Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that attacks the mesothelium part, which is the membrane that coats various organs in the body. This condition is classified as a dangerous type of cancer and can be fatal.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer, but it is quite rare. This condition does not cause symptoms until decades after the patient is exposed to asbestos. In most cases, people diagnosed with mesothelioma are 60–80 years old.

Although it can be handled, most cases of mesothelioma kagker are already at an advanced stage so it is difficult to treat. Therefore, it is important to carry out prevention and periodic checks to prevent this condition.

Diagnosis Procedures and Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer

Causes of mesothelioma cancer

Diagnosis Procedures of Mesothelioma Cancer

To determine the diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer, the doctor will conduct a question and answer related to the patient's symptoms and medical history, especially the possibility of asbestos exposure. A physical exam will also be done to detect lumps or other symptoms.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will perform a scan, such as:

X-ray 

To detect thickening in the lining of the lungs, fluid in the pleural cavity, or changes in the shape of the lungs

CT Scan 

To examine the chest and abdomen area, as well as detect the presence of cancer and check whether the cancer has spread to other organs of the body

PET Scan 

To get a detailed picture of the tissue suspected of having cancer

MRI

To get a more detailed picture of the organ and determine the location of the tumor

Based on the test results, the doctor may also suggest a follow-up examination in the form of:

Blood test

Blood tests are performed to detect elevated levels of fibulin-3, osteopontin, and peptide in the blood. Levels of these three substances are usually higher in mesothelioma sufferers.

Examination of Liquid Samples

If the patient experiences a buildup of fluid in the body due to mesothelioma, then the doctor will take a sample of the fluid and examine it in the laboratory to detect the presence of cancer cells.

There are several types of fluid sample examinations, namely:

Thoracentesis

Which is the sampling of fluid in the chest cavity

Paracentesis

Which is the taking of fluid in the abdominal cavity

Pericardiocentesis

Which is the taking of fluid in the lining (membrane) around the heart

Read More : Diagnosis Procedures and Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer

Biopsy

Biopsy is done by taking a sample of tissue from a certain part of the body to then be analyzed in the laboratory. There are several types of biopsy examinations, namely:

1. Needle biopsy

Needle biopsy is done by thrusting a long needle into the chest cavity or abdomen.

2. Thoracoscopy, Laparoscopy, and Mediastinoscopy

This biopsy is performed by inserting an elastic camera hose and a special surgical instrument through one or more small incisions. The type of biopsy performed depends on the area of the body being examined, namely:

Thoracoscopy, to examine the inside of the chest

Laparoscopy, to examine the inside of the abdominal organs

Mediastinoscopy, to examine the area around the heart

3. Biopsy by surgery

In some conditions, the doctor will perform an invasive procedure to take a larger tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor can also simultaneously remove the entire tumor if possible.

 There are two types of surgical biopsy procedures, namely:

Thoracotomy, which is performed through open surgery on the chest

Laparotomy, which is performed through open surgery in the abdomen

4. Bronchoscopy biopsy

This biopsy is done by inserting a thin tube through the throat to detect tumors in the respiratory tract. If there is, the doctor will take a tissue sample from the tumor for study.

Read more :  Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment and Prevention

Mesothelioma Stage

Based on the size and extent of its spread, mesothelioma is divided into four stages. This division of stages helps the doctor to know the development of cancer cells and the patient's life expectancy, as well as determine the right treatment method.

Here are the stages and life expectancy of mesothelioma sufferers:

Stadium 1

The tumor is still in one area of the body and has not spread to other tissues or organs. At this stage, the patient's life expectancy is 21 months or more.

Stadium 2

Cancer cells enlarge and begin to spread to nearby areas, with a life expectancy of 19 months or less.

Stadium 3

Cancer cells have spread to surrounding organs, with a life expectancy of about 16 months.

Stadium 4

Cancer cells have spread to different areas throughout the body through the bloodstream. At this stage, the life expectancy of sufferers is very low, which is about 12 months.

Hopefully information about the Diagnosis Procedure and Stage of Mesothelioma Cancer can make us know more about how the stages of diagnosing Mesothelioma cancer better.