungs, the stomach, the testes, or the heart. One of the least common forms -- pericardial mesothelioma -- occurs in the thin lining that protects the heart, called the pericardium. Like other forms of mesothelioma, this cancer is attributed to asbestos exposure and is very difficult to diagnose. It is extremely rare, with only about 200 cases known to doctors, representing approximately 1% to 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses. While treatment is challenging due to the disease's proximity to the heart, and there is no cure for mesothelioma, early diagnosis still gives patients the best chance to prolong their lives. We hope the information you find here will help you and your loved ones learn more about mesothelioma. It is important to speak with your doctor if you experience bothersome, persistent symptoms and have been exposed to asbestos. HOW DOES PERICARDIAL MESOTHELI...

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the lining of the abdomen, known as the peritoneum. It is one of several types of cancer linked to asbestos exposure, representing approximately 20% to 25% of the 3,000 cases of mesothelioma cancer diagnosed each year in the United States. The following information is provided to help you learn more about peritoneal mesothelioma. If you are concerned about mesothelioma, your doctor can evaluate any symptoms you may be experiencing and determine a course of action, if necessary. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms The peritoneum is a thin serous membrane that protects and supports the organs in the abdomen. It is made up of an outer layer (parietal peritoneum), which is attached to the abdominal wall, and an inner layer (visceral peritoneum), which covers the internal organs. A small space between the two layers contains fluid that allows for movement of organs within the abdomen as they fun...

Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 75% of all mesothelioma cases. While this is a rare and aggressive form of cancer, early detection may improve prognosis and provide greater treatment options. There is no cure for mesothelioma; however, ongoing research and clinical trials are producing more effective treatments that offer relief and may prolong the lives of mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the tissue surrounding the lungs, the stomach, the testes, or the heart. This tissue is called the mesothelium. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the thin lining that protects the lungs, called the pleura. There are two layers of the pleura: The outer layer, the parietal pleura, is attached to the chest wall; the inner layer, the visceral pleura, covers the lungs and connecting structures. Fluid between the two layers provides lubrication and aids movement of the lungs during...

What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a cancer found in the lining surrounding the lungs, the stomach, the heart or the testicles. This cancer takes its name from the name that is given to this lining - the mesothelium. The pleura is the name for the mesothelial tissue surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. If the cancer is in this lining, it is called "pleural mesothelioma." Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. The peritoneum is the lining that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity, while the pericardium is the lining that covers and protects the heart. If the cancer is in either of these areas, it is called "peritoneal mesothelioma" or "pericardial mesothelioma." Like other forms of cancer, mesothelioma occurs when cells become abnormal and divide or grow out of control. When someone has mesothelioma, the lubricating fluid in the lining may be over-produced. This excess fluid encases the or...