The invasion of the mesothelium by cancer cells makes it very difficult for the patient to breathe, resulting in the need for oxygen, especially as the disease progresses. Those with the pleural form of mesothelioma may also suffer from pleural effusions. These effusions prevent the smooth movement of the lungs and other organs in the chest. Peritoneal mesothelioma also affects the stomach area and abdominal cavity, causing nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite, which can result in dangerous weight loss. In addition to breathing difficulties and loss of appetite, mesothelioma victims also complain of excessive coughing, sleeping difficulties, persistent chest pain, fever, and pain in the lower back.
Mesothelioma, in general, is a very painful disease and because it is usually not diagnosed until it's in an advanced stage. For this reason, the symptoms are typically quite serious. Late diagnosis also means that the cancer is more likely to have metastasized, or spread, making successful mesothelioma treatment even more difficult.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
What is Asbestos?
For most individuals, especially those born in the last 40 years, the mention of asbestos conjures up thoughts of a dangerous substance that's sickened many people and caused myriad deaths around the world. That's an accurate description.
A common misconception on the part of many individuals, however, is that asbestos is a hazardous man-made substance, conjured up in factories around the world for commercial use. The truth is, however, that asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that can be found in hundreds of countries on just about every continent. As a matter of fact, asbestos is still mined in several of these countries, including Canada and Russia. Other countries have outlawed the mining of asbestos.
Asbestos is a highly-fibrous mineral with long, thin, separable fibers. The thin fibers can be spun and woven together, and possess valuable heat-resistant properties that make asbestos suitable for insulation and other such products. Indeed, for decades, asbestos was the material of choice for many industries that were manufacturing products for which heat resistance, low electrical conductivity, flexibility, and high tensile strength were essential factors. Today, there are other alternatives.
There are two kinds of asbestos. The serpentine variety is curly. Chrysotile asbestos, most commonly used for industrial purposes, is from the serpentine family. Other asbestos fibers, from the amphibole family, are very straight and needle-like. Amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite are amphibole asbestos varieties.
Currently, chrysotile asbestos is the only type mined on a wide-scale though a handful of countries continue to mine other forms. However, worldwide outrage about the use of dangerous asbestos has forced many countries to reconsider their position on mining.
A common misconception on the part of many individuals, however, is that asbestos is a hazardous man-made substance, conjured up in factories around the world for commercial use. The truth is, however, that asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that can be found in hundreds of countries on just about every continent. As a matter of fact, asbestos is still mined in several of these countries, including Canada and Russia. Other countries have outlawed the mining of asbestos.
Asbestos is a highly-fibrous mineral with long, thin, separable fibers. The thin fibers can be spun and woven together, and possess valuable heat-resistant properties that make asbestos suitable for insulation and other such products. Indeed, for decades, asbestos was the material of choice for many industries that were manufacturing products for which heat resistance, low electrical conductivity, flexibility, and high tensile strength were essential factors. Today, there are other alternatives.
There are two kinds of asbestos. The serpentine variety is curly. Chrysotile asbestos, most commonly used for industrial purposes, is from the serpentine family. Other asbestos fibers, from the amphibole family, are very straight and needle-like. Amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite are amphibole asbestos varieties.
Currently, chrysotile asbestos is the only type mined on a wide-scale though a handful of countries continue to mine other forms. However, worldwide outrage about the use of dangerous asbestos has forced many countries to reconsider their position on mining.
Treatment Options for Mesothelioma Patients
Your medical team will consider several factors in plotting a course of treatment:
Your age.
Your current health status.
The stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis.
The location and size of the tumor.
Given these particulars, oncologists may recommend different mesothelioma treatment options for different people. The preferences of the mesothelioma patient and his / her family also are considered in creating a treatment plan. Therefore, it is important for everyone involved to fully understand all available options, and then make a personal decision on what is right in their particular case.
A mesothelioma treatment plan should be overseen by an oncologist. This is a doctor who specializes in cancer treatment and is more likely to be familiar with mesothelioma than the most physicians. Because of the rarity of this disease, it is encouraged that patients seek an opinion from a mesothelioma specialist. Contact us if you need help finding a mesothelioma specialist.
There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments; many are intended to attack the cancer cells while others address symptoms such as difficulty in breathing and pain. Most patients want to pursue aggressive cancer treatment initially. If the mesothelioma is diagnosed early in its development, this may be the best approach.
Conventional Treatment of Mesothelioma
There are three forms of malignant mesothelioma. The most common is pleural mesothelioma, followed by peritoneal mesothelioma, and pericardial mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma, the abdominal cavity and pericardial mesothelioma, the lining around the heart. For more information on these diseases, please contact us through the form below or by calling us at the toll-free number above.
The traditional treatments for malignant mesothelioma include:
Surgery (removing the cancer).
Chemotherapy (using drugs to fight the cancer).
Radiation Therapy (using high-dose x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill the cancer cells).
Often two or more of these treatment regimens are combined. Although we classify them as "traditional" treatments, there are many exciting and innovative developments within these treatments.
NEW!: Vinorelbine and Cisplatin Provide Effective Chemotherapy Regimen
The combination of Navelbine (vinorelbine) and Platinol (cisplatin) creates a highly active palliative therapy for patients with non-resectable malignant pleural mesothelioma.
In a new study published by Danish researchers, 54 patients with newly diagnosed cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma were given the combination therapy. Two patients had complete responses and 14 others had partial responses. The median survival time for all patients was 16.8 months with a median time to tumor progression of 7.2 months. The one-year survival rate was 61 percent with a two-year survival rate of 31 percent and two patients lived more than three years.
The authors of the study concluded this treatment regimen is as effective as current therapies and may even be better than currently used chemotherapy combinations.
Your age.
Your current health status.
The stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis.
The location and size of the tumor.
Given these particulars, oncologists may recommend different mesothelioma treatment options for different people. The preferences of the mesothelioma patient and his / her family also are considered in creating a treatment plan. Therefore, it is important for everyone involved to fully understand all available options, and then make a personal decision on what is right in their particular case.
A mesothelioma treatment plan should be overseen by an oncologist. This is a doctor who specializes in cancer treatment and is more likely to be familiar with mesothelioma than the most physicians. Because of the rarity of this disease, it is encouraged that patients seek an opinion from a mesothelioma specialist. Contact us if you need help finding a mesothelioma specialist.
There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments; many are intended to attack the cancer cells while others address symptoms such as difficulty in breathing and pain. Most patients want to pursue aggressive cancer treatment initially. If the mesothelioma is diagnosed early in its development, this may be the best approach.
Conventional Treatment of Mesothelioma
There are three forms of malignant mesothelioma. The most common is pleural mesothelioma, followed by peritoneal mesothelioma, and pericardial mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma, the abdominal cavity and pericardial mesothelioma, the lining around the heart. For more information on these diseases, please contact us through the form below or by calling us at the toll-free number above.
The traditional treatments for malignant mesothelioma include:
Surgery (removing the cancer).
Chemotherapy (using drugs to fight the cancer).
Radiation Therapy (using high-dose x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill the cancer cells).
Often two or more of these treatment regimens are combined. Although we classify them as "traditional" treatments, there are many exciting and innovative developments within these treatments.
NEW!: Vinorelbine and Cisplatin Provide Effective Chemotherapy Regimen
The combination of Navelbine (vinorelbine) and Platinol (cisplatin) creates a highly active palliative therapy for patients with non-resectable malignant pleural mesothelioma.
In a new study published by Danish researchers, 54 patients with newly diagnosed cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma were given the combination therapy. Two patients had complete responses and 14 others had partial responses. The median survival time for all patients was 16.8 months with a median time to tumor progression of 7.2 months. The one-year survival rate was 61 percent with a two-year survival rate of 31 percent and two patients lived more than three years.
The authors of the study concluded this treatment regimen is as effective as current therapies and may even be better than currently used chemotherapy combinations.
Caregiver's Guide
Caring for a loved one with mesothelioma can be one of the greatest challenges a caregiver will face in their lifetime. Nearly all who have been through this process agree that the experience has changed them. Statistics show that the at-home caregiver is rarely a trained health care professional, however, there is much they can do to substantially improve the quality of a patient’s life.
In the following sections, the caregiver will learn how to provide for their loved one’s physical and emotional needs without compromising their own individual needs. Delegating responsibilities, planning and preparing nutritious, balanced meals, building caregiving skills and supporting and carrying out the patient’s wishes are all important parts of the caregiving process. Ways of dividing up caregiving based on a family member’s particular strengths and weaknesses is also covered, making the tasks at hand less overwhelming for everyone. For those who are long distance caregivers with limited time to spend with their family, some helpful hints are offered that will make the most of phone calls and visits.
In short, the time and effort involved in caregiving can not be underestimated, but it need not be overwhelming. Even in the best of times, people feel stress and frustration periodically. The goal of this section is to make the best of each day for everyone involved.
Delegating responsibilities
Providing healthy nutrition
Building caregiving skills
Resolving open issues
Choosing care alternatives
Dyspnea in mesothelioma
In the following sections, the caregiver will learn how to provide for their loved one’s physical and emotional needs without compromising their own individual needs. Delegating responsibilities, planning and preparing nutritious, balanced meals, building caregiving skills and supporting and carrying out the patient’s wishes are all important parts of the caregiving process. Ways of dividing up caregiving based on a family member’s particular strengths and weaknesses is also covered, making the tasks at hand less overwhelming for everyone. For those who are long distance caregivers with limited time to spend with their family, some helpful hints are offered that will make the most of phone calls and visits.
In short, the time and effort involved in caregiving can not be underestimated, but it need not be overwhelming. Even in the best of times, people feel stress and frustration periodically. The goal of this section is to make the best of each day for everyone involved.
Delegating responsibilities
Providing healthy nutrition
Building caregiving skills
Resolving open issues
Choosing care alternatives
Dyspnea in mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment Options
Extrapleural pneumonectomy is surgery to remove a diseased lung, part of the pericardium (membrane covering the heart), part of the diaphragm (muscle between the lungs and the abdomen), and part of the parietal pleura (membrane lining the chest). Extrapleural pneumonectomy may improve survival, but its impact on long-term survival is unknown. Aggressive treatment approaches help some people, but remains unclear if overall survival has been significantly altered by the different treatment modalities or by combinations of modalities.
Pleurectomy and decortication (removal of part or all of the external surface of the lung or mesothelium) can provide palliative relief from symptomatic effusions, discomfort, and pain caused by invasive tumor. There is always a risk with surgery, and statistics show that operative mortality from pleurectomy/decortication is <2%, while mortality from extrapleural pneumonectomy has ranged from 6% to 30%.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are usually done after surgery but they have not been effective in improving survival. Radiation therapy has been shown to alleviate pain in most patients although the duration of symptom control is short-lived.
Single-agent and combination chemotherapy have been evaluated in single and combined modality studies. Some combination chemotherapy regimens have been reported to have higher response rates in small phase II trials; however, the toxic effects reported are also higher, and there is no evidence that combination regimens result in longer survival or longer control of symptoms than single-agent regiments. Recurrent pleural effusions may be treated with pleural sclerosing procedures; however, failure rates are usually secondary to the bulk of the tumor, which precludes pleural adhesion due to the inability of the lung to fully expand.
Pleurectomy and decortication (removal of part or all of the external surface of the lung or mesothelium) can provide palliative relief from symptomatic effusions, discomfort, and pain caused by invasive tumor. There is always a risk with surgery, and statistics show that operative mortality from pleurectomy/decortication is <2%, while mortality from extrapleural pneumonectomy has ranged from 6% to 30%.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are usually done after surgery but they have not been effective in improving survival. Radiation therapy has been shown to alleviate pain in most patients although the duration of symptom control is short-lived.
Single-agent and combination chemotherapy have been evaluated in single and combined modality studies. Some combination chemotherapy regimens have been reported to have higher response rates in small phase II trials; however, the toxic effects reported are also higher, and there is no evidence that combination regimens result in longer survival or longer control of symptoms than single-agent regiments. Recurrent pleural effusions may be treated with pleural sclerosing procedures; however, failure rates are usually secondary to the bulk of the tumor, which precludes pleural adhesion due to the inability of the lung to fully expand.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Medical experts have been unable to definitively assess the prognosis of pleural mesothelioma partly because there are relatively few cases and it is so difficult to diagnose that patients don't get treatment for a long time after the disease strikes. Studies of pleural mesothelioma patients show that important prognostic factors include stage of cancer, age, and histology. Surgery improves the lifespan of the patient, even though it does not cure the disease. For patients treated with surgery, factors associated with improved long-term survival include epithelial histology, negative lymph nodes, and negative surgical margins. Nodal status is an important prognostic factor. Studies have shown the median survival of patients with malignant pleural disease is 16 months.
Pleural effusions and peritoneal effusions are experienced by two-thirds of patients. Hemothorax - the collection of blood in the pleural cavity - also is a symptom. To get a diagnosis, doctors use imaging technologies as well as histological analysis and molecular biologic analyses. A pleural smear examines a sample of pleural fluid under the microscope to detect for abnormal organisms. The test is performed when infection of the pleural space is suspected or when an abnormal collection of pleural fluid is noticed by chest X-ray. Sometimes the tumor grows through the diaphragm, making the site of origin difficult to assess.
Pleural effusions and peritoneal effusions are experienced by two-thirds of patients. Hemothorax - the collection of blood in the pleural cavity - also is a symptom. To get a diagnosis, doctors use imaging technologies as well as histological analysis and molecular biologic analyses. A pleural smear examines a sample of pleural fluid under the microscope to detect for abnormal organisms. The test is performed when infection of the pleural space is suspected or when an abnormal collection of pleural fluid is noticed by chest X-ray. Sometimes the tumor grows through the diaphragm, making the site of origin difficult to assess.
Coping With Mesothelioma Cancer
When you hear that you have been diagnosed with cancer, your first inclination will probably be that your “normal” life is about to change, and in some respects, this may be true. You will have to come to terms with your diagnosis in your own mind, and then tell family and friends. There will be appointments to keep, mesothelioma treatment decisions to make and medical bills to pay. Familiar routines may become disrupted or absent altogether. How you successfully contend with these difficulties, or how you “cope”, can be one of the most important steps you will take in maintaining a positive outlook on life.
The first step in making your life “normal” again is to realize that you will most likely cope with your mesothelioma in the same manner you have handled other aspects of your life. The person you have always been, whether laid back or in control, is the person you will continue to be. You will learn to substitute new roles for lost ones, and will continue to adapt to the changes life will bring your way.
In this section, three areas in which you will use your coping skills will be discussed. These include:
Emotional Coping
When you are facing a serious illness, your emotions can play an important role in how you feel about life, and these emotions can extend to your family and friends as well. You can minimize the impact by understanding that your feelings are normal, and then by moving ahead and becoming proactive in your treatment and care.
Physical Coping
Many people think of coping as only an emotional process, but dealing with treatment regimens and their potential side effects, as well as quality of life concerns must also be addressed. While you can’t control the fact that you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you can learn to minimize its effects on your health and wellness.
Financial Coping
Serious illnesses like mesothelioma can deplete your life savings quickly. Most cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can be costly, and because of the rarity of mesothelioma, you may feel you want to travel to a specialist for a second opinion or for treatments not available in your local area. By being aware of the financial resources available, including compensation from the asbestos industry, you can help ease the stress on yourself and your family and, therefore, maintain control over your life.
The first step in making your life “normal” again is to realize that you will most likely cope with your mesothelioma in the same manner you have handled other aspects of your life. The person you have always been, whether laid back or in control, is the person you will continue to be. You will learn to substitute new roles for lost ones, and will continue to adapt to the changes life will bring your way.
In this section, three areas in which you will use your coping skills will be discussed. These include:
Emotional Coping
When you are facing a serious illness, your emotions can play an important role in how you feel about life, and these emotions can extend to your family and friends as well. You can minimize the impact by understanding that your feelings are normal, and then by moving ahead and becoming proactive in your treatment and care.
Physical Coping
Many people think of coping as only an emotional process, but dealing with treatment regimens and their potential side effects, as well as quality of life concerns must also be addressed. While you can’t control the fact that you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you can learn to minimize its effects on your health and wellness.
Financial Coping
Serious illnesses like mesothelioma can deplete your life savings quickly. Most cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can be costly, and because of the rarity of mesothelioma, you may feel you want to travel to a specialist for a second opinion or for treatments not available in your local area. By being aware of the financial resources available, including compensation from the asbestos industry, you can help ease the stress on yourself and your family and, therefore, maintain control over your life.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Your first step after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, should be to discuss your case thoroughly with the doctor who told you that you have cancer. It is very important for the person diagnosed with mesothelioma to create a list of questions, including those from his or her family. Ask your doctor questions in different ways until all your questions have been answered and you understand. Following are some common questions that may arise after a diagnosis of mesothelioma.
What, exactly, is my diagnosis?
There are three forms of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lung; peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdominal cavity; pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining around the heart. You'll need to know the official definition of your cancer, so you will be able to communicate with other medical professionals at a later date.
A more detailed description of the diagnosis process and the stages of mesothelioma.
How was my diagnosis determined?
Ask your doctor how your diagnosis was determined. The only reliable test for a mesothelioma diagnosis is a tissue biopsy. Fluid biopsy is not considered reliable, since in the case of mesothelioma, the fluid tests negative a high percentage of the time even though cancer is present. A good question to ask is, "How accurate are the tests that diagnosed my disease?"
What is my next step?
Following discussion of your diagnosis, your doctor will most likely recommend the next steps you should take. If your diagnosis came from your primary doctor, he will most likely refer you to an oncologist (cancer doctor) for further analysis and treatment. If the doctor you are seeing is an oncologist, he will recommend a course of treatment and explain why he or she feels that specific treatment is best for you.
Should I get a second opinion?
It is always in your best interest to get a second opinion when dealing with mesothelioma. Although general oncologists are extremely competent doctors, they may not see the number of mesothelioma patients that a specialist sees, and may not have the most current information on treatment options. Perhaps the best place to get a second opinion is from a National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. You will find a list of these centers at www.mesotheliomaweb.org in the section on "Comprehensive Cancer Centers".
Will my doctor be offended if I get a second opinion?
No reputable physician will question your right to a second opinion. This is particularly important if your mesothelioma was discovered by a doctor without much experience with the disease. Mesothelioma is sufficiently rare that patients would benefit by seeing a specialist.
What type of treatment is available to me?
Once you have a second opinion and have perhaps gathered information on your own, you are ready to make a treatment decision. Time is always of the essence. The longer you postpone deciding on a course of treatment, the more likely your options may diminish. In early stage disease, surgery may be a viable option. If you are not a surgical candidate, chemotherapy is often offered. The Comprehensive Cancer Centers also offer a variety of clinical trials, which are the most recently developed investigative therapies targeting a particular disease. If a particular course of treatment is recommended, ask your doctor to explain the pros and cons of that treatment. Also, ask whether other options are available, and if so, why he chose the treatment offered.
If fluid has collected in the chest or abdomen, your doctor may initiallly drain the fluid out of your body by putting in a needle into the chest or abdomen and use gentle suction to remove the fluid. If fluid is removed from the chest, this is called thoracentesis. If fluid is removed from the abdomen, this is called paracentesis. Your doctor may also put drugs through a tube into the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating.
See our description of the types of mesothelioma treatment.
Are there any treatments I should avoid?
You should avoid unconventional, or scientifically unproven alternative treatments. Although you may hear these treatments have helped some people, they are not backed by sufficient scientific data to prove their effectiveness. Consult your doctor, the National Cancer Institute, or the American Cancer Society if you are unsure whether a treatment is unconventional, investigative, or standard. Bear in mind that unconventional treatments differ entirely from investigational treatments. Also, be assured that doctors do not disapprove of complementary treatments which address psychological or nutritional approaches that improve a patient's physical or emotional well-being and are used in conjunction with proven therapies.
Where should I be treated and by whom?
Once you have made a decision on a course of treatment, you must determine where that treatment is to be carried out. If you have opted for a specialized surgical procedure or clinical trial, chances are you may need to be treated at an NCI-designated cancer center by a specialist skilled in a particular area of expertise. This often raises concerns about travel to facilities which may be hundred of miles away. Organizations such as The National Patient Travel Helpline offer information on all forms of charitable, long distance medical air transportation as well as information on hospitality houses nationwide. You can also access information for travel and lodging at cancer centers in the of this website.
Standard treatment, for instance a standard form of chemotherapy, can most likely be carried out at a local hospital by one of your diagnosing physicians. Even if you received specialized treatment at an NCI-designated center, it is possible that your specialist may work co-operatively with your local doctor. Whoever you choose to carry out your treatment, it should be someone with whom you can find a comfort level and who will welcome your questions and answers them in a manner that is easily understandable. Remember though, that a good "bedside manner" is no substitute for expertise.
How can I make the most of my medical appointment time?
Open communication between you and your doctor is key. Bring a prepared list of questions to each appointment, including those about new or continuing symptoms, side effects of treatments and how to manage them, or other information you have come across through talking with family and friends, by reading, or on the Internet. If your doctor seems unwilling to answer your questions, don't hesitate to press for a response. It is to your benefit to be proactive in your care.
What else should I know?
A proper diagnosis is essential before treatment begins. A doctor should be seen if a person experiences shortness of breath, pain in the chest, persistent coughing, or pain or swelling in the abdomen. The doctor may order a chest x-ray or CT scan or fMRI as the first step in diagnosis. If these imaging techniques show a suspicion of cancer, further tests may be ordered.
The doctor may examine the chest cavity with an instrument called a thoracoscope. An incision is made through the chest wall and the thoracoscope will be placed inside the chest through two ribs. This test, called a thoracoscopy, is done in the hospital. Prior to the test, the patient is given a local anesthetic. Some pressure may accompany this procedure, but usually there is no pain. The doctor may also look inside the abdomen with a special tool called a peritoneoscope. This is called a peritoneoscopy. This test is also performed in the hospital with a local anesthetic. Paracentesis is a related procedure often used in diagnosis.
If, during these tests, tissue is found that is not normal, the doctor will cut out a small piece to be examined under a microscope. This is called a tissue biopsy. The tissue will then be sent to a pathologist to diagnose disease.
What, exactly, is my diagnosis?
There are three forms of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lung; peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdominal cavity; pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining around the heart. You'll need to know the official definition of your cancer, so you will be able to communicate with other medical professionals at a later date.
A more detailed description of the diagnosis process and the stages of mesothelioma.
How was my diagnosis determined?
Ask your doctor how your diagnosis was determined. The only reliable test for a mesothelioma diagnosis is a tissue biopsy. Fluid biopsy is not considered reliable, since in the case of mesothelioma, the fluid tests negative a high percentage of the time even though cancer is present. A good question to ask is, "How accurate are the tests that diagnosed my disease?"
What is my next step?
Following discussion of your diagnosis, your doctor will most likely recommend the next steps you should take. If your diagnosis came from your primary doctor, he will most likely refer you to an oncologist (cancer doctor) for further analysis and treatment. If the doctor you are seeing is an oncologist, he will recommend a course of treatment and explain why he or she feels that specific treatment is best for you.
Should I get a second opinion?
It is always in your best interest to get a second opinion when dealing with mesothelioma. Although general oncologists are extremely competent doctors, they may not see the number of mesothelioma patients that a specialist sees, and may not have the most current information on treatment options. Perhaps the best place to get a second opinion is from a National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. You will find a list of these centers at www.mesotheliomaweb.org in the section on "Comprehensive Cancer Centers".
Will my doctor be offended if I get a second opinion?
No reputable physician will question your right to a second opinion. This is particularly important if your mesothelioma was discovered by a doctor without much experience with the disease. Mesothelioma is sufficiently rare that patients would benefit by seeing a specialist.
What type of treatment is available to me?
Once you have a second opinion and have perhaps gathered information on your own, you are ready to make a treatment decision. Time is always of the essence. The longer you postpone deciding on a course of treatment, the more likely your options may diminish. In early stage disease, surgery may be a viable option. If you are not a surgical candidate, chemotherapy is often offered. The Comprehensive Cancer Centers also offer a variety of clinical trials, which are the most recently developed investigative therapies targeting a particular disease. If a particular course of treatment is recommended, ask your doctor to explain the pros and cons of that treatment. Also, ask whether other options are available, and if so, why he chose the treatment offered.
If fluid has collected in the chest or abdomen, your doctor may initiallly drain the fluid out of your body by putting in a needle into the chest or abdomen and use gentle suction to remove the fluid. If fluid is removed from the chest, this is called thoracentesis. If fluid is removed from the abdomen, this is called paracentesis. Your doctor may also put drugs through a tube into the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating.
See our description of the types of mesothelioma treatment.
Are there any treatments I should avoid?
You should avoid unconventional, or scientifically unproven alternative treatments. Although you may hear these treatments have helped some people, they are not backed by sufficient scientific data to prove their effectiveness. Consult your doctor, the National Cancer Institute, or the American Cancer Society if you are unsure whether a treatment is unconventional, investigative, or standard. Bear in mind that unconventional treatments differ entirely from investigational treatments. Also, be assured that doctors do not disapprove of complementary treatments which address psychological or nutritional approaches that improve a patient's physical or emotional well-being and are used in conjunction with proven therapies.
Where should I be treated and by whom?
Once you have made a decision on a course of treatment, you must determine where that treatment is to be carried out. If you have opted for a specialized surgical procedure or clinical trial, chances are you may need to be treated at an NCI-designated cancer center by a specialist skilled in a particular area of expertise. This often raises concerns about travel to facilities which may be hundred of miles away. Organizations such as The National Patient Travel Helpline offer information on all forms of charitable, long distance medical air transportation as well as information on hospitality houses nationwide. You can also access information for travel and lodging at cancer centers in the of this website.
Standard treatment, for instance a standard form of chemotherapy, can most likely be carried out at a local hospital by one of your diagnosing physicians. Even if you received specialized treatment at an NCI-designated center, it is possible that your specialist may work co-operatively with your local doctor. Whoever you choose to carry out your treatment, it should be someone with whom you can find a comfort level and who will welcome your questions and answers them in a manner that is easily understandable. Remember though, that a good "bedside manner" is no substitute for expertise.
How can I make the most of my medical appointment time?
Open communication between you and your doctor is key. Bring a prepared list of questions to each appointment, including those about new or continuing symptoms, side effects of treatments and how to manage them, or other information you have come across through talking with family and friends, by reading, or on the Internet. If your doctor seems unwilling to answer your questions, don't hesitate to press for a response. It is to your benefit to be proactive in your care.
What else should I know?
A proper diagnosis is essential before treatment begins. A doctor should be seen if a person experiences shortness of breath, pain in the chest, persistent coughing, or pain or swelling in the abdomen. The doctor may order a chest x-ray or CT scan or fMRI as the first step in diagnosis. If these imaging techniques show a suspicion of cancer, further tests may be ordered.
The doctor may examine the chest cavity with an instrument called a thoracoscope. An incision is made through the chest wall and the thoracoscope will be placed inside the chest through two ribs. This test, called a thoracoscopy, is done in the hospital. Prior to the test, the patient is given a local anesthetic. Some pressure may accompany this procedure, but usually there is no pain. The doctor may also look inside the abdomen with a special tool called a peritoneoscope. This is called a peritoneoscopy. This test is also performed in the hospital with a local anesthetic. Paracentesis is a related procedure often used in diagnosis.
If, during these tests, tissue is found that is not normal, the doctor will cut out a small piece to be examined under a microscope. This is called a tissue biopsy. The tissue will then be sent to a pathologist to diagnose disease.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The most common symptoms of this cancer are shortness of breath, chest pains, weight loss, malaise, and loss of energy. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include abdominal discomfort and Swelling or lumps in the abdomen. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms include pain under the rib cage and a cough that typically does not produce phlegm.
Because these symptoms are common to many illnesses, patients are often misdiagnosed. Most doctors have little or no experience with mesothelioma, so patients often go through a series of tests and referrals to other doctors before an accurate diagnosis is reached. An unfortunate characteristic of this cancer is that doctors may perceive early symptoms - mild and nonspecific - as minor ailments, rather than a more serious asbestos-related cancer. In fact it is often over six months between the first symptoms of disease and diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Dysphagia – difficulty in swallowing – is also a symptom of pleural mesothelioma, but usually in the more advanced stages. Unlike cancer of the esophagus or lungs, it is rare for mesothelioma patients to spit up blood or to have swollen lymph glands.
People with peritoneal mesothelioma generally display one of two patterns of symptoms when they seek medical care: (1) abdominal pain, usually localized and related to a dominant tumor mass with little or no ascites, or (2) without abdominal pain, but with ascites and abdominal distention.
If a patient doesn’t show these symptoms, he or she may fail to complain to the doctor and the doctor may not do a detailed examination that could unearth the cancer. This is one reason mesothelioma is so tough – it’s often there but undiagnosed for years.
More typical cancer symptoms show up only at an advanced stage in mesothelioma, at which time valuable treatment time has been lost.
Malignant mesothelioma occurs almost exclusively in individuals who have had environmental contact with asbestos, and onset of symptoms can occur decades after exposure. Doctors who suspect mesothelioma may request a history of the patient’s worklife, with a particular emphasis on asbestos exposure, and anyone who worked with asbestos in the past should make his doctor aware of that history.
Given the low incidence of this cancer, most doctors have little experience with it, and will usually refer patients to specialized centers. Mesothelioma Aid can help you find cancer centers and specialists, and we can also help you find clinical trials for new treatments.
Because these symptoms are common to many illnesses, patients are often misdiagnosed. Most doctors have little or no experience with mesothelioma, so patients often go through a series of tests and referrals to other doctors before an accurate diagnosis is reached. An unfortunate characteristic of this cancer is that doctors may perceive early symptoms - mild and nonspecific - as minor ailments, rather than a more serious asbestos-related cancer. In fact it is often over six months between the first symptoms of disease and diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Dysphagia – difficulty in swallowing – is also a symptom of pleural mesothelioma, but usually in the more advanced stages. Unlike cancer of the esophagus or lungs, it is rare for mesothelioma patients to spit up blood or to have swollen lymph glands.
People with peritoneal mesothelioma generally display one of two patterns of symptoms when they seek medical care: (1) abdominal pain, usually localized and related to a dominant tumor mass with little or no ascites, or (2) without abdominal pain, but with ascites and abdominal distention.
If a patient doesn’t show these symptoms, he or she may fail to complain to the doctor and the doctor may not do a detailed examination that could unearth the cancer. This is one reason mesothelioma is so tough – it’s often there but undiagnosed for years.
More typical cancer symptoms show up only at an advanced stage in mesothelioma, at which time valuable treatment time has been lost.
Malignant mesothelioma occurs almost exclusively in individuals who have had environmental contact with asbestos, and onset of symptoms can occur decades after exposure. Doctors who suspect mesothelioma may request a history of the patient’s worklife, with a particular emphasis on asbestos exposure, and anyone who worked with asbestos in the past should make his doctor aware of that history.
Given the low incidence of this cancer, most doctors have little experience with it, and will usually refer patients to specialized centers. Mesothelioma Aid can help you find cancer centers and specialists, and we can also help you find clinical trials for new treatments.
Malignant Mesothelioma
According to The National Cancer Institute, malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac lining of the chest (pleura), the abdomen (peritoneum), or the heart (pericardium). Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. Asbestos may cause a variety of diseases, from non-cancerous forms such as asbestosis, to much more serious diseases such as mesothelioma. Workers exposed to asbestos in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s, are coming down with these diseases decades later due to the long latency period associated with all asbestos disease.
The Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization, and the Environmental Protection Agency have determined that asbestos is a human carcinogen. It is well documented that breathing asbestos fibers can increase the risk of cancer in people. Exposure to asbestos has been considered a major occupational health hazard since the first adverse effects were noted in the mid-20th century. At that time, there appeared to be an association between asbestos and lung cancer. Subsequently, it was noted that asbestos also caused pleural thickening. By the 1960s, a definite association between asbestos and mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of the lung or the lining of the abdominal cavity was apparent.
The association between lung cancer and asbestos exposure is now well established. Although in most studies, all histologic types of cancer are seen, there appears to be a preponderance of adenocarcinoma. Lung cancer in asbestos-exposed workers is thought to occur at a slightly younger age than other lung cancers, and these cancers are more commonly located in the lower lobes of the lungs. There is what is called a "synergistic effect" between cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure, thus the risk of getting lung cancer rises to extraordinarily high levels if the exposed person is also a smoker. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should stop smoking. This may be the most important action you can take to improve your health and decrease your risk of lung cancer.
The risk of non-cancerous asbestos-related diseases generally increases with increasing levels of exposure, however, this dose-response relationship is less clear for mesothelioma, where even short-term occupational exposure, or secondary household exposure occur. Cigarette smoking has no relationship to mesothelioma. We are all exposed to asbestos in the air we breathe, however, these levels are generally considered "acceptable". There has been no correlation drawn as to why, given the same set of circumstances and amounts of exposure, one person contracts mesothelioma and the person next to them does not, or why the more heavily exposed individual never contracts an asbestos-related disease, yet his wife is diagnosed after washing his work clothing.
Those who have had previous asbestos exposure are advised to be checked periodically with a front and side view x-ray, also called a PA and lateral. It is advisable that these films be read by a Certified B-reader - a special certification offered to radiologists by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. A current list of these B-readers may be obtained on the NIOSH website at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/chestradiography/breader-list.html. In addition to x-rays, a pulmonary function test, which includes a diffusion capacity, a complete physical exam, and an occupational and environmental history should be taken. If anything suspicious appears in these tests, the patient would be referred to a specialist for further evaluation. It is important to keep in mind that early detection and treatment is key in any cancer diagnosis. It not only can influence an individual's quality of life, but possibly, their survival.
Click on the following links for information on:
Understanding your (or your family member's) mesothelioma diagnosis
Techniques that may help a mesothelioma patient's situation
Additional information on mesothelioma can be found at: Mesothelioma Web at 1-877-367-6376 (Toll Free) or on the Internet at www.mesotheliomaweb.org, For legal questions about compensation from asbestos companies,
The Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization, and the Environmental Protection Agency have determined that asbestos is a human carcinogen. It is well documented that breathing asbestos fibers can increase the risk of cancer in people. Exposure to asbestos has been considered a major occupational health hazard since the first adverse effects were noted in the mid-20th century. At that time, there appeared to be an association between asbestos and lung cancer. Subsequently, it was noted that asbestos also caused pleural thickening. By the 1960s, a definite association between asbestos and mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of the lung or the lining of the abdominal cavity was apparent.
The association between lung cancer and asbestos exposure is now well established. Although in most studies, all histologic types of cancer are seen, there appears to be a preponderance of adenocarcinoma. Lung cancer in asbestos-exposed workers is thought to occur at a slightly younger age than other lung cancers, and these cancers are more commonly located in the lower lobes of the lungs. There is what is called a "synergistic effect" between cigarette smoking and asbestos exposure, thus the risk of getting lung cancer rises to extraordinarily high levels if the exposed person is also a smoker. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should stop smoking. This may be the most important action you can take to improve your health and decrease your risk of lung cancer.
The risk of non-cancerous asbestos-related diseases generally increases with increasing levels of exposure, however, this dose-response relationship is less clear for mesothelioma, where even short-term occupational exposure, or secondary household exposure occur. Cigarette smoking has no relationship to mesothelioma. We are all exposed to asbestos in the air we breathe, however, these levels are generally considered "acceptable". There has been no correlation drawn as to why, given the same set of circumstances and amounts of exposure, one person contracts mesothelioma and the person next to them does not, or why the more heavily exposed individual never contracts an asbestos-related disease, yet his wife is diagnosed after washing his work clothing.
Those who have had previous asbestos exposure are advised to be checked periodically with a front and side view x-ray, also called a PA and lateral. It is advisable that these films be read by a Certified B-reader - a special certification offered to radiologists by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. A current list of these B-readers may be obtained on the NIOSH website at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/chestradiography/breader-list.html. In addition to x-rays, a pulmonary function test, which includes a diffusion capacity, a complete physical exam, and an occupational and environmental history should be taken. If anything suspicious appears in these tests, the patient would be referred to a specialist for further evaluation. It is important to keep in mind that early detection and treatment is key in any cancer diagnosis. It not only can influence an individual's quality of life, but possibly, their survival.
Click on the following links for information on:
Understanding your (or your family member's) mesothelioma diagnosis
Techniques that may help a mesothelioma patient's situation
Additional information on mesothelioma can be found at: Mesothelioma Web at 1-877-367-6376 (Toll Free) or on the Internet at www.mesotheliomaweb.org, For legal questions about compensation from asbestos companies,
Mesothelioma-Reality
Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest diseases known to man; the average life span of an inflicted person from the time of diagnosis until death is less than 24 months. It’s a disease that strikes approximately 3,000 United States citizens each and every year; hard working people who have labored for a lifetime to provide for their families, doing the work that keeps this country running and a great place to live. They worked in factories, at shipyards, in mines, for the US military, as engineers, as pipefitters, as steel workers, as auto mechanics, and in so many other professions. They came home to their loved ones exhausted and covered in dirt and dust; tired, but content that they had a job and were providing for their family. Content that they were putting food on the table and a house over their loved one’s heads. Content that they were working to make a better life for their families in this generation and the next...
But what they didn’t know was that while they were working so hard, they were not only slowly killing themselves, but those that they were working so hard to help; their family, their loved ones.
Mesothelioma is a disease that is almost 100% preventable; the only known cause is via exposure to the deadly mineral Asbestos. It comes from inhaling the particles of dust as the asbestos degrades; eating away at the lining of your lungs and developing into a deadly cancer. Dust that was inhaled in clouds of white powder, dust that was carried home on the clothes of the men who built this country, dust that was cleaned from the clothes by the wives and children who supported their sole provider at home, dust that was packed around the heating systems in houses and offices and schools, dust that carried a deadly price; and dust made a fortune in blood money for the companies that produced it.
Unfortunately, the effects of asbestos on the human body were known to be deadly for years by the companies who employed the ‘greatest generation’ and made hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars off of their backs. But instead of taking simple steps to alleviate the problem and save the lives of thousands of their workers, they choose to do nothing and continue to make a “healthy” profit with a “deadly” product. Many even went so far as to hide the truth from their workers and their families. And because the normal latency period for Mesothelioma (The time from exposure until the patient falls ill) is 20 to 30 years, many got away with this for years. We are only now beginning to see the full effects of the disease, and feel the terrible outcry of the people against those who put profits before human lives to a degree that is simply unfathomable.
MesoLink.org is a site created to provide you with up to date information on the deadly disease Mesothelioma. We strive to provide the most complete overview of the disease and all aspects of it. This includes general information on the disease, breaking news on the search for a cure and perspective legislation designed to limit you as well as all other news on the subject, links to other sites and online resources that can provide important and in-depth Mesothelioma and cancer related information, and a legal guide to help you with the complex legal issues involved with Mesothelioma.
But what they didn’t know was that while they were working so hard, they were not only slowly killing themselves, but those that they were working so hard to help; their family, their loved ones.
Mesothelioma is a disease that is almost 100% preventable; the only known cause is via exposure to the deadly mineral Asbestos. It comes from inhaling the particles of dust as the asbestos degrades; eating away at the lining of your lungs and developing into a deadly cancer. Dust that was inhaled in clouds of white powder, dust that was carried home on the clothes of the men who built this country, dust that was cleaned from the clothes by the wives and children who supported their sole provider at home, dust that was packed around the heating systems in houses and offices and schools, dust that carried a deadly price; and dust made a fortune in blood money for the companies that produced it.
Unfortunately, the effects of asbestos on the human body were known to be deadly for years by the companies who employed the ‘greatest generation’ and made hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars off of their backs. But instead of taking simple steps to alleviate the problem and save the lives of thousands of their workers, they choose to do nothing and continue to make a “healthy” profit with a “deadly” product. Many even went so far as to hide the truth from their workers and their families. And because the normal latency period for Mesothelioma (The time from exposure until the patient falls ill) is 20 to 30 years, many got away with this for years. We are only now beginning to see the full effects of the disease, and feel the terrible outcry of the people against those who put profits before human lives to a degree that is simply unfathomable.
MesoLink.org is a site created to provide you with up to date information on the deadly disease Mesothelioma. We strive to provide the most complete overview of the disease and all aspects of it. This includes general information on the disease, breaking news on the search for a cure and perspective legislation designed to limit you as well as all other news on the subject, links to other sites and online resources that can provide important and in-depth Mesothelioma and cancer related information, and a legal guide to help you with the complex legal issues involved with Mesothelioma.
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