Type of Mesthelioma, Diagnosis Mesothelioma

Diagnosing Mesothelioma

Diagnosis of mesothelioma is performed using scanning and biopsy tests, which aim to identify the location of the cancer and the size of the tumor. A diagnosis can also determine whether the tumor is benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Types of Mesothelioma

There are three types of malignant tumors – Epithelial, which makes up 50 to 70% of malignant mesothelioma cases; Sarcomatoid, which makes up seven to 20% of malignant mesothelioma cases; and Mixed/Biphasic, which makes up 20 to 35% of malignant mesothelioma cases.

On the other hand, benign tumors such as an adenomatoid tumor, which grows in the reproductive organs of male and female patients and cystic tumors, which grow near the reproductive organs of only female patients are also common. However, they are not cancerous and can often be removed by surgery.
Stages of Mesothelioma

After identifying the tumor, the next stage is to determine the stage of the cancer. Three staging systems are used to determine whether the cancer has spread, the extent of the spread and whether they can be removed with surgery. These systems are called the Butchart System, the TNM System and the Brigham System.
Treating the Disease

The final phase is to establish the right form of treatment based on the tumor location and type, stage of cancer as well as the patient’s age, weight and general health condition. Normal treatments for malignant mesothelioma include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells; it can also be used to enhance the result of radiation treatment or destroy returning cancer cells. Radiation on the other hand is used to curb cancer cells from growing and spreading.

Some malignant mesothelioma can be treated with surgery. Pallitive surgery is an option to reduce pain or eliminate fluid buildup. Another option is the more complex curative surgery known as extrapleural pneumonectomy, which involves the intricate reconstruction of the affected mesothelium cells with prosthetics.

Malignant mesothelioma can be treated; treatment can reduce pain, curtail cancer growth and significantly improve the quality of patient’s lives and prolong lifespan. However, malignant mesothelioma cannot be cured entirely and can potentially relapse.