If your doctor suspects mesothelioma, he will need to schedule a biopsy. Depending upon the destination of your tumor, he may recommend a thoracoscopy or video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT), a procedure where a tissue sample is taken from the pleura, or a peritoneoscopy, a similar procedure to receive tissue from the abdomen. If the biopsy reveals mesothelioma, further studies are then done to decide the stage of the cancer (how advanced it is).
Stages of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is divided in to 2 primary stages:

how is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Diagnosing mesothelioma can be difficult since there's loads of conditions that cause similar signs. Your physician will first take a cautious history, questioning you about your employment history, and then perform a physical examination. Imaging studies are often done, and may include x-rays of your chest and abdomen, CT scans, MRI scans or PET scans.

* Localized (Stage 1) – With localized mesothelioma, the cancer is confined to the mesothelium – the pleura with pleural mesothelioma, or the peritoneum with peritoneal mesothelioma

* Advanced (Stage 2, 3, and 4) – Mesothelioma is thought about advanced if it's spread to the lymph nodes, or other organs including the lungs

What am I able to Do to Prevent Mesothelioma?
The most important thing you can do to prevent mesothelioma is to make use of appropriate precautions in the event you are exposed to asbestos at work. OSHA has asbestos safety standards for individuals who may be exposed on the job. in the event you work with asbestos, it is important to follow these guidelines to minimize your families exposure as well. Asbestos insulation in homes is usually not an issue, unless it is damaged or disturbed by remodeling projects. in the event you may have asbestos insulation (homes built prior to 1950) make sure to hire a contractor certified in asbestos management before you start any home improvement projects.

How is Mesothelioma Treated?
Depending on the size and destination of your tumor, and if it's spread, treatment options may include:

* Surgery – Surgery may be thought about, if the tumor is caught at an early stage. Types of surgery include:
o Pleurectomy – With a pleurectomy, a portion of the pleura is removed
o Extrapleural pneumonectomy – A portion of the pleura is removed, and a portion of the pericardium (heart lining), diaphragm (muscle separating the chest and abdomen) and the lung

* Chemotherapy – a mix of a chemotherapy medication and a targeted therapy may improve survival.

* Radiation Therapy – Radiation therapy is occasionally used as a palliative treatment for mesothelioma, a treatment that does not cure cancer, but can make you more comfortable. It may also be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

* Clinical Trials – Several clinical trials are in progress, evaluating new ways to treat mesothelioma.

Living With Mesothelioma
On top of the heartbreak a diagnosis of cancer brings, plenty of people with mesothelioma lack the emotional and psychosocial support that those with other forms of cancer find available. In addition, medico-legal battles related to asbestos exposure on-the-job can be emotionally draining. Participating in a support group, either through your cancer center, community, or online, can help you wade through the maze of treatment options, and find camaraderie in others who are living with mesothelioma.