Is There A Cure for Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare malignant cancer with no officially recognized cure. However, there are many alternative and natural therapies for mesothelioma that have shown to extend the life expectancy of patients. As the Asbestos Cancer organization, we do our best to keep tabs on new and alternative mesothelioma treatments to offer our readers insight into improving their quality of life and prognosis. For help with new information give us a call or fill out our contact form and we will reach out to you within 24 hours.
Why Mesothelioma Is Hard to Detect
The diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually 20 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos. For this reason, the disease is usually detected at an advanced stage like stage 4 mesothelioma. In addition to the time it takes for the disease and its symptoms to develop, the diagnosis is often delayed because these symptoms mimic other more common conditions. Because people confuse these symptoms with other minor ailments, they will disregard seeing a physician or ignore their symptoms completely.
Time is a big factor when it comes to fighting an aggressive disease such as mesothelioma, so the symptoms should never be ignored. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (chest mesothelioma) may include pain in the chest or lower back, difficulty breathing, cough, fever, excessive sweating, fatigue, weight loss (without trying), difficulty swallowing food glued), hoarseness and swelling of the face and arms. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the lining of the abdomen) may include abdominal pain (abdomen), abdominal swelling or damage, weight loss (without trying), nausea and vomiting, and constipation.
Survival statistics for mesothelioma
Mesothelioma survival statistics are very general estimates that should be interpreted with caution. Because they are based on the experience of groups of people, they do not predict the chances of survival of a particular person. There are many different methods for evaluating and recording cancer survival statistics. Your doctor can explain mesothelioma statistics and what they mean to you.
Mesothelioma Survival by Location, Stage, and Subtype
Mesothelioma survival varies depending on the location, stage, and particular cell subtype. In general, mesothelioma produces a poor prognosis since it is aggressive. Usually, mesothelioma is only detected at an advanced stage, making it more difficult to treat. Mesothelioma alternative treatments are on the rise as a unique healing method for this disease. Complete healing treatments for mesothelioma are also on the rise amongst patients. Only a small number of people are diagnosed with early mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma of the epithelioid cell subtype gives a better prognosis than other cell subtypes. This type of mesothelioma is easier to treat and is linked to a longer life expectancy. The sarcomatoid cell subtype mesothelioma produces the poorest prognosis.
Evaluating Risk
Cancer cells can grow and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cells in the lining can sometimes move to nearby organs and tissues. When cancer cells spread, what is known as a metastasis occurs. For doctors, the cancer cells in the new site are identical to those in the lining. Cancer always bears the name of the place where it originated. Therefore, when mesothelioma in the chest spreads to the spine (or anywhere else), it is still called mesothelioma. It can only be called bone cancer if it has originated from the cells in the bones of the spine. Late stages like stage 3 mesothelioma can be difficult to properly diagnose.
Mesothelioma Testing
Your physician will ask you questions about your health and perform a general physical examination. If the signs point to mesothelioma, more tests will be carried out.
The following tests are some that might be necessary:
Chest x-ray for Mesothelioma: This is often the first test that is done looking for problems with your lungs. If any change is detected, you will need more tests.
Computed tomography scan for Mesothelioma: This study is also known as “CT scan or CAT scan.” It is a special kind of radiography that captures images of the inside of the body. A CT scan may also be used to help perform a biopsy (see information below).
PET scan for Mesothelioma: in this study, you are given a special type of sugar that can be seen inside your body with a camera. If there is cancer, the sugar appears as “radioactive spots” indicating where the cancer is. With this study, the whole body is examined. It can also help if the doctor thinks cancer has spread but does not know where.
Magnetic resonance imaging for Mesothelioma: This study, known in English as MRI, uses radio waves and powerful magnets instead of X-rays to create detailed images. MRIs are very useful for examining soft tissues.
Blood tests for Mesothelioma: Blood tests are not used to discover mesothelioma. Although blood tests can give the doctor more information about your health status.
Biopsies: The doctor removes a small piece of tissue or a small amount of fluid that has accumulated where cancer appears to be. Then it is analyzed to find out if it contains cancer cells. A biopsy is the best way to know for sure if you have cancer. There are many types of biopsies, as well as ways to perform them. Ask your doctor what type of biopsy you will require. Each type of biopsy has advantages and disadvantages. The choice of the type of biopsy to use depends on your case.
Sources
“Exposure to asbestos and cancer risk”. National Cancer Institute (NCI). US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), May 1, 2009. Web. April 18, 2017
“Can malignant mesothelioma be detected early?” American cancer society, Inc., 2017. Web. April 18, 2017
“How to classify malignant mesothelioma?” American cancer society, Inc., May 18, 2015. Web. April 18, 2017
“Mesothelioma: Tests, Diagnosis and Treatments”. WebMD, LLC., 2005-2017. Web April 19, 2017.
“Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma?” American cancer society, Inc., 2017. Web. April 18, 2017
“Survival Statistics for Mesothelioma”. Cancer Research UK. Cancer Research UK, Dec. 08 2015. Web. April 19, 2017.