0 Controversial Asbestos Settlement Heads to Court

After more than a year of bitter legal jockeying, an attempt to begin breaking the nation's biggest courthouse logjam - lawsuits surrounding asbestos - faces a critical test on courtroom. The case is complicated by any standard: millions of potential plaintiffs, dozens of lawyers, 20 defendants and more than two decades of wrangling over damages for people suffering from asbestos exposure.

The proposal to pay an estimated 100,000 asbestos-related disease sufferers or their families about $ 1 billion over the next 10 years is even more complex with stiff opposition and allegations of misconduct.

Backers and detractors will state their positions in a fairness hearing here Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Lowell Reed.

Lawyers who negotiated the deal call it a model for a faster and better way to compensate asbestos disease victims whose needs have gone unmet in court. Opponents call it inadequate and the result of collusion between the Center for Claims Resolution, a group of 20 former asbestos makers, and two law firms: Greitzer & Locks of Philadelphia and Ness, Motley, Loadholt, Richardson & Poole of Charleston, S.C.

Under the deal, consideration for damages would be given to anyone who requests it, a vastly simpler arrangement than hiring an attorney and waiting years for a case to wind its way through the justice system, said John Aldock, a lawyer for the Center for Claims Resolution.

A nationwide asbestos resolution has proven elusive. More than 100,000 cases are lined up in state and federal courts. The litigation has cost U.S. companies an estimated $ 7 billion, some $ 4 billion of it going to lawyers.

Under the settlement, average payments range from $ 5,800 for non-malignant disorders, such as labored breathing, to $ 60,000 for mesothelioma, a terminal lung cancer. The amounts are based on historical averages, proponents said, with the neediest paid first.

Only those showing symptoms get money. Victims could request additional compensation if they develop more serious illnesses. The CCR doesn't include the biggest asbestos manufacturers, and settlement plaintiffs still could sue them.

Critics argue that in most cases plaintiffs will receive a fifth of what they could win in court. Because of docket gridlock, however, most states are hearing cases filed in the late 1980s. All federal lawsuits have been on hold since 1992.

Wages, the union leader, figures that 350,000 to 400,000 of his current and former union members were exposed to potentially deadly amounts of asbestos. Many, including himself, will not be covered by the settlement because they weren't exposed for long enough periods - at least 10 years for mesothelioma and 12 years for other ailments.

Overall, more than 27 million Americans are estimated to have job-related exposure to asbestos, a natural insulator used for decades in construction, and roughly 1 million targeted by cancer. Not all of those people were exposed to products made by the companies included in the CCR, however.

There also have been questions about whether people who don't want to join the settlement "class" were adequately informed. People who wanted to be excluded, remaining free to sue CCR companies, had to inform the court by Jan. 24.


Philadelphia lawyer Ben Shein said the law firms didn't do enough to determine whether defendants could afford to pay without a settlement. The National Asbestos Victims Legal Action Organizing Committee estimates the CCR members have $ 53.6 billion in assets.


But backers said draining company assets has driven 17 former asbestos manufacturers into bankruptcy. Locks said the settlement requires insurers to pay when necessary, helping guarantee defendants solvency as cases mount.

1 Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesotheliomas in the thorax arise from either the visceral or the parietal pleura. Although uncommon they have assumed great importance in the past few years because of their increased incidence among persons with heavy exposure to asbestos. In coastal areas with shipping industries in the UNITED States and Great Britain and in Canadian and South African mining areas, up to 90% of reported mesotheliomas are asbestos-related. There is a long period of 25 to 45 years for the development of asbestos related mesothelioma and there seems to be no increased risk of mesothelioma in asbestos workers who smoke. This is in contrast to the risk of asbestos related bronchogenic carcinoma already high and is markedly magnified by smoking. Thus for asbestos workers those who are also smokers), the risk of dying of lung carcinoma far exceeds that of developing mesothelioma.


Asbestos bodies are found in increased numbers in the lungs of patients with mesothelioma and mesotheliomas can be induced readily in experimental animals by intrapleural injections of asbestos.

Malignant mesothelioma is a diffuse lesion that spreads widely in the pleural space and is usually associated with extensive pleural effusion and direct invasion of thoracic structures. The affected lung is ensheathed by a thick layer of soft gelatinous, grayish pink tumor tissue.


Microscopically malignant mesotheliomas consists of a mixture of two types of cells either one of which might predominate in an individual case. Mesothelial cells have the potential to develop as either mesenchymal stromal cells or epithelium like lining cells. The latter is the usual form of the mesothelium, an epithelium that lines the serious cavities of the body. The mesenchymal types of mesothelioma appears as a spindle cell sarcoma resembling fibrosarcoma (sarcomatoid type), whereas the papillary type consists of cuboidal, columnar or flattened cells forming a tubular and papillary structure ( epithelial type) resembling adenocarcinoma. Epithelial mesothelioma may at times be difficult to differentiate grossly and histologically from pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Special features that favor mesothelioma include the following (1) positive staining for acid mucopolysaccharide, which is inhibited by previous digestion by hyaluronidase; (2) lack of staining for carcinoembryonic antigen (CFA) and othere epithelial glycoprotein antigens, markers generally expressed by adenocarcinoma (3) strong staining for keratin proteins with accentuation of perinuclear rather than peripheral staining (4) on electron microscopy the presence of long microvilli and abundant tonofilaments but absent microvillous rootlets and lamellar bodies. The mixed type of mesothelioma contains both epithelial and sarcomatoid patterns. Cytogenetic abnormalities occur in mesotheliomas but not reactive mesothelial proliferations a diagnostically useful feature.

Clinical course

The presenting complaints are chest pain, dyspnea and as noted recurrent pleural effusions. Concurrent pulmonary asbestosis (fibrosis) is present in only 20% of patients with pleural mesothelioma. Fifty percent of those with pleural disease die within 12 months of diagnosis and few survive longer than 2 years. Aggressive therapy (extrapleural pneumonectomy, chemotherapy , radiation therapy) appears to improve this poor prognosis in some patients. The lung is invaded directly, and there is often metastatic spread to the hilar lymph nodes and, eventually , to the liver and other distant organs.

Mesotheliomas also arise in the peritoneum, pericardium, tunica vaginalis, and genital tract. Peritoneal mesotheliomas are particularly related to heavy asbestos exposure, 50% of such patients also have pulmonary fibrosis. Although in about 50% of cases the disease remains confined to the abnorminal cavity, intestinal involvement frequently leads to death from intestinal obstruction or inanition.

0 Comprehending Cancer Biopsy Intimately - Treatment

The term biopsy can be defined as a view of life and can be defined as from the Greek "bio" meaning life, and "-psy" meaning vision. A biopsy is literally a look at living tissue, and is a test for cancer detection. Any tissue or organ in the body has the capacity to be biopsied, and there are all kinds of techniques used. Some of these entail surgery, whereas others will not even entail an anesthetic. In each method, a sample of tissue is taken out from the body and studied for cancer markers, cancer cells, or unusual cell division. Each cancer has its own techniques of diagnosis, but the different types of biopsies can be grouped. Naturally, you should go to a reputed medical clinic to get this done. You can look up an online health directory to find facts.

1) Excisional biopsy. This is a surgical removal of the potential tumor growth. In this case, either an organ or lump is excised, or cut out of the body. Excisional biopsies are used for a variety of cancer diagnoses and for different reasons in each. In osteosarcoma they are used because of the growth rate of potential tumors. Surgery will always be the first alternative of biopsy in bone cancers. In lymphoma, tumors can only be examined as whole pieces to get an accurate diagnosis. Breast cancer is another cancer where some surgeons prefer surgery. This will make certain any cancer diagnosis with the most accuracy.

2) Incisional Biopsy. Here only a section of the lump is removed through surgery. This type is ubiquitously used for soft tissue cancers.

3) Endoscopic Biopsy. This is the most popular form of biopsy and is performed through a fibreoptic endoscope that is entered into the organ of disruption. The doctor looking through the endoscope can view directly any abnormal sections and cut or pinch pieces of tissue with forceps. A thoroscopy for endoscopic biopsy under general anesthesia will be used for mesothelioma, a cancer of internal organ lining. The reason for this is there is simply no other techniques to obtain a tissue sample. Meshothelioma is also very difficult to detect through other means, and so excisional biopsy is the best course for an accurate diagnosis.

4) Fine needle aspiration is the most popular form of biopsy today. Here a needle will be entered into the lump and a large number of cell tissue will be drawn through a syringe. These cells will then be stained and studied by a pathologist. In this case, a diagnosis is reached almost immediately. This kind of biopsy can even be done on hard to get at organs such as the pancreas or lungs with ultrasound guided techniques. This is the preferred choice as avoiding surgery is almost always first on the wish list of the medical professional.

There are other forms of biopsies, but these categories are the most popular and cover most of the major cancerous diseases. If a cancer is potential, a patient may endure more than one of these tests through the course of their treatment, depending on how aggressive the medical professional feels it is.


Specialist medical clinics are fitted out best to deal with this. If you want to learn more, look up some online articles on the problem. These are found without difficulty in a health directory.

0 Simple information on the disease Mesothelioma ... !

Simple information on the disease Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma (or more precisely malignant mesothelioma) is a rare form of cancer that develops from stem cells transformed into misothiliom, the protective lining that covers many of the internal organs of the body. Is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.
The most common anatomical location for developing mesothelioma is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but can also arise in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), myopericarditis in (the SAC that surrounds the heart) or tunica vaginalis (testicular SAC that surrounds).

She has worked most people who develop mesothelioma in asbestos inhalation, or where exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. It was also noted that washing clothes for family members who have worked with asbestos increases the risk of developing mesothelioma.
Unlike lung cancer, there appears to be no link between mesothelioma and tobacco smoking, but smoking greatly increases the risk of other asbestos-induced cancer.
I have collected some people who were exposed to asbestos damages for asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma. Compensation via asbestos funds or class action lawsuits is an important issue in the practice of law on mesothelioma (see asbestos and the law).
Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath due to effusion (fluid between the lung and the chest wall) or chest wall pain, and constitutional signs such as unexplained weight loss. Diagnosis was suspected with chest x-ray and CT scan, but patients must be confirmed, either with effusion cytology chapel or with biopsy (removal of suspicious tissue sample) and microscopic examination.
You can use thoracoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera on the chest) for biopsy material, allowing the introduction of substances such as talc to obliterate the pleural space (called adhesion side), and prevent further accumulation of fluid and pressure on the lung. Despite chemotherapy with radiation therapy, surgery or in some cases, the disease also serious complications. Search for examinations for the early detection of mesothelioma continues.




Thank you for reading and we hope that you will be always in good health...

0 Signs and symptoms

Symptoms or signs of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years (or more) after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion) are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.
These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions.
Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and symptoms:

• Chest wall pain
• Pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or anemia
• Wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
• Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up (hemoptysis)

In severe cases, the person may have many tumor masses. The individual may develop a pneumothorax, or collapse of the lung. The disease may metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body.
Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity often do not cause symptoms until they are at a late stage. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen
• A mass in the abdomen
• Problems with bowel function
• Weight loss

In severe cases of the disease, the following signs and symptoms may be present:

• Blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs
• Jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin
• Low blood sugar level
• Pleural effusion
• Pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs
• Severe ascites

A mesothelioma does not usually spread to the bone, brain, or adrenal glands. Pleural tumors are usually found only on one side of the lungs.

0 Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma (or, more precisely, malignant mesothelioma) is a rare form of cancer that develops from transformed cells originating in the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers many of the internal organs of the body. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.^[1]
The most common anatomical site for the development of mesothelioma is the pleura (the outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but it can also arise in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), and the pericardium (the sac that surrounds the heart),^[2] or the tunica vaginalis (a sac that surrounds the testis).
Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked in jobs where they inhaled asbestos, or were exposed to asbestos dust and fibers in other ways. It has also been suggested that washing clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos increases their risk for developing mesothelioma.^[3] Unlike lung cancer, there seems to be no association between mesothelioma and tobacco smoking, but smoking greatly increases the risk of other asbestos-induced cancers.^[4] Some people who were exposed to asbestos have collected damages for asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma. Compensation via asbestos funds or class action lawsuits is an important issue in law practices regarding mesothelioma (see asbestos and the law).
Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath due to pleural effusion (fluid between the lung and the chest wall) or chest wall pain, and constitutional signs such as unexplained weight loss. The diagnosis may be suspected with chest X-ray and CT scan, but must be confirmed pathologically, either with serous effusion cytology or with a biopsy (removing a sample of the suspicious tissue) and microscopic examination. A thoracoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into the chest) can be used to acquire biopsy material, and allows the introduction of substances such as talc to obliterate the pleural space (a procedure called pleurodesis), preventing more fluid from accumulating and pressing on the lung. Despite treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or sometimes surgery, the disease carries a poor prognosis. Research about screening tests for the early detection of mesothelioma is ongoing.

0 Types of Doctors

Types of Doctors

Types of Doctors

After you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your world will seem as if it’s full of doctors.  You’ll have an appointment with one type of doctor on one day, perhaps another the next day, and maybe even another a few days later…all in the course of perhaps a week.

While all the doctors will undoubtedly have your best interests in mind, understanding exactly what each one does can be confusing to the new cancer patient.  Here’s a list of specialists you’ll probably encounter before and after your diagnosis.

General Practitioner

This is your everyday doctor…the one you see when you have a cold or flu or when you’ve sprained your ankle.  He or she will most likely be the first person you turn to for answers about any symptoms you might be experiencing.  Your general practitioner will ask questions about your medical history, gauge your workplace exposure to asbestos, examine your symptoms, and do an overall preliminary check-up.  If he/she suspects cancer, you will be referred to the next doctor.

Oncologist

An oncologist is a cancer specialist.  This doctor will go a few steps further to determine an accurate diagnosis.  He may suggest CT scans, MRIs, or conventional x-rays, will probably test pulmonary function, or may order a biopsy.  When tests are completed, if cancer is confirmed, it is the oncologist who will determine the next step.  If he believes the cancer is operable, you will be referred to a surgeon.  If not, the oncologist will suggest chemotherapy, radiation, or some alternative form of treatment.  The oncologist provides ongoing follow-up care throughout the treatment process, suggesting new courses of action when appropriate.

Radiologist

Radiologists are in charge of administering x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.  If your oncologist prescribes radiation therapy as part of your course of treatment, a radiologist will administer this treatment as well.

Pulmonary Therapist

A pulmonary therapist is a lung specialist who monitors the effects of mesothelioma on the patient’s respiratory system.  Because breathing can become quite difficult as mesothelioma progresses, the pulmonary therapist will provide treatments and devices to ease your breathing and make you more comfortable.  You will probably see the pulmonary therapist quite often.

Psychologist

Dealing with mesothelioma is equally as taxing on your mental health as it is on your physical health.  Depression, anxiety, denial, guilt, and a host of other emotions will no doubt become a part of your daily routine.  A psychologist can help you sort out your feelings and cope with your diagnosis.  Many psychologists are specifically trained to work with cancer patients.

0 Mesothelioma Treatment by Stage

Mesothelioma Treatment by Stage

Mesothelioma Treatment by Stage

A cancer diagnosis is always shocking and scary, no matter the age of the person involved.  When someone finds out that they have Mesothelioma, depression may set it, anger might be present, and the life of the cancer victim will most certainly change. 

Receiving proper treatment, however, is the most important issue after diagnosis.

Mesothelioma is treated in a variety of ways, largely dependent on which stage of the disease is present in the afflicted individual.  The patient’s age, general health, and the location of the cancer are also taken into consideration when determining the best course of action to be used to fight the disease.

In Stage I, sometimes referred to as “localized malignant Mesothelioma”, treatment might include the following:

Surgery to remove sections of the pleura, the lung, part of the diaphragm, and part of the lining around the heart.

Surgery to remove the pleura and the tissue near it, done in order to relieve symptoms.  This is not considered a curative surgery.

Radiation to relieve symptoms when surgery is not indicated due to poor health.

The use of a clinical trial; i.e. medications being tested by patient volunteers in order to find better cures for Mesothelioma. 

For those suffering from Stage II or III Mesothelioma, treatment may include the procedures listed below.  Cure is often not possible for those who’ve reached Stage II or III Mesothelioma.

Thoracentesis or paracentesis – the draining of the fluid around the heart or abdomen, done in order to reduce symptoms and relieve pain.

Radiation or chemotherapy used to reduce symptoms.

Injection of chemotherapy or radioactive drugs directly into the pleural space.  This will serve to kill some of the cancer cells and slow down fluid collection in this area.

Clinical trials

The treatment of Stage IV advanced malignant Mesothelioma will most likely involve keeping the patient as comfortable as possible.  By this time, the disease has spread greatly and a cure is not possible, according to the American Cancer Society.

Chemotherapy or radiation, though the goals should be clearly explained to the patient and family.  Such aggressive therapy, laden with side affects, may not be desirable given the impossibility of a cure at this time.

Supportive care - often performed in a hospice-type program.  Advanced Mesothelioma patients usually require more care than a spouse or loved one can reasonably handle.

Pain medication

Clinical trials

In treating Mesothelioma, locating a specialist who is willing to discuss and explain all treatment options is essential.  Take time to measure the pros and cons of various treatments and be sure that the patient is comfortable with the choices made.  The Mesothelioma sufferer, like any cancer patient, should have a say in his/her individual treatment program.

0 Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Even though mesothelioma is incurable, treatment is available.   Treatment can prolong your life and make you more comfortable.  The traditional therapies used in cancer treatment are the mainstay of mesothelioma treatment.  These treatments are used alone and in combination to reduce the damage mesothelioma causes to your body.

Chemotherapy

Radiation treatment

Surgery

The type of treatment that is right for you depends on several factors.   The best options for treatment can only be determined after a thorough evaluation by your medical team.   An oncologist is a cancer specialist and will most likely lead the process. You may also see a radiologist, pulmonary therapists and an oncology-nursing specialist.  To help you cope with discomfort and the emotions stirred up by a serious illness, a social worker can also be a part of your care team.   Learn more about the finding a medical team that is experienced in caring for people with mesothelioma.

The size and location of your tumor and the stage of your cancer must first be determined.   To determine the stage of your cancer, MRI and CT scans are used. These tests are excellent at helping your doctor visualize the size, location and extend of any lung tumors.  Other specialized testing using radionuclides can help tell if the disease has spread, or metastasized outside of the chest and abdominal cavities.   

Mesothelioma therapy is very individualized.    They type of therapy that is best for you depends on:

Location of the cancer

Size of the cancer

Degree of invasion into nearby structures

Cancer staging

How widespread the cancer is

Patient’s age 

Other medical conditions

Your health status and age will also play a big part in figuring out the very best way to treat your cancer.  People with other health problems may not be candidates for very strong forms of treatment. 

Treatment Includes

Cancer treatment focuses on destroying the malignant cells while preserving the healthy ones.  This can be achieved by chemical or physical means that wipe out the tumor cells.   These treatment modalities can be used alone, or in combination to have the strongest effect on the disease.   When an additional therapy is added to the main treatment for cancer it is called adjuvant therapy. 

Chemotherapy uses very toxic drugs to kill the tumor cells, but healthy cells can be affected too.  Newer chemotherapy drugs have fewer side effects, and combinations of powerful drugs can also help reduce toxic effects.  Response to some of the most effective chemotherapy regimens has been less than hoped for.   The FDA recently approved a combination of cisplatin and pemetrexed for patients with mesothelioma because it showed a significantly stronger effect on the disease than a single drug. 

Radiation therapy employs strong doses of radiation to destroy the cancer cells. Radiation therapy is frequently used to shrink tumors before surgery, or to help patients feel less discomfort.  While advances in technology allow the radiation to be very tightly focused, cells surrounding the treatment area do suffer significant damage. 

Tumors can also be removed surgically.  In early stage disease, surgery can provide significant improvement and slow the progression of the disease.  If the cancer has spread beyond the chest cavity, surgery is much less effective in slowing down the disease, although it can be used in advanced cases to help patients breathe more easily and feel more comfortable. 

During treatment, the progress of the disease will be monitored periodically.  Using blood tests, x-rays and in some cases, MRI or CT scans, the size and extent of tumor can be followed.   Depending on the response to treatment, the regimen can be stopped or adjusted.   Side effects can also have an impact on the treatment regimen.  Fortunately there are many medications that can help patients withstand the toxic effects of these treatments.

Because mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer that is difficult to detect and tends to spread, traditional treatments are less effective than they are in other forms of cancer.  Some patients are not candidates for surgery or radiotherapy, especially in widespread or advanced disease.   For these patients, chemotherapy may be the only treatment option.

Investigational treatments

Newer treatments are being researched which provide a great deal of hope for patients who do not respond to some of the established therapies in use today. Clinical trials provide information about improved treatments and give hope for better outcomes.  Clinical trials are currently going on across the United States and worldwide.

Photodynamic therapy employs a light sensitive drug that is administered into your pleural fluid.  Exposure to a specific type of light activates the drug and causes a chemical reaction, which produces oxygen free radicals.   The free radicals are very toxic to the tumor cells and cause necrosis, or tumor cell death. 

Another promising treatment is immunotherapy.  Preliminary studies in early stage mesothelioma have shown encouraging results. Patients administered a form of interferon experienced complete response to therapy.

Complementary

0 Asbestosis

Asbestosis

Asbestosis

Simply put, asbestosis is a breathing disorder caused by inhaling high levels of asbestos.  The accumulation of these fibers in the lungs causes scarring of lung tissue and makes it difficult to breathe.

It often takes years of exposure for asbestosis to surface but it can quickly worsen, especially if exposure continues. 

Who Gets Asbestosis?

Asbestosis is almost always job-related and many of the victims are older individuals who were exposed to asbestos at work before the United States began to regulate its use in the mid-1970s.  This naturally-mined material was used extensively in the construction and manufacturing businesses, especially as pipe insulation, in fire-retardant materials, as floor and ceiling tiles, and in brake and clutch linings.

Those at the highest risk for developing the disorder probably worked with asbestos or asbestos-containing products on a daily basis for at least 8 to 10 years.  Miners may develop the disorder in less time.

Symptoms

When damage and scarring caused by inhaled asbestos fibers lead to stiffness in your lung tissue so that your lungs can't contract and expand normally, you will start experience symptoms of the disorder, which may include:

Shortness of breath

Decreased tolerance for physical activity

Coughing

Chest pain

Finger clubbing, in some cases

Diagnosis

When considering a diagnosis of asbestosis, your doctor will probably inquire as to your exposure to asbestos.  He/she may also ask whether any fellow employees have been affected by the disease.  Your doctor may then order tests to confirm the diagnosis, including pulmonary function tests, CT scans, and chest x-rays.

Treatment

The affects of asbestosis cannot be reversed but progression can be halted and symptoms treated.  Above all us, further exposure to the toxic material should be eliminated.  If you smoke, it’s necessary to stop immediately.  Doctors may also treat you with medications that expand or relax blood vessels, and/or blood-thinners that prevent blood clots from forming and obstructing narrowed vessels.

0 Mesothelioma Stages

Mesothelioma Stages

Mesothelioma Stages

Doctors employ the use of “stages” in both cancer diagnoses and monitoring to determine the progress of an individuals’ disease.  Staging takes a close look at cancers, like Mesothelioma, and determines to what extent it has developed and/or spread.  Most importantly, staging helps determine the course of treatment.

Currently, though there are three types of Mesothelioma – pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial – staging has thus far been established for the most frequently occurring form of this cancer - pleural - and not for the others. The three systems that stage this disease are the Butchart, TNM, and Brigham systems. 

Butchart is the oldest system and is still the most commonly used.  Its four stages are based on the extent of primary tumor mass.

Stage I: Mesothelioma is present in the right or left pleura (the thin, transparent membrane which covers the lungs and lines the inside of the chest walls) and may also involve the diaphragm (the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen) on the same side.

Stage II: Mesothelioma invades the chest wall or involves the esophagus (food passage connecting the throat to the stomach, heart, or pleura on both sides. Lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.

Stage III: Mesothelioma has penetrated through the diaphragm into the lining of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. Lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may now be affected as well.

Stage IV: There is evidence of metastasis (the spreading of the Mesothelioma) through the bloodstream to other organs.

The TNM System looks at three components: the tumor (T), the lymph nodes (N), and the spreading of the disease, otherwise known as metastasis (M).  It is also divided into four stages.

Stage I: Mesothelioma involves right or left pleura and may also have spread to the lung, pericardium (the fluid filled sac that surrounds the heart), or diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes are not involved.

Stage II: Mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.

Stage III: Mesothelioma has now invaded the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side. It may or may not have spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumor.

Stage IV: Mesothelioma has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, or extends to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extends into organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastasis is included in this stage.

The most recent system to be devised is the Brigham System.  It stages the disease according to the ability to surgically remove the tumor (resectability) and the involvement of the lymph nodes.  It, too, is divided into four stages.

Stage I: Mesothelioma is resectable and no lymph node involvement.

Stage II: Mesothelioma is resectable but with lymph node involvement.

Stage III: Presence of unresectable Mesothelioma extending into the chest wall, heart, or through the diaphragm or peritoneum; with or without extra-thoracic lymph node involvement.

Stage IV: Distant metastatic disease (widespread cancer throughout the body).

Diagnosis is achieved in a number of ways, especially because other diseases may possess similar symptoms to those presented by Mesothelioma.  A wide variety of imaging techniques may be used in diagnosis, such as CT scans, MRI, and conventional x-rays.  Some doctors also choose to test the pleural fluid for malignant cells. 

Biopsy, however, is by far the most accurate way to diagnose Mesothelioma.  Needle biopsies, done under local anesthetic, may be used but provide only small tissue samples.  That means the accuracy rate might be less than desirable.  The preferred course of action in suspected Mesothelioma is an “open” biopsy, which provides a larger tissue sample.  This type of biopsy is performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.

0 Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops many years after exposure to asbestos. Sometimes, it may be 30 to 40 years before symptoms occur.  Unfortunately, in the early stages of the disease, symptoms may be vague or not noticeable. Thus, if you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, even for a very brief time, it’s important to have regular check-ups to detect any lung abnormalities, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Benign lung disease, such as asbestosis is common in people who have been exposed to asbestos.  The symptoms can be very similar, and only a complete medical exam can provide an accurate diagnosis.

Early detection of mesothelioma allows doctor to use more effective and more powerful treatments. For this reason, you should watch carefully for any of the symptoms of mesothelioma. 

Symptoms of Mesothelioma may include:

Coughing

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Difficulty Sleeping

Weight Loss

Pain in chest and abdomen

Fluid in the chest

Usually, difficulty breathing and a lingering cough bring patients into the doctor for evaluation.  This occurs because tumors of the mesothelium make if hard for the lungs to expand smoothly.   Large tumors, or tumors that spread to the chest wall can cause chest pain.   When fluid builds up in the pleura, breathing can be even more difficult while lying down, making it hard to sleep.   The spread of cancerous cells takes a toll on your body, causing weakness, extreme fatigue.  Changes in your body’s ability to absorb nutrients as a result of invasion into the abdomen can cause weight loss. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

Depending on the type of mesothelioma, slightly different symptoms can occur.  Peritoneal disease has an effect on the intestines, liver and other structures in the abdominal cavity. As fluid builds up, the abdomen can become very expanded.  Because the liver plays a big part in manufacturing the substances needed to control bleeding, there is often a change in your ability to make blood clots.  Weight loss occurs for several reasons, and is more dramatic in this form of the disease. 

The pleural form of mesothelioma can also cause damage to the upper airway.  Swallowing can become difficult, and voice changes can occur if the larynx is affected. 

Specific symptoms of Peritoneal mesothelioma:

Weight loss

Abdominal pain

Buildup of fluid in the abdomen

Bowel obstruction

Abnormal blood clotting

Abdominal mass

Fever

Specific symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma:

Pain in the lower back

Pain in the side of chest

A persistent cough

Shortness of breath

Husky voice

Difficulty swallowing

Fever

Regardless of the location, malignant mesotheliomas occur in three forms.  The epithelioid type is the most common, accounting for 50-70% of all mesotheliomas. Between 20-35% of mesotheliomas are sarcomatoid.  The remaining 7-20% of tumors are classified as mixed/biphasic.  Epithelioid mesothelioma has the best outlook for survival.

If your symptoms suggest you may have mesothelioma, you doctor will order a number of tests. Imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans and MRI show any abnormalities within the lungs. A complete blood count and levels of specific proteins can help make the diagnosis. However, the diagnosis of mesothelioma cannot be made by blood work and imaging studies in every case. Other more common diseases such as benign asbestos-related pleural disease and metastatic adenocarcinoma can have very similar appearances on imaging studies. Biopsy, and the use of special staining are often necessary for the accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma. 

Promising studies on the early detection of mesothelioma may soon provided more accurate methods for diagnosis. If you have these warning signs you should consultant a qualified medical professional immediately.  Only a doctor can make a diagnosis. 

0 Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

In as many as 75-85% of mesothelioma cases, there is a history of exposure to asbestos.  The material was used extensively in numerous industries from the early 1900’s through the 1960’s.  Through the World War II era, over 8 million workers were exposed to asbestos.  Evidence that serious health problems were related to asbestos began to mount, and in 1999, a conclusive link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma was made. 

Because it can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma to develop, anyone who has been exposed should be evaluated by a physician experienced in this form of cancer. Even if you are not ill, you should learn about your legal rights in case mesothelioma is found in the future.

Asbestos is a broad term which refers to a collection of minerals know as asbestiform. It is a small mineral comprised of tiny fibers.  Asbestos fibers exist in two forms; they can be either amphibole or serpentine (chrysotile).  Several studies suggest that the amphibole form of asbestos is more dangerous than the chrysotile form, especially in mesothelioma.

These small particles float in the air, in an exposed environment and they may be inhaled or swallowed. Asbestos fibers breathed into the lungs cannot be expelled; they become embedded in the thin lining of the lungs, the mesothelium.  Over the period of many years, cells in the mesothelium can become cancerous.   In most cases of mesothelioma, it takes decades for the disease to cause symptoms.

Although a serious hazard to your health, asbestos is an excellent insulating material.  It is used in many products that need to withstand high heat such as home insulation and construction, brake pads, electrical equipment, hot water piping, boilers, ship engines, and welding supplies.  People who have worked in these industries should be screened regularly for the development of lung disease. 

When the asbestos is contained within finished products such as walls and tiles, it does not appear to pose a health as long as it is not damaged or disturbed.   However, damage or inadvertent destruction can release dangerous fibers into the air. When asbestos fibers are set free and inhaled, however, exposed individuals are at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.

While smoking has not been found to cause mesothelioma, smoking has been linked to an increased incidence in mesothelioma in asbestos exposed workers.   Therefore, if you have had occupational e exposure to asbestos, smoking could raise the risk of developing mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure

The most common way in which people are exposed to asbestos is through their work. There are a number of jobs in which exposure to asbestos may have occurred. Asbestos has been extensively used in industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation as well as shipbuilding and other forms of construction.  The risk of developing Mesothelioma increases according to the length and level of exposure to asbestos.  

The number of workers exposed to asbestos far exceeds the number of documented cases.  The reasons why some people who are exposed to asbestos do not develop the disease are not well understood.  

The risk of developing asbestos-related diseases varies with the type of industry in which the exposure occurred and with the extent of the exposure. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), however, has set a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc) for an 8 hour time weighted average. The safest course of action is to limit exposure and always wear protective gear when dealing with any type of suspected asbestos.

Hidden asbestos risks

The risk of developing mesothelioma is not just confined to the person directly exposed but may extend to family members and friends of those directly exposed. Even someone who has not been directly exposed or has been exposed at very low levels is at risk may develop the disease.  

An increasing incidence of mesothelioma in spouses and children whose only to asbestos was from the dust laden work clothes of a family member is being reported.   People who were in contact with workers in asbestos related injuries should also be vigilant for symptoms and be screened for lung disorders regularly.

Risk Factors Include:

Automotive Mechanics

Boilermakers

Bricklayers

Building Inspectors

Carpenters

Cement Finishers

Drywallers

Engineers

Electricians

Floor Coverings

Welders

Furnace Workers

Glazers

Grinders

Hod carriers

Insulators

Iron Workers

Labourers

Longshoremen

Machinists

Maintenance workers

Mechanics

U.S. Navy veterans

Merchant marines

Metal Lathers

Millwrights

Operating Engineers

Painters

Pipefitters

Plasterers

Power Plant Workers

Plumbers

Railroad Workers

Roofers

Sand blasters

Sawyers

Sheet metal workers

Shipyard Workers

Steam fitters

Tile setters

Welders 

0 Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the second-most prevalent form of asbestos-related cancer, rarer than the pleural variety, and accounting for about 10% - 15% of all diagnosed Mesothelioma cases. This form of cancer affects the lining of the abdomen, known as the peritoneum. 

Doctors and researchers offer two theories as to how asbestos fibers are able to enter the peritoneum.  Some believe that the fibers are caught and held by the mucus in the trachea or bronchi and ultimately swallowed.  The second explanation notes that fibers lodged in the lungs may move into the lymphatic system and be transferred to the peritoneum.

Regardless of which explanation is correct, peritoneal Mesothelioma can be quite difficult to detect, as the cancer may lay dormant for many years.  Like all types of asbestos-related cancers, documented incidences show that this type has, at times, been dormant for up to four decades.  That, of course, makes it all the more difficult to treat this disease because, by the time it’s detected, it has reached its advanced stages. 

The symptoms of peritoneal Mesothelioma are non-specific and can often be mistaken as indicators of a much less serious disease.  Therefore, it’s important to let medical professionals know that the patient has been exposed to asbestos in the past.  Symptoms of this type of Mesothelioma might include:

Abdominal pain

Abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation

Weight loss

Loss of appetite

Weakness

Nausea

Bowel obstruction

Breathing difficulties

Location of the tumor will determine which symptoms are present and/or most severe and symptoms may be different according to the patient’s general health and age.

Often, the diagnosis of peritoneal Mesothelioma is accidental, perhaps discovered during an x-ray for another ailment.  Additional x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be ordered but, ultimately, a tissue biopsy will be the most conclusive test.

Once this type of Mesothelioma is diagnosed, treatment options will be discussed. While there is currently no cure for this disease, the patient can be treated in a variety of ways to help ease symptoms, reduce pain, and prolong life.  Options include:

Surgery – the surgery performed for peritoneal Mesothelioma may involve cutting out part of the lining and tissue from the abdominal area in order to remove the tumor.  If the tumor is particularly large, a lung or a section of the diaphragm may need to be removed as well.  Because this type of cancer is so often diagnosed in its late stages, surgery may not be an option as the cancer has already spread too much by this point.

Chemotherapy – the use of intra-peritoneal chemotherapy is often recommended to patients with peritoneal Mesothelioma.  This involves the infusion of chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdominal cavity.  It can be used after surgery or on its own.

Radiation therapy – radiation may be targeted directly at cancer cells or can be used for palliative reasons such as to reduce pain or shortness of breath or to control the spread of the tumor.

Clinical trials – some patients choose to participate in clinical trials or employ the use of therapies that have not yet been deemed successful in treating the disease, such as gene therapy or immunotherapy.

Although peritoneal Mesothelioma is not the most prevalent form of asbestos-related cancer, it is indeed a serious problem and many people die each year from the disease.  If you, a friend, or a loved one has been diagnosed with this or any other type of asbestos-related cancer.

0 Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma

There are two types of Pleural Mesothelioma: Cancerous and non-cancerous.

Benign mesothelioma many times can be surgically removed and is generally not life threatening or a result of asbestos exposure.  Malignant mesothelioma is very serious, though.  The infliction is quite rare and less than three thousand people in the US get it each year.

The following section is about malignant pleural mesothelioma:

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells that affects the skin or inner lining (known medically as the pleura) outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs.  This is caused ONLY by exposure to asbestos fibers found in products made mostly by US corporations.  The exposure could have occurred many, many years ago because it takes many years for the disease to show up.  Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma and chances are that if you have mesothelioma, this is the type you have.

Often Mesothelioma is diagnosed when no symptoms are present.  This could be because a tumor is present or is randomly discovered through something like a routine exam.  When these symptoms do occur, they can include shortness of breath, weight loss, chest pains, pains about the lower back, chronic cough, difficulty swallowing, and severe weakness.  In the initial examination a medical examination will often show a pleural effusion, which is a bunch of fluid in the area between the lungs and the wall of the chest.

A chest x-ray or CT scan is the necessary first step in identifying mesothelioma, which is followed up with what is called a bronchoscopy.  A bronchoscopy requires a viewing scope to look inside the lungs.  The diagnosis itself requires a biopsy which allows the medical professionals to take a little piece of tissue from the area in question.  This can be done using a tiny needle, an open cut, or even these days through a tube with a camera on the end of it.  This is a procedure that must happen at the hospital, but it is not a painful procedure typically.

Any fluid build-up from the pleural effusion can generally be viewed via the x-ray and can be heard through the dr.’s stethoscope during examination.  The only firm diagnosis of mesothelioma can be made through the biopsy described earlier.  Because other things like tumors and benign effusions can look like mesothelioma, a biopsy is the only safe way to tell as a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be one of the most difficult in the book.

As the tumor spreads over the lining between the lungs and the chest, flexibility can be increasingly painful and restricted.  Because of this, breathing becomes much more difficult.  It begins with shortness of breath potentially while exercising but as function continues to drop short breath can become more and more of a persistent problem.

Although there is no cure for pleural mesothelioma, the treatment options have improved for managing symptoms. As with any cancer, the prognosis is better for those diagnosed early, and treatment can be more aggressive. Most pleural mesothelioma patients are treated with a multimodal therapy, or combination of treatment options. It is possible for patients with pleural mesothelioma to live for 5 to 10 years after diagnosis, although the average survival time is about a year.

Specific types of treatment include:

Chemotherapy and other drug-based therapies

Radiation therapy

Surgery

Intra-operative photodynamic therapy.

Experimental treatments such as gene therapy, angiogenesis inhibitors, immunotherapy, and many clinical trials are also in the development stages.

Although mesothelioma remains uncurable, many other treatments have had success in pain reduction and improving lung function. Surgeries to remove tumors and reduce pressure have shown promise in pain reduction, and pain control medications are constantly improving. In some cases, X-ray therapy has been shown to control tumor pain as well

0 What is Mesothelioma

What is Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a serious and rare form of lung cancer.  It is most frequently seen in men between the ages of 50 to 70. Women are affected far less frequently. In the US, between 2000 and 3000 cases are diagnosed each year.  Estimates suggest that the incidence of mesothelioma for every 100,000 in the US is about 1.8 and 0.9 internationally.  This form of cancer affects people of every race equally. The number of people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma has increased significantly in the past 30 years.  Although many advances in treatment have been made, there is no cure for this type of cancer.

In mesothelioma, the cells of the mesothelium become cancerous and grow out of control. The mesothelium is a protective, two-layered membrane that covers the internal organs of the body including the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. Between these layers, the cells produce fluid, which allows easy movement of the heart and lungs within the chest cavity.  The layer that covers the lungs is called the pleura, and the layer that covers the heart is called the pericardium. The peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity.  Mesothelium also lines the male and female reproductive organs.   Mesothelioma can affect any of these cells, but is usually seen in the pleural or peritoneal mesothelium. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural.

The primary risk factor for developing mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Between 70-80% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos, usually in the workplace.  Although it is possible to develop mesothelioma without any exposure to asbestos, it is very rare. While one person for every million people in the US will be diagnosed with mesothelioma, about 7-13 men who have been exposed to asbestos will be diagnosed with the disease. Symptoms frequently take 20 years to develop, but can take as long as 50 years to occur. 

When cancerous cells invade the mesothelium, it becomes increasingly difficult to breathe.   In the pleural form of mesothelioma, tumors growing in the mesothelium cause pleural effusions, which prevent the smooth movement of the lungs and other organs in the chest.  Peritoneal mesothelioma invades the abdominal cavity and can cause loss of appetite weight loss, nausea and vomiting.  Most patients seek medical care after having symptoms only 4-6 months.

Mesothelioma is a very aggressive form of cancer.  Because it takes so long for symptoms to appear it can spread to the other organs in the chest, the chest wall and into the lymph nodes. The cancerous cells spread, or metastasize from the mesothelium into other parts of the body and damage internal tissues and organs.  Treatment is more effective when the disease is detected early.

Treatment is aimed at reducing the size of tumors, and relieving symptoms.  Chemotherapy, radiation treatment and surgery are some of the traditional treatment strategies used to help patients live longer, with fewer symptoms.  New advances in photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy give hope for prolonging the lives of patients with mesothelioma.  On average, however, the life expectancy after being diagnosed with mesothelioma is less than one year.

0 What is Mesothelioma

What is Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a serious and rare form of lung cancer.  It is most frequently seen in men between the ages of 50 to 70. Women are affected far less frequently. In the US, between 2000 and 3000 cases are diagnosed each year.  Estimates suggest that the incidence of mesothelioma for every 100,000 in the US is about 1.8 and 0.9 internationally.  This form of cancer affects people of every race equally. The number of people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma has increased significantly in the past 30 years.  Although many advances in treatment have been made, there is no cure for this type of cancer.

In mesothelioma, the cells of the mesothelium become cancerous and grow out of control. The mesothelium is a protective, two-layered membrane that covers the internal organs of the body including the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. Between these layers, the cells produce fluid, which allows easy movement of the heart and lungs within the chest cavity.  The layer that covers the lungs is called the pleura, and the layer that covers the heart is called the pericardium. The peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity.  Mesothelium also lines the male and female reproductive organs.   Mesothelioma can affect any of these cells, but is usually seen in the pleural or peritoneal mesothelium. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural.

The primary risk factor for developing mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Between 70-80% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos, usually in the workplace.  Although it is possible to develop mesothelioma without any exposure to asbestos, it is very rare. While one person for every million people in the US will be diagnosed with mesothelioma, about 7-13 men who have been exposed to asbestos will be diagnosed with the disease. Symptoms frequently take 20 years to develop, but can take as long as 50 years to occur. 

When cancerous cells invade the mesothelium, it becomes increasingly difficult to breathe.   In the pleural form of mesothelioma, tumors growing in the mesothelium cause pleural effusions, which prevent the smooth movement of the lungs and other organs in the chest.  Peritoneal mesothelioma invades the abdominal cavity and can cause loss of appetite weight loss, nausea and vomiting.  Most patients seek medical care after having symptoms only 4-6 months.

Mesothelioma is a very aggressive form of cancer.  Because it takes so long for symptoms to appear it can spread to the other organs in the chest, the chest wall and into the lymph nodes. The cancerous cells spread, or metastasize from the mesothelium into other parts of the body and damage internal tissues and organs.  Treatment is more effective when the disease is detected early.

Treatment is aimed at reducing the size of tumors, and relieving symptoms.  Chemotherapy, radiation treatment and surgery are some of the traditional treatment strategies used to help patients live longer, with fewer symptoms.  New advances in photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy give hope for prolonging the lives of patients with mesothelioma.  On average, however, the life expectancy after being diagnosed with mesothelioma is less than one year.

0 What is Mesothelioma

What is Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a serious and rare form of lung cancer.  It is most frequently seen in men between the ages of 50 to 70. Women are affected far less frequently. In the US, between 2000 and 3000 cases are diagnosed each year.  Estimates suggest that the incidence of mesothelioma for every 100,000 in the US is about 1.8 and 0.9 internationally.  This form of cancer affects people of every race equally. The number of people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma has increased significantly in the past 30 years.  Although many advances in treatment have been made, there is no cure for this type of cancer.

In mesothelioma, the cells of the mesothelium become cancerous and grow out of control. The mesothelium is a protective, two-layered membrane that covers the internal organs of the body including the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. Between these layers, the cells produce fluid, which allows easy movement of the heart and lungs within the chest cavity.  The layer that covers the lungs is called the pleura, and the layer that covers the heart is called the pericardium. The peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity.  Mesothelium also lines the male and female reproductive organs.   Mesothelioma can affect any of these cells, but is usually seen in the pleural or peritoneal mesothelium. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural.

The primary risk factor for developing mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Between 70-80% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos, usually in the workplace.  Although it is possible to develop mesothelioma without any exposure to asbestos, it is very rare. While one person for every million people in the US will be diagnosed with mesothelioma, about 7-13 men who have been exposed to asbestos will be diagnosed with the disease. Symptoms frequently take 20 years to develop, but can take as long as 50 years to occur. 

When cancerous cells invade the mesothelium, it becomes increasingly difficult to breathe.   In the pleural form of mesothelioma, tumors growing in the mesothelium cause pleural effusions, which prevent the smooth movement of the lungs and other organs in the chest.  Peritoneal mesothelioma invades the abdominal cavity and can cause loss of appetite weight loss, nausea and vomiting.  Most patients seek medical care after having symptoms only 4-6 months.

Mesothelioma is a very aggressive form of cancer.  Because it takes so long for symptoms to appear it can spread to the other organs in the chest, the chest wall and into the lymph nodes. The cancerous cells spread, or metastasize from the mesothelium into other parts of the body and damage internal tissues and organs.  Treatment is more effective when the disease is detected early.

Treatment is aimed at reducing the size of tumors, and relieving symptoms.  Chemotherapy, radiation treatment and surgery are some of the traditional treatment strategies used to help patients live longer, with fewer symptoms.  New advances in photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy give hope for prolonging the lives of patients with mesothelioma.  On average, however, the life expectancy after being diagnosed with mesothelioma is less than one year.

0 Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers

Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers

Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.

What is the mesothelium?

The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

How common is mesothelioma?

Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age.

What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person’s risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.

Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient’s medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

How is mesothelioma treated?

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.

Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed.

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation) or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).

Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).

To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.

Are new treatments for mesothelioma being studied?

Yes. Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials (research studies with people) that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with mesothelioma.

0 Mesothelioma Related And Other United States Cancer Centers

Mesothelioma Related And Other United States Cancer Centers

Mesothelioma Related And Other United States Cancer Centers

The rise in numbers of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma over recent years has also seen an increase in research and clinical trials in to this deadly cancer. With number expected to continue riding over the next couple of decades, it is vital that thorough research into mesothelioma continues in order for an effective treatment to be found.

The United States now has a number of cancer centers that are dedicated to finding effective treatment for mesothelioma and other types of cancer. These cancer centers concentrate their efforts in to research, trials, treatment, education and support, giving cancer patients help for today and hope for the future.

There are various types of cancer centers throughout the United States, some of which concentrate more on one area of the disease and others which cover all aspects.

You can find Generic Cancer Centers which focus more on basic research in to mesothelioma and other cancers. Then there are Clinical Cancer Centers which focus on research based around strong clinical and more advanced science. Finally there are Comprehensive Cancer Centers, which concentrate on many areas of the disease such as research, education, support and treatment.

However, it is the combined efforts of all of thee types of cancer centers that contribute to breakthroughs and successful treatments for cancer patients.

Cancer centers are a vital part of the country’s fight against cancer and form an important network that is working towards the cure and prevention of cancer as well as educating others about the disease. The research teams that work in these centers are trained professionals in a number of areas such as specialists in oncology, pathology and radiologists amongst others. These experts are constantly working hard to find effective treatment options which could one day make cancer a curable and non-terminal disease.

The one main setback for all cancer centers is funding. Many are government funded to some degree, but the allocation of funding particularly to mesothelioma cancer centers is very limited. Therefore many cancer centers also rely on funding from other businesses and on donations from the public. The lack of money is a serious problem that can hinder the treatment and research capabilities of these centers.

Many of the cancer centers around the United States have been at the forefront of some important clinical trials which have already helped to improve the quality of patients’ lives as well as improved the chances of speedy diagnosis and extended lifespan. And, although no long-term cure for mesothelioma and related cancer has yet been found, the work carried out by the cancer center teams continues to give patients hope. With appropriate funding and support, it is these cancer centers that offer a realistic prospect of an effective treatment and cure for cancer sufferers.

Although generic and clinical cancer centers focus more on research and science than on trials and treatment, their contribution to cancer care and prevention is pivotal and will always play a vital role in the breakthrough that will one day enable us to cure this disease. The comprehensive cancer centers, which also offer support, trials and treatment are also vital in the search for a breakthrough in cancer care as well as in supporting and education patients.

All three types of cancer centers play an equally crucial part in America’s crusade to beat mesothelioma and cancer.