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Introduction

Mesothelioma is a cancer which affects the tissue which surrounds and protects various organs in the body. This tissue is called the Mesothelium, and Mesothelioma causes it to become abnormal, divide without control, and invade and damage nearby organs. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma which affects the sac that lines the chest cavity and protects the lungs (the pleura). Other forms are peritoneum mesothelioma (which affects the abdominal cavity) and pericardium mesothelioma (affecting the lining around the heart). The tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) although they are most often malignant.

Causes

Mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos, a fibrous carcinogenic. These fibres lodge themselves in the lining of the lung affecting the mesothelial cells. Sometimes they cause scarring of the lungs (which is called asbestosis) but this is not cancerous. They can, however, trigger tumour growth between 20 to 50 years after they are inhaled (the average is 35 to 40 years). Asbestos fibres which are swallowed can reach the lining of the abdominal cavity where they play a part in causing peritoneal mesothelioma.

It is generally the case that the longer or more intense the exposure to asbestos the more likely Mesothelioma is to occur. However, there are cases of people getting Mesothelioma years after having worked with it for just a few months. The families of asbestos workers are also at risk as they would possibly have been exposed to asbestos fibres on the clothing of their loved ones.

The dangers of asbestos are now well known, but this was not always the case. Before the 1970s asbestos was a primary insulating material with little or no control in its use or handling. The resulting increase in cases of Mesothelioma is a direct cause of these past practices.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is often advanced before symptoms occur. This means that the prognosis is not usually very good, with the average survival time for all stages of Malignant Mesothelioma being about one year. Symptoms resemble pneumonia, which coughs, breathing difficulties and abdominal pain being common.

Treatments

Mesothelioma can be treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery, or a combination of the three.

Surgery
Extra pleural pneumonectomy is where the entire lung and a portion of the lining of the chest, the diaphragm, and some or the entire sac which surrounds the heart is removed.

Wide local excision targets and removes the cancer and a limited amount of the healthy tissue surrounding the cancerous region.

Pleurectomy and decortication removes part of the covering of the lungs, as well as the lining of the chest and portions of the outside covering of the lungs.

Pleurodesis uses a blend of chemicals and/or drugs to create an intentional scar between the layers of the pleura. Post surgery, the space created by the scar must be drained, using either a catheter or chest tube, and is then filled with a chemical which inhibits the accumulation of fluid in the pleura cavity.

Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells.

In External radiation therapy a machine emits radiation in a targeted stream at a certain portion of the body.

Internal radiation therapy uses needles, seeds and catheters to place radioactive substance directly on or near the cancer.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses cancer targeting drugs to stop the cells them from dividing and thus prevent their growth.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells of the body. These are the cells that make up the outer lining for the body”s major organs, such as the heart, lungs and stomach. These linings are referred to as the mesothelium and this is how the cancer got its name.

Pleural Mesothelioma

The pleura is the tissue that covers and lines the lungs. These are referred to by the medical community as pleural membranes. The pleura are fibrous membranes and the space between them is the pleural space. The pleural protect the lungs by producing a lubricant that fills the pleural space. This lubricant also allows the lungs to move easily within the chest cavity as we inhale and exhale.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of the disease. Since the lungs are so close to the heart, it is almost always affected. The pericardium is the lining found on the outside of the heart and allows it to move freely within the heart cavity.

The Peritoneum

The peritoneum is the tissue lining the abdomen. Its job is to protect the abdomen”s contents. It produces a fluid that acts as a lubricant so organs within the abdomen may move freely. Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer of the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity. This form of mesothelioma is more rare than pleural mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is caused by unprotected exposure to asbestos and affects those who were put at risk for the last 50 years.

Who Gets Mesothelioma

The disease is most common in males who are between the ages of 60 and 70 years old. These men were constantly exposed to asbestos dust and fiber, which caused the mutation of the mesothelioma cells. Mesothelioma takes years to develop, which means early diagnosis is almost impossible.

Others at risk for mesothelioma are those who lived in the same household with someone who was constantly exposed to asbestos. Men carried asbestos dust and fibers into their homes on clothing. It was then breathed in by family members. This put them at risk of contacting mesothelioma and other diseases related to asbestos years after the fact.

Treatment

The success of treatment for mesothelioma isn”t high. The final stages of the disease are fatal. The earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.

If you or a member of your immediate family has ever been constantly exposed to asbestos in the workplace, be sure to contact your health care professional to find out exactly what your options are. You may be tested for the disease and get a clear bill of health.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells of the body. These are the cells that make up the outer lining for the body?s major organs, such as the heart, lungs and stomach. These linings are referred to as the mesothelium and this is how the cancer got its name.

The Peritoneum

The peritoneum is the tissue lining the abdomen. Its job is to protect the abdomens contents. It produces a fluid that acts as a lubricant so organs within the abdomen may move freely. Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer of the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity. This form of mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma.

Pleural Mesothelioma

the pleura is the tissue that covers and lines the lungs. These are referred to by the medical community as pleural membranes. The pleura are fibrous membranes and the space between them is the pleural space. The pleural protect the lungs by producing a lubricant that fills the pleural space. This lubricant also allows the lungs to move easily within the chest cavity as we inhale and exhale.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of the disease. Since the lungs are so close to the heart, it is almost always affected. The pericardium is the lining found on the outside of the heart and allows it to move freely within the heart cavity.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is caused by unprotected exposure to asbestos and affects those who were put at risk for the last 50 years.

Who Gets Mesothelioma

The disease is most common in males who are between the ages of 60 and 70 years old. These men were constantly exposed to asbestos dust and fiber, which caused the mutation of the mesothelioma cells. Mesothelioma takes years to develop, which means early diagnosis is almost impossible.

Others at risk for mesothelioma are those who lived in the same household with someone who was constantly exposed to asbestos. Men carried asbestos dust and fibers into their homes on clothing. It was then breathed in by family members. This put them at risk of contacting mesothelioma and other diseases related to asbestos years after the fact.

Treatment

The success of treatment for mesothelioma isn?t high. The final stages of the disease are fatal. The earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.

If you or a member of your immediate family has ever been constantly exposed to asbestos in the workplace, be sure to contact your health care professional to find out exactly what your options are. You may be tested for the disease and get a clear bill of health. The sooner you can get to a doctor and receive a diagnosis the better, the court cases take a long time and you may not be around to see the end of it. This is why a quick and clear diagnosis is so important.

Speak to your family and your friends and make sure you have your support network in place. You may be one of the lucky ones and not have mesothelioma cancer. If you are not, you will need all the support you can get.

Carcinoma: malignant tumors derived from epithelial cells. This group represent the most common cancers, including the common forms of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer.
Lymphoma and Leukemia: malignant tumors derived from blood and bone marrow cells
Sarcoma: malignant tumors derived from connective tissue, or mesenchymal cells
Mesothelioma: tumors derived from the mesothelial cells lining the peritoneum and the pleura.
Glioma: tumors derived from brain cells
germ cell tumours: tumors derived from germ cells, normally found in the testicle and ovary
Choriocarcinoma: malignant tumors derived from the placenta
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Dear Doctor I am looking for help for my 51 yra old husband in March 2004 diagnosed with malignant pleura mesothelima.He had both epithelial and sarcoma cells.After long road for diagnosing/biopsys and patol.of effiusion fluid negatives/had open biopsy and was diagnosed.Went trough Alimta+Cisplatin and Folic Acid treatment-did not work.We foung dr Sugarbacer and try EEP surgery-was atempted but ended by sawing back since cells of mesothelioma were spread in wall chest muscles.Wenton clinical trial of drug AP23573 an mTor inhibitor-had 8 cycles of 75 mg.But CT scan showed progression of 3mm.Doctors not know if that chemiotherapy not work or did supressed growth of tumor.His tumor went trought wall chest because of one of the first biopsy and aditional tumor big and few small are growing on side trought ribs .He has constant pain.Taking long acting morfine 45mg and short 15 now he was given 300 mg neurontin.For the last few days have a lot of stomek pain also.Doctor ask either we want to continiue the trial or orher chemiotherapy or go on Hospis.I red about Celebrex for lung cancer and about Radiofrequency ablation to zap lung cancer.Will like to know if you know anything about that treatments or others that are promissing and where to go or how to treat the pain , Thank you fot your valuble time and voluntaring to help helpless souls

Dear Doctor I am looking for help for my 51 yra old husband in March 2004 diagnosed with malignant pleura mesothelima.He had both epithelial and sarcoma cells.After long road for diagnosing/biopsys and patol.of effiusion fluid negatives/had open biopsy and was diagnosed.Went trough Alimta+Cisplatin and Folic Acid treatment-did not work.We foung dr Sugarbacer and try EEP surgery-was atempted but ended by sawing back since cells of mesothelioma were spread in wall chest muscles.Wenton clinical trial of drug AP23573 an mTor inhibitor-had 8 cycles of 75 mg.But CT scan showed progression of 3mm.Doctors not know if that chemiotherapy not work or did supressed growth of tumor.His tumor went trought wall chest because of one of the first biopsy and aditional tumor big and few small are growing on side trought ribs .He has constant pain.Taking long acting morfine 45mg and short 15 now he was given 300 mg neurontin.For the last few days have a lot of stomek pain also.Doctor ask either we want to continiue the trial or orher chemiotherapy or go on Hospis.I red about Celebrex for lung cancer and about Radiofrequency ablation to zap lung cancer.Will like to know if you know anything about that treatments or others that are promissing and where to go or how to treat the pain , Thank you fot your valuble time and voluntaring to help helpless souls

Dear Doctor I am looking for help for my 51 yra old husband in March 2004 diagnosed with malignant pleura mesothelima.He had both epithelial and sarcoma cells.After long road for diagnosing/biopsys and patol.of effiusion fluid negatives/had open biopsy and was diagnosed.Went trough Alimta+Cisplatin and Folic Acid treatment-did not work.We foung dr Sugarbacer and try EEP surgery-was atempted but ended by sawing back since cells of mesothelioma were spread in wall chest muscles.Wenton clinical trial of drug AP23573 an mTor inhibitor-had 8 cycles of 75 mg.But CT scan showed progression of 3mm.Doctors not know if that chemiotherapy not work or did supressed growth of tumor.His tumor went trought wall chest because of one of the first biopsy and aditional tumor big and few small are growing on side trought ribs .He has constant pain.Taking long acting morfine 45mg and short 15 now he was given 300 mg neurontin.For the last few days have a lot of stomek pain also.Doctor ask either we want to continiue the trial or orher chemiotherapy or go on Hospis.I red about Celebrex for lung cancer and about Radiofrequency ablation to zap lung cancer.Will like to know if you know anything about that treatments or others that are promissing and where to go or how to treat the pain , Thank you fot your valuble time and voluntaring to help helpless souls

Dear Doctor I am looking for help for my 51 yra old husband in March 2004 diagnosed with malignant pleura mesothelima.He had both epithelial and sarcoma cells.After long road for diagnosing/biopsys and patol.of effiusion fluid negatives/had open biopsy and was diagnosed.Went trough Alimta+Cisplatin and Folic Acid treatment-did not work.We foung dr Sugarbacer and try EEP surgery-was atempted but ended by sawing back since cells of mesothelioma were spread in wall chest muscles.Wenton clinical trial of drug AP23573 an mTor inhibitor-had 8 cycles of 75 mg.But CT scan showed progression of 3mm.Doctors not know if that chemiotherapy not work or did supressed growth of tumor.His tumor went trought wall chest because of one of the first biopsy and aditional tumor big and few small are growing on side trought ribs .He has constant pain.Taking long acting morfine 45mg and short 15 now he was given 300 mg neurontin.For the last few days have a lot of stomek pain also.Doctor ask either we want to continiue the trial or orher chemiotherapy or go on Hospis.I red about Celebrex for lung cancer and about Radiofrequency ablation to zap lung cancer.Will like to know if you know anything about that treatments or others that are promissing and where to go or how to treat the pain , Thank you fot your valuble time and voluntaring to help helpless souls

There are incidences of Mesothelioma with no known asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is not a lung cancer. Smoking does not cause it. It is a cancer of the mesothelial cells.

Causes of Mesothelioma
The only known, established cause of Mesothelioma is asbestos. The asbestos fibers are breathed in, travel through the lung and become lodged in the pleura, the thin, saran wrap-type membrane that lines that encases the lung. The pleura, produces a special lubricating fluid that facilitates the ability of the lungs to move inside the chest during breathing. The process of irritation from the infiltration of the asbestos fibers creates changes in the cells, which causes the Mesothelioma. This is known as pleural Mesothelioma. Less common is peritoneal Mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the membrane that encompasses the lining of the abdomen.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma
An individual with Mesothelioma experiences chest pain usually caused by a build-up of fluid in the pleural space called an effusion and shortness of breath. Since many doctors may not have expertise in the area of asbestos-related diseases, these symptoms are often believed, at first, to be attributable to other medical problems. A biopsy of the pleural tissue or fluid may reveal the cancer of the mesothelial cells and a proper diagnosis can thus be established. A history of the individual’s occupational exposure shall be taken. Since there is no “safe” level of exposure to asbestos, even brief, low level exposures may be enough to cause Mesothelioma.

Occurrence of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer and its incidence is actually increasing day by day. There is presently no known cure for Mesothelioma. As the disease progresses, the cancerous cells harden the pleura and spread. As time passes, breathing, sleeping and eating become more difficult and eventually it becomes increasingly more challenging for the victim to engage in normal activities and enjoy life.

Treatments of Mesothelioma
A number of treatments have been established to help contain the spread of the disease and reduce the pain associated with it. Chemotherapy, radiation and radical surgery to remove the lung and pleura are among the options that have been explored by the treating physician.

Prevention is better than Cure
Mesothelioma is a preventable disease. Many of the corporations that manufacture and make profit from the sale of asbestos-containing products are aware of the hazards of asbestos. Alternative fibers are available that could be used instead of asbestos. But asbestos is cheap, and available, and is a good filler and binder.

To Sum up
The varied and non-specific symptoms associated with Mesothelioma, can delay detection and diagnosis The cancer has a very long latency period, which means that it could be thirty years or more before the person even realizes that they have contracted the cancer .The onset of symptoms can take up to fifty years or more in some cases, but once the symptoms have manifested the lifespan of the person can be as short as several months. So, if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor right away. Make sure that your physician is aware of any previous asbestos exposure, and occupational risk factors.

Dear Doctor I am looking for help for my 51 yra old husband in March 2004 diagnosed with malignant pleura mesothelima.He had both epithelial and sarcoma cells.After long road for diagnosing/biopsys and patol.of effiusion fluid negatives/had open biopsy and was diagnosed.Went trough Alimta+Cisplatin and Folic Acid treatment-did not work.We foung dr Sugarbacer and try EEP surgery-was atempted but ended by sawing back since cells of mesothelioma were spread in wall chest muscles.Wenton clinical trial of drug AP23573 an mTor inhibitor-had 8 cycles of 75 mg.But CT scan showed progression of 3mm.Doctors not know if that chemiotherapy not work or did supressed growth of tumor.His tumor went trought wall chest because of one of the first biopsy and aditional tumor big and few small are growing on side trought ribs .He has constant pain.Taking long acting morfine 45mg and short 15 now he was given 300 mg neurontin.For the last few days have a lot of stomek pain also.Doctor ask either we want to continiue the trial or orher chemiotherapy or go on Hospis.I red about Celebrex for lung cancer and about Radiofrequency ablation to zap lung cancer.Will like to know if you know anything about that treatments or others that are promissing and where to go or how to treat the pain , Thank you fot your valuble time and voluntaring to help helpless souls