Types of Mesothelioma - Learn more about the types of mesotheioma, including pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial cells of the body. These cells are found on the outer layers of tissue that line your internal organs (the mesothelial lining). These linings help your organs to be able to move as needed within the body. This form of asbestos cancer is usually only found in those that have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos was used in many industries in the past and is a highly cancerous substance. Breathing in the dust of asbestos can lead to any of the many types and forms of mesothelioma even many years after exposure.
The type of mesothelioma is classified according to the cell type of the tumor, as well as the location in which the cancer is found. If you receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma, it is important to inform yourself with general knowledge about the disease as well as with as much information as possible regarding your particular diagnosis. This will help in knowing what to expect and aid you in making decisions about your treatment along the way.
There are three main types of mesothelioma found with this diagnosis that refer to the cell type of the tumor found within the body. These are epitheliod, sarcomatiod and mixed/biphasic. Epithelial mesothelioma (epithelioid) is the most common and is found in 50-70 percent of cases, which means that five to seven cases out of 10 are found to have this form of mesothelioma. This is when the cancer has originated in the epithelial cells within the tissues surrounding the internal organs.
Sarcomatous mesothelioma (sarcomatoid) is when cancerous tumors originate in the fibrous tissues or membranes of the mesothelial lining. This type is found in 7-20 percent of cases. This means that just seven to twenty patients within one hundred will be found to have this type.
Many patients have a third type called mixed or biphasic mesothelioma. This occurs when a mix of both epithelial and sarcomatous involvement are found. This is the second most common type, next to epithelioid, as 20 to 35 patients out of 100, or 20-35 percent, are diagnosed with mixed/biphasic mesothelioma.
Diagnosing mesothelioma can be difficult, as it often looks very similar to other cancers and can also develop into other, further types of cancerous cells that look different. These further divisions of cancerous cells are then classified into other types that include small, clear, acinar and tubopapillary.
Another way in which mesothelioma is classified is by the area of the body the original tumor is found. The most common area in which it will develop is in the pleura, which is the tissue membrane surrounding the lungs. This occurs in 70-80 percent of diagnosed cases. According to statistics, you are then most likely to have epithelial cells and pleural mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can also be found in the peritoneum, or the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common area in which this type so cancer is found and occurs in 10-20 percent of cases. This happens when the cancerous tumor develops within the membranes lining the abdominal organs. It can also develop within the membrane lining the heart called the pericardium, although pericardial mesothelioma is extremely rare.
The mesothelial lining in which the cancer develops is a tissue membrane that surrounds the organs to help them move. For example, the pleura around the lungs aids in movement to help us breathe, and the lining of the heart helps in movement as our heart beats. The organs within the abdomen also have this lining, which helps the organs move around with our body movements.
Benign mesothelioma is another type of this disease that is usually found either within the pleura of the lungs or the reproductive organs. This happens when tumors develop that are benign, which means they are not cancerous. While this is possible, it is an extremely rare occurrence, as almost all cases of mesothelioma are caused by cancerous tumors.
If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing even vague symptoms, such as shortness of breath and chest discomfort or pain, you should consider seeing your doctor right away for a complete evaluation. He or she will start with a physical examination of the body and will also listen to your chest. You will then either be sent for medical tests or referred directly to a specialist who will conduct the tests necessary for an appropriate diagnosis.
X-rays are usually the first test done in searching for a diagnosis. Other tests you may also need include CT scans and thoracoscopy. Thoracoscopy involves taking a biopsy of the pleura. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for examination. Other tests that aid in diagnosis include thoracocentesis and abdoparacentesis. This is when fluid is drained from a particular area.
Thoracocentesis takes the fluid from the lung while abdoparacentesis removes fluid from the abdomen. This fluid can then be examined to achieve the correct diagnosis.
With so many types, classifications and forms of mesothelioma, it can become very confusing to you as the patient. It is very important to talk to your doctor about any part of your diagnosis or cancer type that you do not understand, as you will most likely be faced with making decisions in your future mesothelioma treatment and care. Receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma is scary. However, arming yourself with knowledge about your disease will help you make better decisions as well as know what you can expect about your treatment and prognosis
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Mesothelioma Overview
Mesothelioma Overview - Learn more about the symptoms, causes, treatment options, and prognosis of mesothelioma.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need all the information you can get about the illness and treatment options in order to obtain a better understanding of what the disease is, what causes it, and how it is treated.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, or cancer of the mesothelium, is a form of asbestos cancer that is diagnosed in about 2,000 to 3,000 people in the United States each year, and is becoming more common over time.
The mesothelium is a type of tissue formed by cells that surround the chest cavity, abdominal cavity and heart cavity. It protects the organs of the body by producing a fluid that allows the organs to move, as the lungs must do during breathing.
The most common form of mesothelioma is known as pleural mesothelioma, which starts in the chest cavity. About 75 percent of all mesothelioma is of this type, while 10 percent to 20 percent starts in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). It is rare but not unknown to have a mesothelioma start in the heart cavity (pericardial mesothelioma).
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Most people who develop mesothelioma get it because of exposure to asbestos, which is a general name given to groups of minerals that can be separated into durable threads. Asbestos is resistant to heat, fire and chemicals and does not conduct electricity, so it has been used in many construction projects and in other uses through the years.
A person's risk of developing mesothelioma varies depending on how much asbestos that person has been exposed to and for how long. Many people who develop malignant mesothelioma do so later in life, but it has also been diagnosed in younger people and even in children.
Between 70 percent and 80 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis' can be definitively traced back to asbestos exposure, and it is thought that the remainder are also asbestos-caused, but without an evidence trail to prove it. Many studies have looked at the links between mesothelioma and asbestos workers.
The death rate from mesothelioma in people who worked with asbestos insulation was 344 times higher than the death rate in the general population. Research indicates that within 15 years of initial exposure, about 6 percent of all asbestos workers over the age of 35 will die of the disease.
It is estimated that about 8 million Americans have been exposed to asbestos, either through occupational hazards, picking it up from the clothing of a family member or going to school or work in a building that contained asbestos. Its estimated that 10 percent to 15 percent of all public schools in America have asbestos in them - as many as 733,000 buildings.
Occupational exposure can come from working in the insulation, plumbing, electrical and construction industries, as well as from working with automotive brakes, boilers, in shipyards - even in the military, especially with US Navy veterans. People who do demolition work can also be exposed to asbestos, as well as people who live near asbestos factories or work in buildings where asbestos is present.
Most people don't contract mesothelioma until 30 to 45 years after their first exposure to asbestos, though the time between exposure and diagnosis can range from 10 to 65 years (6). This long latency period makes diagnosis more difficult, and also accounts for the continued incidence of mesothelioma even after asbestos became known as a threat; some patients who were exposed in 1960 are only now developing the disease. However, the incubation period is not always lengthy; particularly for children, it is possible to be exposed and become ill very quickly thereafter.
How does Asbestos Lead to Mesothelioma?
Asbestos is made of large numbers of tiny fibers that are easily inhaled by a person working with them. The body wants to break down and remove these foreign particles from the lungs, which causes inflammation.
The tiny asbestos particles can get into the smallest and most remote parts of the lungs and they can't be coughed out unless they stick to mucus in the air passages. They can also settle in the tissue around the chest cavity (pleura) or the stomach cavity (peritoneum), where they cause inflammation and lead to mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers in the lungs can damage the organs by forming scar tissue, and the risk of lung cancer is seven times greater for people who have had asbestos exposure compared to people who have not had such exposure. In fact, the three main causes of death for people with intense asbestos exposure are this scarring of the lungs (also known as asbestosis), lung cancer and mesothelioma.
How is Mesothelioma Treated?
There are various factors that can impact the mesothelioma treatment options that are available to a patient, including what stage the cancer is in, the size of the tumor and whether it could be completely removed through surgery, the amount of fluid in the chest cavity, the type and location of the mesothelioma and the age and state of health of the patient.
Depending on all these factors, treatment can range from surgery to remove the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue, radiation therapy or chemotherapy, drug therapy or removal of part of the lung. There are many different combinations of treatments that are being used as part of clinical trials, including biologic therapy, which attempts to boost the immune system to prevent recurrences.
What are the Odds of Surviving Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a very serious disease, with an average survival time of about one year after diagnosis. That's because it is often in a late stage by the time it is diagnosed. The rate of people with mesothelioma who are still alive five years after diagnosis is about 10 percent, but the rate is steadily increasing. Most doctors say the outlook is more favorable for people who are diagnosed today.
Working with a doctor who has experience treating mesothelioma, as well as getting as much mesothelioma information as you can, will go a long way toward giving you or your loved one the best possible prognosis.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need all the information you can get about the illness and treatment options in order to obtain a better understanding of what the disease is, what causes it, and how it is treated.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, or cancer of the mesothelium, is a form of asbestos cancer that is diagnosed in about 2,000 to 3,000 people in the United States each year, and is becoming more common over time.
The mesothelium is a type of tissue formed by cells that surround the chest cavity, abdominal cavity and heart cavity. It protects the organs of the body by producing a fluid that allows the organs to move, as the lungs must do during breathing.
The most common form of mesothelioma is known as pleural mesothelioma, which starts in the chest cavity. About 75 percent of all mesothelioma is of this type, while 10 percent to 20 percent starts in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). It is rare but not unknown to have a mesothelioma start in the heart cavity (pericardial mesothelioma).
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Most people who develop mesothelioma get it because of exposure to asbestos, which is a general name given to groups of minerals that can be separated into durable threads. Asbestos is resistant to heat, fire and chemicals and does not conduct electricity, so it has been used in many construction projects and in other uses through the years.
A person's risk of developing mesothelioma varies depending on how much asbestos that person has been exposed to and for how long. Many people who develop malignant mesothelioma do so later in life, but it has also been diagnosed in younger people and even in children.
Between 70 percent and 80 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis' can be definitively traced back to asbestos exposure, and it is thought that the remainder are also asbestos-caused, but without an evidence trail to prove it. Many studies have looked at the links between mesothelioma and asbestos workers.
The death rate from mesothelioma in people who worked with asbestos insulation was 344 times higher than the death rate in the general population. Research indicates that within 15 years of initial exposure, about 6 percent of all asbestos workers over the age of 35 will die of the disease.
It is estimated that about 8 million Americans have been exposed to asbestos, either through occupational hazards, picking it up from the clothing of a family member or going to school or work in a building that contained asbestos. Its estimated that 10 percent to 15 percent of all public schools in America have asbestos in them - as many as 733,000 buildings.
Occupational exposure can come from working in the insulation, plumbing, electrical and construction industries, as well as from working with automotive brakes, boilers, in shipyards - even in the military, especially with US Navy veterans. People who do demolition work can also be exposed to asbestos, as well as people who live near asbestos factories or work in buildings where asbestos is present.
Most people don't contract mesothelioma until 30 to 45 years after their first exposure to asbestos, though the time between exposure and diagnosis can range from 10 to 65 years (6). This long latency period makes diagnosis more difficult, and also accounts for the continued incidence of mesothelioma even after asbestos became known as a threat; some patients who were exposed in 1960 are only now developing the disease. However, the incubation period is not always lengthy; particularly for children, it is possible to be exposed and become ill very quickly thereafter.
How does Asbestos Lead to Mesothelioma?
Asbestos is made of large numbers of tiny fibers that are easily inhaled by a person working with them. The body wants to break down and remove these foreign particles from the lungs, which causes inflammation.
The tiny asbestos particles can get into the smallest and most remote parts of the lungs and they can't be coughed out unless they stick to mucus in the air passages. They can also settle in the tissue around the chest cavity (pleura) or the stomach cavity (peritoneum), where they cause inflammation and lead to mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers in the lungs can damage the organs by forming scar tissue, and the risk of lung cancer is seven times greater for people who have had asbestos exposure compared to people who have not had such exposure. In fact, the three main causes of death for people with intense asbestos exposure are this scarring of the lungs (also known as asbestosis), lung cancer and mesothelioma.
How is Mesothelioma Treated?
There are various factors that can impact the mesothelioma treatment options that are available to a patient, including what stage the cancer is in, the size of the tumor and whether it could be completely removed through surgery, the amount of fluid in the chest cavity, the type and location of the mesothelioma and the age and state of health of the patient.
Depending on all these factors, treatment can range from surgery to remove the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue, radiation therapy or chemotherapy, drug therapy or removal of part of the lung. There are many different combinations of treatments that are being used as part of clinical trials, including biologic therapy, which attempts to boost the immune system to prevent recurrences.
What are the Odds of Surviving Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a very serious disease, with an average survival time of about one year after diagnosis. That's because it is often in a late stage by the time it is diagnosed. The rate of people with mesothelioma who are still alive five years after diagnosis is about 10 percent, but the rate is steadily increasing. Most doctors say the outlook is more favorable for people who are diagnosed today.
Working with a doctor who has experience treating mesothelioma, as well as getting as much mesothelioma information as you can, will go a long way toward giving you or your loved one the best possible prognosis.
Mesothelioma in America
Asbestos is a term for a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be cut into very thin threads and fibers. It has been used commercially since the late 1800s in many industrial products like cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles and insulation. It was greatly increased during the World War II and since then over a million Americans have been exposed to asbestos particles. Diseases caused by exposure to these particles only appear 10 years later after handling asbestos for the first time. So it was not until the early 1900s that a large number of workers developed symptoms.
Manufacturers of asbestos related products despite knowledge of the dangers posed by exposure to this mineral continued to place workers at risk. Asbestos has been studied to be a human carcinogen, and documents show that breathing asbestos fibers has been a major occupational hazard.
Asbestos companies deliberately hid this information, conspiring amongst themselves to deceive consumers by releasing fake medical tests illustrating the use of their products as safe. Yet doctors who made their own investigations on the health problems experienced by workers in asbestos companies pursued through the years by publishing articles on their findings. But it was not until 1971 that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set the limit for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace.
Sadly, it was too late for those whose lives were already claimed by this deadly disease. These are the lives of hardworking men and women who have labored for practically a lifetime to provide for their families. These are people who work in shipyards and mines. And people whose professions are engineers, steel workers and auto mechanics. As they struggled everyday to feed their families they were unaware of the hazards of asbestos that would eventually claim their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
Unwittingly exposing themselves to the dangers of asbestos, these men and women suffered from diseases which are less serious to the deadly ones. Exposure to asbestos causes a variety of diseases from the non-cancerous forms such as asbestosis, to much more fatal ones like lung cancer and the deadliest one which is mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant cancerous cells are found in the mesothelium. Mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the body’s internal organs like the pleura (thoral cavite), peritoneum (abdominal cavity) and pericardium (heart sac). Mesothelioma is three times more common among men than women. Between the ages of 60 to 70 the occurrence is ten times higher compared to men between 30 to 40 years of age.
Mesothelioma has become very prevalent among the population of USA and UK. Its incidence is high as well. ‘Prevalence’ refers to the number of people managing mesothelioma at a given time while ‘incidence’ refers to the number of new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year. Take for example flu the typical disease, it has a high annual incidence but a very low prevalence, diabetes however which is a life-long disease has a low annual incidence but high prevalence. Mesothelioma has an alarmingly equal number of prevalence to incidence. To make matters worse the survival rate for people with mesothelioma is very low.
It is estimated that in the next 25 years more and more cases will emerge. Studies indicate further that more than 9 million workers are at risk of this form of disease. In the developed countries it is expected that 100,000 people alive today may die in the next 25 years. There are even studies that would indicate that those exposed to asbestos in the 1940s or 1950s may not experience any symptoms of mesothelioma until this year.
Presently, there is still no known specific cure for mesothelioma. The disease progresses and as time passes the victim experiences difficulty in breathing, eating and even sleeping. Worse, the victim finds himself struggling to even engage in normal activities and enjoy life.
Currently it is not known exactly why and how asbestos fibers cause mesothelial cells to become abnormal (malignant or cancerous). There is no corroborative evidence how much fiber could cause the growth of the tumor. No correlation of any circumstance or amount of exposure could indicate specifically when and how mesothelioma will start. There are instances where the wife developed cancer by merely washing her husband’s clothing - and yet her husband did not get the disease at all. It is noted, however, that fibers in the pleura or sac lining of the chest can start a tumor and could metastasize or spread to nearby organs.
As defined, mesothelioma is a permanent disease that will result to the victim’s death. Regretfully, only a handful of physicians are equipped to handle this disease. And many patients and family members are advised to prepare themselves and just accept the inevitable.
Mesothelioma is a preventable disease if only these asbestos companies took the steps to protect their workers. Now after decades of profiting at the expense of the suffering of men and women who has raked millions of profits for these manufacturers it is their responsibility and therefore must be compelled to compensate these people for their physical, emotional, psychological and financial suffering and the suffering of their loved ones when they are gone.
Manufacturers of asbestos related products despite knowledge of the dangers posed by exposure to this mineral continued to place workers at risk. Asbestos has been studied to be a human carcinogen, and documents show that breathing asbestos fibers has been a major occupational hazard.
Asbestos companies deliberately hid this information, conspiring amongst themselves to deceive consumers by releasing fake medical tests illustrating the use of their products as safe. Yet doctors who made their own investigations on the health problems experienced by workers in asbestos companies pursued through the years by publishing articles on their findings. But it was not until 1971 that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set the limit for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace.
Sadly, it was too late for those whose lives were already claimed by this deadly disease. These are the lives of hardworking men and women who have labored for practically a lifetime to provide for their families. These are people who work in shipyards and mines. And people whose professions are engineers, steel workers and auto mechanics. As they struggled everyday to feed their families they were unaware of the hazards of asbestos that would eventually claim their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
Unwittingly exposing themselves to the dangers of asbestos, these men and women suffered from diseases which are less serious to the deadly ones. Exposure to asbestos causes a variety of diseases from the non-cancerous forms such as asbestosis, to much more fatal ones like lung cancer and the deadliest one which is mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant cancerous cells are found in the mesothelium. Mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the body’s internal organs like the pleura (thoral cavite), peritoneum (abdominal cavity) and pericardium (heart sac). Mesothelioma is three times more common among men than women. Between the ages of 60 to 70 the occurrence is ten times higher compared to men between 30 to 40 years of age.
Mesothelioma has become very prevalent among the population of USA and UK. Its incidence is high as well. ‘Prevalence’ refers to the number of people managing mesothelioma at a given time while ‘incidence’ refers to the number of new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year. Take for example flu the typical disease, it has a high annual incidence but a very low prevalence, diabetes however which is a life-long disease has a low annual incidence but high prevalence. Mesothelioma has an alarmingly equal number of prevalence to incidence. To make matters worse the survival rate for people with mesothelioma is very low.
It is estimated that in the next 25 years more and more cases will emerge. Studies indicate further that more than 9 million workers are at risk of this form of disease. In the developed countries it is expected that 100,000 people alive today may die in the next 25 years. There are even studies that would indicate that those exposed to asbestos in the 1940s or 1950s may not experience any symptoms of mesothelioma until this year.
Presently, there is still no known specific cure for mesothelioma. The disease progresses and as time passes the victim experiences difficulty in breathing, eating and even sleeping. Worse, the victim finds himself struggling to even engage in normal activities and enjoy life.
Currently it is not known exactly why and how asbestos fibers cause mesothelial cells to become abnormal (malignant or cancerous). There is no corroborative evidence how much fiber could cause the growth of the tumor. No correlation of any circumstance or amount of exposure could indicate specifically when and how mesothelioma will start. There are instances where the wife developed cancer by merely washing her husband’s clothing - and yet her husband did not get the disease at all. It is noted, however, that fibers in the pleura or sac lining of the chest can start a tumor and could metastasize or spread to nearby organs.
As defined, mesothelioma is a permanent disease that will result to the victim’s death. Regretfully, only a handful of physicians are equipped to handle this disease. And many patients and family members are advised to prepare themselves and just accept the inevitable.
Mesothelioma is a preventable disease if only these asbestos companies took the steps to protect their workers. Now after decades of profiting at the expense of the suffering of men and women who has raked millions of profits for these manufacturers it is their responsibility and therefore must be compelled to compensate these people for their physical, emotional, psychological and financial suffering and the suffering of their loved ones when they are gone.
MANAGING YOUR MEDICATIONS
Before you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have been taking a small number of medications, or perhaps, none at all. Now, it is possible you have been prescribed several different drugs, and you may be taking over-the-counter medications as well. Wiath the added stress of disease or treatment-related symptoms, it can be easy to confuse medications or simply to inadvertently miss taking a dose. Following are some easy ways to help organize and manage your medications:
Compile a complete list of all drugs you are taking, including both their brand and generic names (i.e., Tylenol = acetaminophen), the dosage amount, times they are to be taken and any additional instructions (i.e., take with food, take before bedtime, etc.). This list should include both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as any herbal supplements or vitamins you may be taking.
When a new medication is prescribed, find out the name of the drug, how and when it should be taken, whether there can be any interactions with other medications, foods or beverages, what side effects are possible and what to do if you miss a dose. Write down this information and include it on your list.
If possible, purchase all medications from the same pharmacy so that the records of what you purchased will be all in one place. Keep the patient information that is attached to prescriptions in case you need to refer to it later.
If you need help organizing dosage schedules or have questions about medications you are taking, talk to your doctor, physician's assistant, nurse or pharmacist.
Read and keep package inserts that come with your prescription medicine. This is not highly technical material or useless boilerplate wording. It is directly relevant to your experience with the medicine. More on package inserts.
Read the label on the drug container before you taking any medication. If you are confused or can't read the label, have someone else read it to be sure you are taking the right medication.
Do not skip scheduled doses. If you are taking medications for pain, they need to be taken as directed to be effective. If you have breakthrough pain between doses, follow your doctor's recommendations.
If you don't feel confident that you will remember to take your medication on schedule, set an alarm on your clock, watch, cell phone or computer.
Store medications in a safe place away from heat, light and humidity.
There are pill cases with compartments, organized by time of day, that may be helpful, and dose tracker devices such as 'Dose Dial' that will attach to any container, and can monitor the number of doses and/or the interval of doses.
Medications can play a significant role in how well you feel and can enhance, or in some cases, lessen your quality of life. Always follow directions when taking any medication, and if you have questions, concerns or are experiencing undesirable side effects you feel may be related to the drugs, speak frankly with a member of your health care team.
Compile a complete list of all drugs you are taking, including both their brand and generic names (i.e., Tylenol = acetaminophen), the dosage amount, times they are to be taken and any additional instructions (i.e., take with food, take before bedtime, etc.). This list should include both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as any herbal supplements or vitamins you may be taking.
When a new medication is prescribed, find out the name of the drug, how and when it should be taken, whether there can be any interactions with other medications, foods or beverages, what side effects are possible and what to do if you miss a dose. Write down this information and include it on your list.
If possible, purchase all medications from the same pharmacy so that the records of what you purchased will be all in one place. Keep the patient information that is attached to prescriptions in case you need to refer to it later.
If you need help organizing dosage schedules or have questions about medications you are taking, talk to your doctor, physician's assistant, nurse or pharmacist.
Read and keep package inserts that come with your prescription medicine. This is not highly technical material or useless boilerplate wording. It is directly relevant to your experience with the medicine. More on package inserts.
Read the label on the drug container before you taking any medication. If you are confused or can't read the label, have someone else read it to be sure you are taking the right medication.
Do not skip scheduled doses. If you are taking medications for pain, they need to be taken as directed to be effective. If you have breakthrough pain between doses, follow your doctor's recommendations.
If you don't feel confident that you will remember to take your medication on schedule, set an alarm on your clock, watch, cell phone or computer.
Store medications in a safe place away from heat, light and humidity.
There are pill cases with compartments, organized by time of day, that may be helpful, and dose tracker devices such as 'Dose Dial' that will attach to any container, and can monitor the number of doses and/or the interval of doses.
Medications can play a significant role in how well you feel and can enhance, or in some cases, lessen your quality of life. Always follow directions when taking any medication, and if you have questions, concerns or are experiencing undesirable side effects you feel may be related to the drugs, speak frankly with a member of your health care team.
NEW MESOTHELIOMA TREATMENT APPROACHES
New approaches to treat malignant mesothelioma are currently being tested. They often combine traditional treatments or include something entirely new. They include:
Angiogenesis and Anti-angiogenesis Drugs
Although progress has been made in the early detection of cancer, and in improved treatment options once cancer is diagnosed, there are still many cancers, including mesothelioma, which can not be cured and remain difficult to treat effectively. In recent years, researchers have learned a great deal about how cancer cells differ from normal cells and, in an effort to find drugs without the potentially severe side effects of chemotherapy, have now discovered drugs which target the tumor itself while sparing the body’s normal cells. One such group are the anti-angiogenesis drugs.
Learn more about anti-angiogenesis agents in the treatment of mesothelioma.
Immunotherapy, sometimes called biological therapy, uses the body's own immune system to protect itself against disease. Researchers have found that the immune system may be able to recognize the difference between healthy cells and cancer cells, and eliminate those that become cancerous. Immunotherapy is designed to repair, stimulate, or enhance the immune system's natural anticancer function.
Substances used in immunotherapy, called biological response modifiers (BRMs) alter the interaction between the body's immune defenses and cancer, thereby improving the body's ability to fight disease. Some BRMs, such as cytokines and antibodies, occur naturally in the body, however, it is now possible to make BRMs in the laboratory that can imitate or influence natural immune response agents. These BRMs may:
Enhance the immune system to fight cancer cell growth.
Eliminate, regulate, or suppress body responses that permit cancer growth.
Make cancer cells more susceptible to destruction by the immune system.
Alter cancer cell's growth patterns to behave like normal cells.
Block or reverse the process that changes a normal cell into a cancer cell.
Prevent a cancer cell from spreading to other sites.
Many BRMs are currently being used in cancer treatment, including interferons, interleukins, tumor necrosis factor, colony-stimulating factors, monoclonal antibodies, and cancer vaccines.
More on immunotherapy for mesothelioma.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a type of cancer treatment based on the premise that single-celled organisms, if first treated with certain photosensitive drugs, will die when exposed to light at a particular frequency. PDT destroys cancerous cells by using this fixed frequency light to activate photosensitizing drugs which have accumulated in body tissues.
In PDT, a photosensitizing drug is administered intravenously. Within a specific time frame (usually a matter of days), the drug selectively concentrates in diseased cells, while rapidly being eliminated from normal cells. The treated cancer cells are then exposed to a laser light chosen for its ability to activate the photosensitizing agent. This laser light is delivered to the cancer site, (in the case of mesothelioma, the pleura), through a fiberoptic device that allows the laser light to be manipulated by the physician. As the agent in the treated cells absorbs the light, an active form of oxygen destroys the surrounding cancer cells. The light exposure must be carefully timed, so that it occurs when most of the photosensitizing drug has left the healthy cells, but is still present in cancerous ones.
The major side effect of PDT is skin sensitivity. Patients undergoing this type of therapy are usually advised to avoid direct and even indirect sunlight for at least six weeks. Other side effects may include nausea, vomiting, a metallic taste in the mouth, and eye sensitivity to light. These symptoms may sometimes come as a result of the injection of the photosensitizing agent.
Gene therapy is an approach to treating potentially fatal or disabling diseases by modifying the expression of an individual's genes toward a therapeutic goal. The premise of gene therapy is based on correcting disease at the DNA level and compensating for the abnormal genes.
Replacement gene therapy replaces a mutated or missing gene, most often a tumor suppressor gene, with a normal copy of that gene which serves to keep cell growth and division under control. The p53 gene, the most common gene mutated in cancer has become a prime target for gene replacement, and has met with some success in inhibiting cell growth, inhibiting angiogenesis (the development of a tumor's blood supply), and inducing apoptosis (cell death).
Knockout gene therapy targets the products of oncogenes (a gene that can induce tumor formation) in an effort to render them inactive and reduce cell growth.
With constantly expanding knowledge of the genes associated with cancer, their functions, and the delivery systems used in administering these genes, gene therapy has a promising future.
Complementary and alternative medicine covers a wide range of healing philosophies that conventional medicine does not commonly accept or make available to its patients. Some of these practices include the use of acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy, therapeutic massage, and Far Eastern medicine to treat health conditions.
These therapies may be used alone as an alternative to conventional medicine, or in addition to conventional medicine, in which case they are referred to as complementary. Many are considered holistic, meaning their focus is to treat the whole patient - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. These treatments are not widely taught as a part of the medical curriculum, are not generally used in hospitals, and, for the most part, are not covered under insurance policies.
Many cancer patients try various complementary and/or alternative medicine techniques during the course of their treatment, and although they may not work for everyone, some patients benefit by managing their symptoms or side effects. One important caveat, is to discuss any complementary or alternative treatments you may be considering with your doctor to be sure nothing interferes with your conventional care. For instance, dietary supplements such as herbs or vitamins may be "natural", but not necessarily "safe". They may lessen the effectiveness of certain anticancer drugs, or when taken with other drugs or in large doses, may actually cause harm. Since supplements of this nature are not governed by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and a prescription is not necessary to purchase, it is up to the consumer to make informed and conscientious decisions regarding their use.
Your personal physician may be able to advise you about the use of complementary and alternative treatments and therapies, and how they relate to mesothelioma.
The combinaton of complementary and conventional therapies is sometimes referred to as integrative medicine.
Unconventional methods of cancer treatment make claims that can not be scientifically substantiated. They commonly claim to be effective against cancers that are considered incurable, and tout treatments with relatively few, if any, side effects.
The use of these unconventional methods may result in the loss of valuable time and the opportunity to receive potentially effective therapy. It is always important to remain in the care of a qualified physician who uses accepted methods of treatment or who is participating in scientifically designed investigational therapies.
More on new chemotherapeutic approaches.
OTHER NEW APPROACHES
Epigenetic drugs | Epigenetics and cancer research
Proton therapy for treatment of mesothelioma
Proteomics for cancer therapy
Tomotherapy for mesothelioma
Systematic therapy for cancer
Treatment Regimens for Patients with Unresectable Malignant Mesothelioma
Intro to Gene Therapy | More on gene therapy
IMRT for mesothelioma | Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy
Targeted therapy for mesothelioma | Targeted therapy: gene therapies
Angiogenesis and Anti-angiogenesis Drugs
Although progress has been made in the early detection of cancer, and in improved treatment options once cancer is diagnosed, there are still many cancers, including mesothelioma, which can not be cured and remain difficult to treat effectively. In recent years, researchers have learned a great deal about how cancer cells differ from normal cells and, in an effort to find drugs without the potentially severe side effects of chemotherapy, have now discovered drugs which target the tumor itself while sparing the body’s normal cells. One such group are the anti-angiogenesis drugs.
Learn more about anti-angiogenesis agents in the treatment of mesothelioma.
Immunotherapy, sometimes called biological therapy, uses the body's own immune system to protect itself against disease. Researchers have found that the immune system may be able to recognize the difference between healthy cells and cancer cells, and eliminate those that become cancerous. Immunotherapy is designed to repair, stimulate, or enhance the immune system's natural anticancer function.
Substances used in immunotherapy, called biological response modifiers (BRMs) alter the interaction between the body's immune defenses and cancer, thereby improving the body's ability to fight disease. Some BRMs, such as cytokines and antibodies, occur naturally in the body, however, it is now possible to make BRMs in the laboratory that can imitate or influence natural immune response agents. These BRMs may:
Enhance the immune system to fight cancer cell growth.
Eliminate, regulate, or suppress body responses that permit cancer growth.
Make cancer cells more susceptible to destruction by the immune system.
Alter cancer cell's growth patterns to behave like normal cells.
Block or reverse the process that changes a normal cell into a cancer cell.
Prevent a cancer cell from spreading to other sites.
Many BRMs are currently being used in cancer treatment, including interferons, interleukins, tumor necrosis factor, colony-stimulating factors, monoclonal antibodies, and cancer vaccines.
More on immunotherapy for mesothelioma.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a type of cancer treatment based on the premise that single-celled organisms, if first treated with certain photosensitive drugs, will die when exposed to light at a particular frequency. PDT destroys cancerous cells by using this fixed frequency light to activate photosensitizing drugs which have accumulated in body tissues.
In PDT, a photosensitizing drug is administered intravenously. Within a specific time frame (usually a matter of days), the drug selectively concentrates in diseased cells, while rapidly being eliminated from normal cells. The treated cancer cells are then exposed to a laser light chosen for its ability to activate the photosensitizing agent. This laser light is delivered to the cancer site, (in the case of mesothelioma, the pleura), through a fiberoptic device that allows the laser light to be manipulated by the physician. As the agent in the treated cells absorbs the light, an active form of oxygen destroys the surrounding cancer cells. The light exposure must be carefully timed, so that it occurs when most of the photosensitizing drug has left the healthy cells, but is still present in cancerous ones.
The major side effect of PDT is skin sensitivity. Patients undergoing this type of therapy are usually advised to avoid direct and even indirect sunlight for at least six weeks. Other side effects may include nausea, vomiting, a metallic taste in the mouth, and eye sensitivity to light. These symptoms may sometimes come as a result of the injection of the photosensitizing agent.
Gene therapy is an approach to treating potentially fatal or disabling diseases by modifying the expression of an individual's genes toward a therapeutic goal. The premise of gene therapy is based on correcting disease at the DNA level and compensating for the abnormal genes.
Replacement gene therapy replaces a mutated or missing gene, most often a tumor suppressor gene, with a normal copy of that gene which serves to keep cell growth and division under control. The p53 gene, the most common gene mutated in cancer has become a prime target for gene replacement, and has met with some success in inhibiting cell growth, inhibiting angiogenesis (the development of a tumor's blood supply), and inducing apoptosis (cell death).
Knockout gene therapy targets the products of oncogenes (a gene that can induce tumor formation) in an effort to render them inactive and reduce cell growth.
With constantly expanding knowledge of the genes associated with cancer, their functions, and the delivery systems used in administering these genes, gene therapy has a promising future.
Complementary and alternative medicine covers a wide range of healing philosophies that conventional medicine does not commonly accept or make available to its patients. Some of these practices include the use of acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy, therapeutic massage, and Far Eastern medicine to treat health conditions.
These therapies may be used alone as an alternative to conventional medicine, or in addition to conventional medicine, in which case they are referred to as complementary. Many are considered holistic, meaning their focus is to treat the whole patient - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. These treatments are not widely taught as a part of the medical curriculum, are not generally used in hospitals, and, for the most part, are not covered under insurance policies.
Many cancer patients try various complementary and/or alternative medicine techniques during the course of their treatment, and although they may not work for everyone, some patients benefit by managing their symptoms or side effects. One important caveat, is to discuss any complementary or alternative treatments you may be considering with your doctor to be sure nothing interferes with your conventional care. For instance, dietary supplements such as herbs or vitamins may be "natural", but not necessarily "safe". They may lessen the effectiveness of certain anticancer drugs, or when taken with other drugs or in large doses, may actually cause harm. Since supplements of this nature are not governed by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and a prescription is not necessary to purchase, it is up to the consumer to make informed and conscientious decisions regarding their use.
Your personal physician may be able to advise you about the use of complementary and alternative treatments and therapies, and how they relate to mesothelioma.
The combinaton of complementary and conventional therapies is sometimes referred to as integrative medicine.
Unconventional methods of cancer treatment make claims that can not be scientifically substantiated. They commonly claim to be effective against cancers that are considered incurable, and tout treatments with relatively few, if any, side effects.
The use of these unconventional methods may result in the loss of valuable time and the opportunity to receive potentially effective therapy. It is always important to remain in the care of a qualified physician who uses accepted methods of treatment or who is participating in scientifically designed investigational therapies.
More on new chemotherapeutic approaches.
OTHER NEW APPROACHES
Epigenetic drugs | Epigenetics and cancer research
Proton therapy for treatment of mesothelioma
Proteomics for cancer therapy
Tomotherapy for mesothelioma
Systematic therapy for cancer
Treatment Regimens for Patients with Unresectable Malignant Mesothelioma
Intro to Gene Therapy | More on gene therapy
IMRT for mesothelioma | Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy
Targeted therapy for mesothelioma | Targeted therapy: gene therapies
Mesothelioma Survivors
Mesothelioma Survivors
Although the majority of those diagnosed with mesothelioma are told their survival rate is less than one year from the time of diagnosis, cases of patients living past their predicted survival date are continuing to surface. With each survivor story that comes to light, current mesothelioma sufferers are gaining a little more hope about their future.
In an effort to help patients understand mesothelioma, Asbestos.com offers a complimentary packet that contains treatment information tailored to your specific diagnosis. The packet also covers the nation's top mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers, as well as financial assistance options to help cover medical costs. To receive your packet in the mail, please enter your information below.
Poor Outlook & Prognosis for Mesothelioma
In order to understand why most mesothelioma patients only survive for a short time, it is necessary to understand the nature of the disease. In most instances, mesothelioma is not detected until it has reached its later stages. This is becausesymptoms can take as long as 50 years to appear once a person has been exposed to asbestos. Without the presence of symptoms, those with mesothelioma usually do not even realize they have developed the disease.
However, with the development of new tests that aid in early diagnosis, such as the Mesomark blood test, doctors and scientists expect more mesothelioma patients to live longer, healthier lives. An early diagnosis can often open the door to more treatment options and a higher success rate in shrinking or removing tumors.
Patients and their loved ones may enjoy reading “Lean on Me – Cancer through a Carer’s Eyes,” a touching story by Lorraine Kember about her husband’s battle with mesothelioma. Reading about the emotions the Kember family experienced may provide insight into the road ahead for those recently diagnosed. To receive a complimentary copy of this book, click here.
Why Do Some Mesothelioma Patients Survive Longer?
There have been a number of patients that have survived far beyond the usual one year survival period and a handful that have even been cured, with no trace of the aggressive cancer several years after treatment (though recurrence is always possible). This has stumped many medical professionals as they experience difficulty in explaining why some mesothelioma patients survive and others do not.
Research seems to show one common thread – the immune system. Studies of those who have either survived or been cured of the disease reveal that most of these patients participated in some sort of therapy that enhanced their immune system. Some treatments included clinical trials in immunology while others involved alternative therapies dealing with the immune system.
A report released more than 20 years ago theorized that "the presence of asbestos fibers in exposed workers may have caused the eventual breakdown of the host's surveillance system and the onset of neoplasm [malignant mesothelioma]."
With this philosophy in mind, some researchers believe treatments that improve the immune system can stabilize and even cure the disease. Currently, this is the most prevalent theory in explaining why some patients continue to live a healthy life while mesothelioma is in remission and why others have apparently defeated the disease.
About Mesothelioma Survivors
A number of mesothelioma survivors have posted their stories on the Internet and have spoken to patients and their families with the hope of providing a brighter outlook for their future. These same survivors have also presented their cases to doctors and researchers.
The most outspoken of these individuals is Paul Kraus, an Australian mesothelioma survivor. Kraus was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 1997, a form of the disease that is tougher to treat than the more common pleural variety. Kraus worked in a factory 35 years earlier where he was exposed him to blue (crocidolite) asbestos.
Upon his diagnosis, Kraus decided he would do everything possible to fight the cancer. He altered his diet (he's now a vegetarian), added many vitamins and supplements to his daily routine, began "juicing," and tried a treatment known as ozone therapy. Kraus explains, "They took blood out of a vein, used an ozone machine to add ozone (a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms) to the blood and reintroduced it into my body through a drip. The rationale for that was that cancer does not like an oxygenated environment."
The research in putting the protocol together took a lot of time, but in the long-run, Kraus believes the combination of all these treatments stabilized his mesothelioma. Today, tests show he still has the disease and his body is a bit weaker than it was, but he has no pain and his doctors tell him he could continue living for many more years.
Kraus stresses the fact that he is not the only mesothelioma survivor. He has cited the case of a man diagnosed 14 years ago at age 58 (no name given) who had a chest wall resection after diagnosis and has had no symptoms or recurrence since. His doctors believe there was "moderate host inflammatory response" and that spontaneous regression may be an immune-mediated phenomenon" - in other words, his immune system played a role in his survival. (Pilling, J.E., et al., Prolonged Survival Due to Spontaneous Regression and Surgical Excision of Malignant Mesothelioma, Ann Thorac Surg, 2007; 83: 314-5.)
Another survivor, Rhio O'Connor - who recently published a book about his fight with mesothelioma - has lived with the disease for seven years. He opted against surgery,chemotherapy and radiation. Instead, with the help of several medical physicians, he developed a regimen that included 100 supplements per day, changed his diet drastically, and now practices what he calls "mind-body medicine" (such as non-stress techniques like meditation). In his book, he recommends a variety of alternatives to traditional medicines and treatments.
Sources:
- Lew, F., et al., High Frequency of Immune Dysfunctions in Asbestos Workers and in Patients with Malignant Mesothelioma, Journal of Clinical Immunology; 1986, 6:3, 225-23.
- Pilling, J.E., et al., Prolonged Survival Due to Spontaneous Regression and Surgical Excision of Malignant Mesothelioma, Ann Thorac Surg, 2007; 83: 314-5.
Mesothelioma Cure
A mesothelioma cure seemed almost unattainable not long ago, but this negative outlook is beginning to change. Doctors and cancer specialists are constantly working towards the development of a cure and instilling mesothelioma hope in patients. During this search to find a cure for mesothelioma, stories of survival continue to surface, renewing hope and determination.
Mesothelioma Treatments
While a cure does not currently exist, intensive treatment can often increase the duration of a patient's survival and alleviate some of the pain and suffering associated with mesothelioma. Patients will typically undergo a combination of treatments to combat mesothelioma. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most widely used treatments, though alternative therapies such as massage and TENS(transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), are often administered to aid in pain relief.
A combination of treatments, such as surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible, used in conjunction with chemotherapy to prevent cancerous cell division, is typically recommended. The stage, or maturity level, at which mesothelioma is diagnosed greatly affects a patient's prognosis and treatment options. The earlier the cancer is found and treated, the more likely a patient will positively respond to treatment.
Mesothelioma Clinical Trials
Many patients elect to participate in clinical trials as a way of building mesothelioma hope. Clinical trials are conducted to test up-and-coming treatments and medications before they are released and recommended to the public as a safe and effective way to treat an illness. The three stages of clinical trials test new drugs extensively, from the correct dosage required to the effectiveness of the drug. To participate in a clinical trial, a patient must first qualify for the study and meet specific qualifications.
Clinical trials are imperative in the search for a mesothelioma cure. As results and information are gathered from a study, the knowledge gained helps medical professionals come closer to the discovery of a cure. Each successful clinical trial renews mesothelioma hope for all patients around the world.
Dr. Sugarbaker
Dr. David Sugarbaker, MD has taken an active role in the pursuit of better treatment options for mesothelioma patients and a cure for the asbestos-related cancer. Dr. Sugarbaker has been instrumental in the discovery of groundbreaking treatment options and his multi-modal approach to treating the disease has increased survival rates for mesothelioma patients. Dr. Sugarbaker is best known for his innovative treatment approach which involves surgery coupled with radiation and chemotherapy treatments for patients both before and after surgery.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), a ground-breaking surgical procedure performed by Dr. Sugarbaker, involves the removal of the lung and its coverings and the coverings of the heart and diaphragm. This surgery has resulted in disease-free and long-term survival and yielded the greatest amount of cytoreduction, or decrease in the number of cancerous cells.
Another procedure performed by Dr. Sugarbaker is intracavitary chemotherapy. Though currently under evaluation, the procedure has demonstrated encouraging results for mesothelioma patients. Intracavitary chemotherapy is completed while the patient is in surgery. Surgery to remove the tumor is completed and the chemotherapy is administered into the chest and abdominal cavity, contacting surfaces containing tumor cells and killing them. Healthy cells are preserved as a cytoprotective agent is utilized throughout the procedure.
Dr. Sugarbaker also founded the International Pleural Mesothelioma Program, which focuses on developing new treatment strategies and researching the causes of mesothelioma in effort to aid in the development of improved care for mesothelioma patients.
Progress made by Dr. Sugarbaker and other passionate medical professionals help strengthen mesothelioma hope and keeps the search for a cure alive. The research completed about mesothelioma and the constant studies conducted will only help scientists and doctors increase the survival rate of mesothelioma patients as they come closer to the discovery of a cure.
Mesothelioma Prognosis and Survival
Though many patients and their loved ones often get discouraged if the prognosisfollowing a mesothelioma diagnosis comes back poor, it is important to remember that a number of patients have survived much longer than their initial prognosis suggested. Prognosis is generally poor because most patients do not exhibit symptoms of mesothelioma until 20 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos occurred, allowing the cancer to develop and mature in the body. The development of tests to aid in early diagnosis, such as the Mesomark blood test, will hopefully help mesothelioma patients receive treatment in the earlier stages of the cancer. Early diagnosis results in greater treatment options available to mesothelioma patients which can greatly improve a patient's prognosis.
Research reveals that mesothelioma patients who have survived for many years with the disease have commonly participated in some sort of therapy to enhance their immune system. Participation in clinical trials in immunology and other alternative therapies relating to the immune system have yielded positive results in some instances. Researchers theorize that mesothelioma likely results from immune suppression and mesothelioma survivors that participated in treatments to improve the immune system may have experienced positive results because of this participation.
Mesothelioma Hope
Many patients and their loved ones may enjoy reading "Lean on Me - Cancer through a Carer's Eyes," a touching story by Lorraine Kember about her husband's battle with mesothelioma. Reading about the emotions the Kember family experienced may help provide insight into the road ahead for those newly diagnosed. To receive a complimentary copy of this book, click here.
Mesothelioma Nutrition
Without a current cure for mesothelioma, patients battling the cancer often want to fight it in every way possible. Nutritious eating is a wonderful way to instill mesothelioma hope and equip the immune system with positive fuel. The food and nutrients that we put into our bodies greatly affect our ability to heal and fight disease. Eating a balanced diet consisting of whole grains, proteins, dairy, fruits and vegetables enables the body to function properly and adequately fight infection and illness. Eating nutritious food while actively fighting mesothelioma through treatment may not cure the cancer, but fighting the disease from every angle will give patients the best possible outlook.
Mesothelioma patients undergoing various treatments may have additional nutritional concerns. Nutrition during chemotherapy is extremely important as the drugs used during treatment kill cancer cells, but simultaneously affect healthy cells as well, leaving the body in a weakened state. Many patients may experience side effects from the treatment, including nausea and diarrhea. Mild flavored foods such as whole grain toast may settle the stomach and be easier to keep down during treatment. To combat constipation, patients should select foods with a large amount of fiber such as apples, oatmeal and broccoli. Ensuring adequate protein consumption is also important and many patients include egg whites, beans, milk and lean meats in their daily diet.
Patients undergoing radiation therapy may also experience side effects such as vomiting and loss of appetite. Since radiation can zap energy, it is important to eat nutritious foods with healthy calories to fuel the body properly. Limiting the amount of salt, alcohol and caffeine ingested during treatment is also very important. Speaking with a doctor or a nutritionist can help a patient receive guidance about proper nutrition and recommended foods to eat or avoid during radiation.
It is also important for those recovering from cancer to be mindful of their diet. Additional information about nutrition and cancer recovery can be found in theMesothelioma Cancer and Nutrition section of our Web site.
Doctor Match Program
One of the most important factors in improving a mesothelioma patient's life expectancy is their selection of doctor and treatment facility. Asbestos.com's Doctor Match Program is now helping patients get matched with top mesothelioma specialists around the country. If you wish to take advantage of this free service please call us at (800) 549-0544 or click here visit our doctor match page.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, more precisely malignant mesothelioma, is a rare form of cancer that develops from the protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs, themesothelium. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.
Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), the heart, the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart) or tunica vaginalis.
Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. It has also been suggested that washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos can put a person at risk for developing mesothelioma. Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking, but smoking greatly increases the risk of other asbestos-induced cancers. Compensation via asbestos funds or lawsuits is an important issue in mesothelioma (see asbestos and the law).
The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath due to pleural effusion (fluid between the lung and the chest wall) or chest wall pain, and general symptoms such as weight loss. The diagnosis may be suspected with chest X-ray and CT scan, and is confirmed with abiopsy (tissue sample) and microscopic examination. A thoracoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into the chest) can be used to take biopsies. It allows the introduction of substances such as talc to obliterate the pleural space (called pleurodesis), which prevents more fluid from accumulating and pressing on the lung. Despite treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapyor sometimes surgery, the disease carries a poor prognosis. Research about screening testsfor the early detection of mesothelioma is ongoing.
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