Epizyme, Inc. is starting a new phase two clinical trial using tazemetostat as a treatment for patients with mesothelioma cancer. Tazemetostat is a first-in-class EZH2 inhibitor.
Several types of clinical trials exist, but preclinical findings have showed mesothelioma cancer, especially mesothelioma characterized by BAP1 loss of function, might be sensitive to EZH2 inhibitors.
Tazemetostat will be evaluated as a monotherapy in 67 patients across the U.S., United Kingdom, and France through oral administration at a dose of 800 mg two times a day. But first, 12 patients with relapsed or refractory mesothelioma cancer will be evaluated to determine the drug’s safety and pharmacokinectic profile.
Then 55 patients with relapsed or refractory mesothelioma cancer characterized by BAP1 loss-of-function will be treated in a two-stage study. Disease control rate will be measured after 12 weeks. Overall response rate, progression-free survival, duration of response, and overall survival will also be tested.
“Mesothelioma remains a cancer that is very difficult to treat and has an extremely poor prognosis,” said Medical Oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Marjorie Zauderer, M.D.
About 12,000 people each year are diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. Forty to 60% have tumors with BAP1 loss-of-function. These patients usually only have eight to 14 months left to live at the time of diagnosis.
According to Dr. Zauderer, “The overwhelming majority of patients are refractory to or relapse following first-line treatment with chemotherapy leaving them with no approved treatment options.”
Although a number of experimental treatments exist, the only approved drug for mesothelioma treatment is premetrexed combined with cisplatin or carboplatin.
“Patient dosing in this phase two study marks another milestone for Epizyme and the expansion of our clinical development program into a new cancer indication for which there is significant medical need,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Epizyme Peter Ho, M.D., Ph.D.
According to Dr. Ho, “With this study, Epizyme now has four registration-supporting monotherapy trials underway with tazemetostat, and plans for two combination trails to be initiated later this year.”
Epizyme’s continued trials will include a combination with R-CHOP in collaboration with the Lymphoma Study Association, as well as one with atezolizumab in collaboration with Genentech.
“The preclinical data demonstrating that EZH2 inhibition may play a role in the treatment of mesothelioma is promising, and I look forward to exploring the potential for tazemetostat as a targeted agent for patients with this devastating disease.” said Dr. Zauderer.
Monday, 19 September 2016
New Mesothelioma Immunotherapy Clinical Trial at Baylor University
A new clinical trial at the Baylor College of Medicine Mesothelioma Treatment Center in the Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center has begun, which combines immunotherapy and surgery. The Mesothelioma Treatment Center is one of America’s largest mesothelioma treatment centers, providing over 200 consultations annually.
“This trial is one of the first of its kind in which immunotherapy is given before surgery,” said Dr. Bryan Burt, Principal Investigator of the trial and Assistant Professor of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. “And from it, we expect to learn an enormous amount about this disease.”
The clinical trial is the first in-human neoadjuvant (meaning prior to surgery) study of a checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy given before a surgical resection of patients with pleural mesothelioma.
Checkpoint inhibitors block the negative signals tumor cells tell the immune system. As a result, the system is reactivated and the tumor is targeted. With this study, it’s hoped that if the tumor tries to come back, the immune system will then have a quick memory response to attack the tumor.
“We are very excited to be able to offer this trial to our patients,” said Dr. Burt. “Much of our own data suggests that pleural mesothelioma may be a more immunogenic tumor than previously realized, and I predict that immunotherapy will rise to become a critical component of multimodality therapy for mesothelioma patients.”
This trial will lay the foundation for multimodality therapy that uses a patient’s immune system paired with innovative, cytoductive surgical techniques. The MEDI4736 alone (one checkpoint inhibitor) will be compared to the MEDI4736 plus tremelimumab (two types of checkpoint inhibitors).
For the trial, the tumors will be biopsied and patients get the MEDI4736 with one or two checkpoint inhibitors. After administration of the drug and immune system reactivation, the surgery occurs to remove all visible tumors. The research team investigates these tumors.
According to Dr. David Sugarbaker, Director of the Mesothelioma Treatment Center and Professor of Surgery and Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Baylor, “This clinical trial is only one of many mesothelioma treatment protocols available at the Mesothelioma Treatment Center and builds upon a strong foundation of mesothelioma research at Baylor College of Medicine.”
“Our direct affiliation with the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, a NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, facilities innovative and sophisticated research protocols such as this one,” said Dr. Sugarbaker.
The trial began today. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you can connect with a cancer center to look at potential clinical trials
“This trial is one of the first of its kind in which immunotherapy is given before surgery,” said Dr. Bryan Burt, Principal Investigator of the trial and Assistant Professor of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. “And from it, we expect to learn an enormous amount about this disease.”
The clinical trial is the first in-human neoadjuvant (meaning prior to surgery) study of a checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy given before a surgical resection of patients with pleural mesothelioma.
Checkpoint inhibitors block the negative signals tumor cells tell the immune system. As a result, the system is reactivated and the tumor is targeted. With this study, it’s hoped that if the tumor tries to come back, the immune system will then have a quick memory response to attack the tumor.
“We are very excited to be able to offer this trial to our patients,” said Dr. Burt. “Much of our own data suggests that pleural mesothelioma may be a more immunogenic tumor than previously realized, and I predict that immunotherapy will rise to become a critical component of multimodality therapy for mesothelioma patients.”
This trial will lay the foundation for multimodality therapy that uses a patient’s immune system paired with innovative, cytoductive surgical techniques. The MEDI4736 alone (one checkpoint inhibitor) will be compared to the MEDI4736 plus tremelimumab (two types of checkpoint inhibitors).
For the trial, the tumors will be biopsied and patients get the MEDI4736 with one or two checkpoint inhibitors. After administration of the drug and immune system reactivation, the surgery occurs to remove all visible tumors. The research team investigates these tumors.
According to Dr. David Sugarbaker, Director of the Mesothelioma Treatment Center and Professor of Surgery and Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Baylor, “This clinical trial is only one of many mesothelioma treatment protocols available at the Mesothelioma Treatment Center and builds upon a strong foundation of mesothelioma research at Baylor College of Medicine.”
“Our direct affiliation with the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, a NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, facilities innovative and sophisticated research protocols such as this one,” said Dr. Sugarbaker.
The trial began today. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you can connect with a cancer center to look at potential clinical trials
Mesothelioma Victims Center Now Invites A Former or Current Factory Worker with Mesothelioma to Call About Specific Attorneys
The Mesothelioma Victims Center is urging a factory worker with mesothelioma to get serious about their compensation and to call them at 800-714-0303 to ensure they are talking to the nation's top attorneys when it comes to the best compensation.
NEW YORK, NY, September 19, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "We are incredibly passionate about providing those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma with unsurpassed guidance to make their mesothelioma compensation claim more substantial along with hopefully quicker settlement results.
"Former factory or manufacturing workers are high up on the list of the types of mesothelioma victims we want to offer the best attorneys to- when it comes to compensation. We only recommend the nation's most skilled and experienced attorneys who typically produce the best possible financial compensation results for their clients. If you have mesothelioma, because of exposure to asbestos at a factory or manufacturing facility, please call us anytime at 800-714-0303 so we can make very specific suggestions about the nation's top mesothelioma attorneys.
"The biggest mistake we see people with mesothelioma or their family make is unknowingly hire a national mesothelioma marketing law firm or local car-accident attorney thinking that the mesothelioma compensation process is as simple as filling out a claim form, or that no lawsuit will be needed." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com
The Mesothelioma Victims Center's best compensation initiative for current and former factory/manufacturing workers with mesothelioma whose asbestos exposure took place in the following states:
* Pennsylvania
* New Jersey
* New York
* Massachusetts
* Ohio
* Maine
* Virginia
* Indiana
* Illinois
* Wisconsin
* Minnesota
* Tennessee
* Georgia
* Texas
* Mississippi
* Missouri
* Kansas
* California
* Washington
The Center says, "If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure at a factory or manufacturing facility, please call us at 800-714-0303 so we can help make certain you get the attorney part right. There is a direct relationship between the best possible mesothelioma compensation and having the nation's top mesothelioma attorneys as we would like to explain anytime." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com
According to the CDC the states indicated with the highest incidence of mesothelioma include Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Louisiana, Washington, and Oregon.
However, based on the calls the Mesothelioma Victims Center receives a diagnosed victim of mesothelioma could live in any state including New York, Florida, California, Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, or Alaska.
High risk work groups for exposure to asbestos include US Navy Veterans, power plant workers, shipyard workers, oil refinery workers, steel mill workers, manufacturing workers, pulp or paper mill workers, plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, machinists, miners, construction workers, insulators, rail road worker, roofers, or firemen. As a rule, these types of workers were exposed to asbestos in the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, or 1980's. US Navy Veterans make up about one third of all US Citizens who are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com
The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "Before you hire a law firm to advance a mesothelioma compensation claim please call us at 800-714-0303, and compare the qualifications of the mesothelioma attorneys we suggest to any other lawyer, or law firm in the nation.
"When it comes to obtaining the best mesothelioma settlement, the quality of the attorney matters, as we would like to explain anytime." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com
NEW YORK, NY, September 19, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "We are incredibly passionate about providing those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma with unsurpassed guidance to make their mesothelioma compensation claim more substantial along with hopefully quicker settlement results.
"Former factory or manufacturing workers are high up on the list of the types of mesothelioma victims we want to offer the best attorneys to- when it comes to compensation. We only recommend the nation's most skilled and experienced attorneys who typically produce the best possible financial compensation results for their clients. If you have mesothelioma, because of exposure to asbestos at a factory or manufacturing facility, please call us anytime at 800-714-0303 so we can make very specific suggestions about the nation's top mesothelioma attorneys.
"The biggest mistake we see people with mesothelioma or their family make is unknowingly hire a national mesothelioma marketing law firm or local car-accident attorney thinking that the mesothelioma compensation process is as simple as filling out a claim form, or that no lawsuit will be needed." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com
The Mesothelioma Victims Center's best compensation initiative for current and former factory/manufacturing workers with mesothelioma whose asbestos exposure took place in the following states:
* Pennsylvania
* New Jersey
* New York
* Massachusetts
* Ohio
* Maine
* Virginia
* Indiana
* Illinois
* Wisconsin
* Minnesota
* Tennessee
* Georgia
* Texas
* Mississippi
* Missouri
* Kansas
* California
* Washington
The Center says, "If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure at a factory or manufacturing facility, please call us at 800-714-0303 so we can help make certain you get the attorney part right. There is a direct relationship between the best possible mesothelioma compensation and having the nation's top mesothelioma attorneys as we would like to explain anytime." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com
According to the CDC the states indicated with the highest incidence of mesothelioma include Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Louisiana, Washington, and Oregon.
However, based on the calls the Mesothelioma Victims Center receives a diagnosed victim of mesothelioma could live in any state including New York, Florida, California, Texas, Illinois, Ohio, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, or Alaska.
High risk work groups for exposure to asbestos include US Navy Veterans, power plant workers, shipyard workers, oil refinery workers, steel mill workers, manufacturing workers, pulp or paper mill workers, plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, machinists, miners, construction workers, insulators, rail road worker, roofers, or firemen. As a rule, these types of workers were exposed to asbestos in the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, or 1980's. US Navy Veterans make up about one third of all US Citizens who are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com
The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "Before you hire a law firm to advance a mesothelioma compensation claim please call us at 800-714-0303, and compare the qualifications of the mesothelioma attorneys we suggest to any other lawyer, or law firm in the nation.
"When it comes to obtaining the best mesothelioma settlement, the quality of the attorney matters, as we would like to explain anytime." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com
What is mesothelioma? What is malignant mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, more precisely known as malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the mesothelial cells, most commonly those in the lining that covers the lungs (pleura). Mesothelial cells exist in the lining (membrane) that covers the outer surface of our body organs. The majority of people with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at some time during their life.
Doctors usually divide mesothelioma into three types:
Pleural mesothelioma - affects the pleura, the lining surrounding the lungs. This is the most common form.
Peritoneal mesothelioma - the cancer attacks the lining of the abdomen, the peritoneum. This is the second most common form.
Pericardial mesothelioma - the cancer attacks the protective layer covering the heart. This is the rarest form.
All three forms of mesothelioma are nearly always caused by asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer. For the majority of patients there is no cure. Doctors usually focus on improving the quality of life as the disease progresses - making the patient as comfortable as possible.
In the United Kingdom, approximately 2,000 patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), mesothelioma kills over 2,700 people in the USA every year. According to the Mesothelioma register, deaths from this type of cancer rose more than tenfold from 1969 to 2009 in the UK. About four-fifths of all deaths are among men.
What are the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma? A symptom is something the patient feels and describes; while a sign is something other people can see, including doctors and nurses. For example, a symptom may be pain, while a sign could be a rash.
Exposure to asbestos and asbestos dust can take up to thirty years to show symptoms. Often, patients are diagnosed when the disease is already advanced. Outcomes depend on how early the malignancy can be diagnosed.
Mesothelioma signs and symptoms vary, depending on where in the body the cancer is.
Pleural mesothelioma (tissue surrounding the lungs)
Shortness of breath
Coughing, often painful
Unexpected and unexplained loss of weight
Pain under the rib cage
Sometimes lumps may be detectable under the skin in the chest area
Lower back pain
Discomfort in the side of the chest
Exhaustion
Some people may experience sweating, fever, or difficulty swallowing
Peritoneal mesothelioma (lining in the abdomen)
Unexplained weight loss
Pain in the abdomen
Swelling in the abdomen
Lumps in the abdomen
Nausea, some patients may experience vomiting
Pericardial mesothelioma (lining in the heart area)
Low blood pressure
Shortness of breath
Fluid retention (edema), often in the legs
Heart palpitations
Fatigue, extreme after light exertion
Chest pain
What are the causes of mesothelioma? Experts say that prolonged exposure to asbestos particles is the primary cause of mesothelioma. The risk of developing the disease is closely linked to asbestos particle dosage - i.e. the likelihood of developing mesothelioma is directly proportional to how long a person was exposed, and how much they inhaled.
People in jobs where exposure to asbestos fibers are common have the highest risk of developing the disease. Asbestos was commonly used for insulation, soundproofing, fireproofing, roofing, and ironing board covers.
Industries that may have involved asbestos exposure for some of their workpeople include constructions sites, steel mills, shipyards, oil refineries and power plants.
When the asbestos particles or fibers are inhaled or ingested, they build up in the lining of the abdomen, chest or lungs. This accumulation considerably increases the chances of cancerous cells developing.
When asbestos is damaged and particles or fibers are released into the air, the environment can become hazardous to human health. The fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, they get embedded in tissue, and eventually lead to mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a group of minerals that occur naturally. They exist as fibers or bundles. These fibers may be found in soil or rocks and exist in many parts of the world naturally. Asbestos is made of silicon, oxygen and some other elements.
There are two principle types of asbestos fibers:
Serpentine asbestos - this is the most common type used in industry. It is known as white asbestos, or chrysotile. The fibers are curly.
Amphibole asbestos - these include anthophyllite, amosite, actinolite, crocidolite, and tremolite. The fibers are straight, like needles. This type of asbestos, particularly crocidolite, is considered to be more likely to cause cancer. However, even serpentine asbestos has been linked to cancer.
Although asbestos is much less used today than it used to be, exposure is still possible, and continues to be a serious problem. Older materials containing asbestos can break down, releasing a dust composed of tiny particles than can be inhaled or ingested. Exposure can occur when older buildings are demolished or renovated.
Even family members who never set foot in a working environment that contained asbestos can be exposed. The fibers can be carried home in the workers clothing, and then breathed in by other members of the household.
Asbestos can also be swallowed, as may occur when water flows through asbestos cement pipes. Inhaled asbestos can be coughed up, and then swallowed (when the person swallows the saliva).
WHO (World Health Organization) in 2005 said that approximately 125 million people globally were exposed to asbestos at work in that year, despite their employers having known about the link to cancer and other lung diseases for over six decades. Most work-related exposure today occurs in developing nations.
In much rarer cases, mesothelioma may be linked to irradiation, the inhalation of eronite or some other fibrous silicate, and intrapleural thorium dioxide (Thorotrast - a suspension containing radioactive particles, used in X-ray diagnostics during the 1930s and 1940s, and even in the 1950s in some nations including the USA). Some experts believe that SV40 (simian virus 40) could be involved in the development of the disease.
Recent developments on mesothelioma from MNT news
Gene study uncovers 'spectrum of mutations' in mesothelioma
A new study identifies previously unknown genetic alterations behind mesothelioma - a rare and deadly cancer whose main cause is exposure to asbestos. The findings include some mutations that may serve as new targets for treatment and others that could help improve the diagnosis, screening and prediction of outcomes for patients.
Mesothelioma gene-targeting drug looks hopeful
A new study raises hope for the treatment of mesothelioma. It shows that a drug called HRX9 stops tumor growth in mice implanted with human malignant mesothelioma cells.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
A digital chest x-ray of advanced malignant mesothelioma
Digital chest x-ray of advanced malignant mesothelioma (on left)
After asking certain diagnostic questions, such as the patient's symptoms, where he/she has worked, medical history and family history, and carrying out a physical examination, the doctor may order some imaging scans. This could be a CT scan or X-ray of the abdomen or chest to rule out any abnormalities. Usually, depending on the results of the scans, further testing may be recommended.
Biopsy - some tissue is surgically removed so that it can be examined in the laboratory under a microscope. To determine whether a patient has mesothelioma, this will have to be done. How the biopsy is carried out depends on which part of the body is targeted:
Targeting either the chest or abdominal area
Fine-needle aspiration - a small needle is inserted into the abdomen and chest and some fluid or piece of tissue is removed
Targeting the chest area
Thoracoscopy - the surgeon inserts a thoracoscope through a small incision between the patient's ribs. A thoracoscope is an endoscope for examination of the chest cavity - it is a tube with a small camera at the end. The surgeon removes a piece of tissue with special tools.
Thoracotomy - in this surgical intervention, the chest is opened between the ribs so that the surgeon can see the target area and check for signs of cancer. Some tissue may also be removed and sent to the laboratory for testing.
Targeting the abdominal area
Laparoscopy - a small incision is made in the abdominal wall, a laparoscope is inserted through the incision into the abdomen, where the surgeon can have a look. The laparoscope is a long tube with a camera at the end. With specialized tools, tissue samples can be removed.
Laparotomy - the surgeon opens the abdomen and has a look. Sometimes tissue samples may be removed and sent to the lab.
When the tissue or fluid sample is viewed through a microscope, the pathologist can tell whether there is malignancy (e.g. malignant mesothelioma), what types of cells are involved, and how advanced the cancer is. How advanced a cancer is, defining it, is called Staging.
Staging - in medicine, specifically cancer, staging is the process of carrying out tests and examinations to determine the extent of the cancer, how advanced it is, and whether it has metastasized (spread from its original site to other parts of the body).
As soon as mesothelioma has been confirmed (diagnosed), other tests will be ordered to help determine the stage of the cancer. These may include such scans as CT, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), PET (positron emission tomography), or a chest X-ray. What type of scan is used depends on several different factors.
When all the data is gathered together, the health care professional will assign the cancer a stage. The staging below is for pleural mesothelioma (lungs):
Stage 1 - the cancer is localized. It is still inside the lining around the lung. It has not spread out.
Stage 2 - the cancer may have spread to a lung or the diaphragm.
Stage 3 - the cancer may have reached the lymph nodes, and possibly other parts of the chest
Stage 4 - the cancer has either spread more extensively in the chest, or may even have reached other parts of the body far from the original site. It may have reached other lymph nodes, or even the brain.
What are the treatment options for mesothelioma? The treatment the doctor will recommend depends on several factors, including:
Where the cancer is
The stage of the cancer (how advanced it is)
The patient's general health and age
Sadly, this type of cancer is usually spotted when it has been progressing for a while. Add to this the fact that mesothelioma is usually an aggressive type of cancer, and you have two reasons why so few patients are cured.
If the cancer is very advanced, the tumor(s) can no longer be surgically removed. The only option left, in many cases, is to control the cancer, try to slow down its progress, and focus on making the patient as comfortable as possible.
It is vital that the medical team explains all the options to the patient - including their pros and cons - and if necessary, to his/her loved ones and/or caregivers. Fighting the cancer aggressively may mean enduring very unpleasant side effects, while just focusing on pain and quality of life for the remaining time, might be a better option. This is something the patient needs to discuss thoroughly with the medical team, and perhaps family members or close friends.
Surgery - this means removing tumors by surgery. Surgery is usually only an option during the early stages of the cancer. It may remove the whole cancer, or at least reduce some symptoms and slow it down.
Fluid accumulation in the lung area - surgery may be recommended if there is fluid accumulation in the chest, resulting in breathing difficulties. The fluid is drained with a tube or catheter. A drug may be injected into the chest to stop a recurrence of fluid build-up. Drugs, such as tetracycline, talc powder, or bleomycin are instilled inside the space between the two layers of tissue lining the lungs (pleura); this causes inflammation, making the two pleura tack together, leaving no space for fluid build-up. Treatment for preventing this type of fluid build-up is called pleurodesis.
Pleurectomy or peritonectomy - the lining around the lungs or abdominal cavity may be surgically removed. The aim is to relieve mesothelioma symptoms.
Debulking - removing as much of the tumor as possible, if it is not possible to remove all of it.
Removing a lung - signs and symptoms may be relieved if the surgeon removes the affected lung and its surrounding tissue. This will be followed by radiotherapy.
Chemotherapy - if tumors cannot be surgically removed, chemotherapy may help shrink them, as well as to slow down their progress. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may also be recommended - administering chemotherapy before surgery which can make it easier to remove a tumor. Chemotherapy used after surgery to try to prevent recurrence is called adjuvant chemotherapy.
Radiotherapy - also known as radiation therapy. For those with pleural mesothelioma, it may help relieve symptoms. Radiotherapy is sometimes administered to prevent metastasis after biopsy or surgery.
A Radiation Therapy Linear Accelerator for cancer treatment
Radiation therapy can help relieve symptoms
Clinical trials - human studies using novel treatment methods. The patient should discuss what the trial is about, as well as what to expect realistically, thoroughly with the doctor.
What is the prognosis for mesothelioma? Cancer is a very unpredictable disease, and providing an accurate prognosis is not easy.
In general, prognoses for patients with mesothelioma are not encouraging. Malignant mesothelioma is a very aggressive type of cancer; it also has a long latency period. In the majority of cases, the disease is only detected when it is already in an advanced stage.
In most cases, survival for pleural malignant mesothelioma after diagnosis is no more than one or two years. The patient needs to bear in mind that there are exceptions, and new treatments are being researched and appear all the time.
Doctors usually divide mesothelioma into three types:
Pleural mesothelioma - affects the pleura, the lining surrounding the lungs. This is the most common form.
Peritoneal mesothelioma - the cancer attacks the lining of the abdomen, the peritoneum. This is the second most common form.
Pericardial mesothelioma - the cancer attacks the protective layer covering the heart. This is the rarest form.
All three forms of mesothelioma are nearly always caused by asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer. For the majority of patients there is no cure. Doctors usually focus on improving the quality of life as the disease progresses - making the patient as comfortable as possible.
In the United Kingdom, approximately 2,000 patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), mesothelioma kills over 2,700 people in the USA every year. According to the Mesothelioma register, deaths from this type of cancer rose more than tenfold from 1969 to 2009 in the UK. About four-fifths of all deaths are among men.
What are the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma? A symptom is something the patient feels and describes; while a sign is something other people can see, including doctors and nurses. For example, a symptom may be pain, while a sign could be a rash.
Exposure to asbestos and asbestos dust can take up to thirty years to show symptoms. Often, patients are diagnosed when the disease is already advanced. Outcomes depend on how early the malignancy can be diagnosed.
Mesothelioma signs and symptoms vary, depending on where in the body the cancer is.
Pleural mesothelioma (tissue surrounding the lungs)
Shortness of breath
Coughing, often painful
Unexpected and unexplained loss of weight
Pain under the rib cage
Sometimes lumps may be detectable under the skin in the chest area
Lower back pain
Discomfort in the side of the chest
Exhaustion
Some people may experience sweating, fever, or difficulty swallowing
Peritoneal mesothelioma (lining in the abdomen)
Unexplained weight loss
Pain in the abdomen
Swelling in the abdomen
Lumps in the abdomen
Nausea, some patients may experience vomiting
Pericardial mesothelioma (lining in the heart area)
Low blood pressure
Shortness of breath
Fluid retention (edema), often in the legs
Heart palpitations
Fatigue, extreme after light exertion
Chest pain
What are the causes of mesothelioma? Experts say that prolonged exposure to asbestos particles is the primary cause of mesothelioma. The risk of developing the disease is closely linked to asbestos particle dosage - i.e. the likelihood of developing mesothelioma is directly proportional to how long a person was exposed, and how much they inhaled.
People in jobs where exposure to asbestos fibers are common have the highest risk of developing the disease. Asbestos was commonly used for insulation, soundproofing, fireproofing, roofing, and ironing board covers.
Industries that may have involved asbestos exposure for some of their workpeople include constructions sites, steel mills, shipyards, oil refineries and power plants.
When the asbestos particles or fibers are inhaled or ingested, they build up in the lining of the abdomen, chest or lungs. This accumulation considerably increases the chances of cancerous cells developing.
When asbestos is damaged and particles or fibers are released into the air, the environment can become hazardous to human health. The fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, they get embedded in tissue, and eventually lead to mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a group of minerals that occur naturally. They exist as fibers or bundles. These fibers may be found in soil or rocks and exist in many parts of the world naturally. Asbestos is made of silicon, oxygen and some other elements.
There are two principle types of asbestos fibers:
Serpentine asbestos - this is the most common type used in industry. It is known as white asbestos, or chrysotile. The fibers are curly.
Amphibole asbestos - these include anthophyllite, amosite, actinolite, crocidolite, and tremolite. The fibers are straight, like needles. This type of asbestos, particularly crocidolite, is considered to be more likely to cause cancer. However, even serpentine asbestos has been linked to cancer.
Although asbestos is much less used today than it used to be, exposure is still possible, and continues to be a serious problem. Older materials containing asbestos can break down, releasing a dust composed of tiny particles than can be inhaled or ingested. Exposure can occur when older buildings are demolished or renovated.
Even family members who never set foot in a working environment that contained asbestos can be exposed. The fibers can be carried home in the workers clothing, and then breathed in by other members of the household.
Asbestos can also be swallowed, as may occur when water flows through asbestos cement pipes. Inhaled asbestos can be coughed up, and then swallowed (when the person swallows the saliva).
WHO (World Health Organization) in 2005 said that approximately 125 million people globally were exposed to asbestos at work in that year, despite their employers having known about the link to cancer and other lung diseases for over six decades. Most work-related exposure today occurs in developing nations.
In much rarer cases, mesothelioma may be linked to irradiation, the inhalation of eronite or some other fibrous silicate, and intrapleural thorium dioxide (Thorotrast - a suspension containing radioactive particles, used in X-ray diagnostics during the 1930s and 1940s, and even in the 1950s in some nations including the USA). Some experts believe that SV40 (simian virus 40) could be involved in the development of the disease.
Recent developments on mesothelioma from MNT news
Gene study uncovers 'spectrum of mutations' in mesothelioma
A new study identifies previously unknown genetic alterations behind mesothelioma - a rare and deadly cancer whose main cause is exposure to asbestos. The findings include some mutations that may serve as new targets for treatment and others that could help improve the diagnosis, screening and prediction of outcomes for patients.
Mesothelioma gene-targeting drug looks hopeful
A new study raises hope for the treatment of mesothelioma. It shows that a drug called HRX9 stops tumor growth in mice implanted with human malignant mesothelioma cells.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
A digital chest x-ray of advanced malignant mesothelioma
Digital chest x-ray of advanced malignant mesothelioma (on left)
After asking certain diagnostic questions, such as the patient's symptoms, where he/she has worked, medical history and family history, and carrying out a physical examination, the doctor may order some imaging scans. This could be a CT scan or X-ray of the abdomen or chest to rule out any abnormalities. Usually, depending on the results of the scans, further testing may be recommended.
Biopsy - some tissue is surgically removed so that it can be examined in the laboratory under a microscope. To determine whether a patient has mesothelioma, this will have to be done. How the biopsy is carried out depends on which part of the body is targeted:
Targeting either the chest or abdominal area
Fine-needle aspiration - a small needle is inserted into the abdomen and chest and some fluid or piece of tissue is removed
Targeting the chest area
Thoracoscopy - the surgeon inserts a thoracoscope through a small incision between the patient's ribs. A thoracoscope is an endoscope for examination of the chest cavity - it is a tube with a small camera at the end. The surgeon removes a piece of tissue with special tools.
Thoracotomy - in this surgical intervention, the chest is opened between the ribs so that the surgeon can see the target area and check for signs of cancer. Some tissue may also be removed and sent to the laboratory for testing.
Targeting the abdominal area
Laparoscopy - a small incision is made in the abdominal wall, a laparoscope is inserted through the incision into the abdomen, where the surgeon can have a look. The laparoscope is a long tube with a camera at the end. With specialized tools, tissue samples can be removed.
Laparotomy - the surgeon opens the abdomen and has a look. Sometimes tissue samples may be removed and sent to the lab.
When the tissue or fluid sample is viewed through a microscope, the pathologist can tell whether there is malignancy (e.g. malignant mesothelioma), what types of cells are involved, and how advanced the cancer is. How advanced a cancer is, defining it, is called Staging.
Staging - in medicine, specifically cancer, staging is the process of carrying out tests and examinations to determine the extent of the cancer, how advanced it is, and whether it has metastasized (spread from its original site to other parts of the body).
As soon as mesothelioma has been confirmed (diagnosed), other tests will be ordered to help determine the stage of the cancer. These may include such scans as CT, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), PET (positron emission tomography), or a chest X-ray. What type of scan is used depends on several different factors.
When all the data is gathered together, the health care professional will assign the cancer a stage. The staging below is for pleural mesothelioma (lungs):
Stage 1 - the cancer is localized. It is still inside the lining around the lung. It has not spread out.
Stage 2 - the cancer may have spread to a lung or the diaphragm.
Stage 3 - the cancer may have reached the lymph nodes, and possibly other parts of the chest
Stage 4 - the cancer has either spread more extensively in the chest, or may even have reached other parts of the body far from the original site. It may have reached other lymph nodes, or even the brain.
What are the treatment options for mesothelioma? The treatment the doctor will recommend depends on several factors, including:
Where the cancer is
The stage of the cancer (how advanced it is)
The patient's general health and age
Sadly, this type of cancer is usually spotted when it has been progressing for a while. Add to this the fact that mesothelioma is usually an aggressive type of cancer, and you have two reasons why so few patients are cured.
If the cancer is very advanced, the tumor(s) can no longer be surgically removed. The only option left, in many cases, is to control the cancer, try to slow down its progress, and focus on making the patient as comfortable as possible.
It is vital that the medical team explains all the options to the patient - including their pros and cons - and if necessary, to his/her loved ones and/or caregivers. Fighting the cancer aggressively may mean enduring very unpleasant side effects, while just focusing on pain and quality of life for the remaining time, might be a better option. This is something the patient needs to discuss thoroughly with the medical team, and perhaps family members or close friends.
Surgery - this means removing tumors by surgery. Surgery is usually only an option during the early stages of the cancer. It may remove the whole cancer, or at least reduce some symptoms and slow it down.
Fluid accumulation in the lung area - surgery may be recommended if there is fluid accumulation in the chest, resulting in breathing difficulties. The fluid is drained with a tube or catheter. A drug may be injected into the chest to stop a recurrence of fluid build-up. Drugs, such as tetracycline, talc powder, or bleomycin are instilled inside the space between the two layers of tissue lining the lungs (pleura); this causes inflammation, making the two pleura tack together, leaving no space for fluid build-up. Treatment for preventing this type of fluid build-up is called pleurodesis.
Pleurectomy or peritonectomy - the lining around the lungs or abdominal cavity may be surgically removed. The aim is to relieve mesothelioma symptoms.
Debulking - removing as much of the tumor as possible, if it is not possible to remove all of it.
Removing a lung - signs and symptoms may be relieved if the surgeon removes the affected lung and its surrounding tissue. This will be followed by radiotherapy.
Chemotherapy - if tumors cannot be surgically removed, chemotherapy may help shrink them, as well as to slow down their progress. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may also be recommended - administering chemotherapy before surgery which can make it easier to remove a tumor. Chemotherapy used after surgery to try to prevent recurrence is called adjuvant chemotherapy.
Radiotherapy - also known as radiation therapy. For those with pleural mesothelioma, it may help relieve symptoms. Radiotherapy is sometimes administered to prevent metastasis after biopsy or surgery.
A Radiation Therapy Linear Accelerator for cancer treatment
Radiation therapy can help relieve symptoms
Clinical trials - human studies using novel treatment methods. The patient should discuss what the trial is about, as well as what to expect realistically, thoroughly with the doctor.
What is the prognosis for mesothelioma? Cancer is a very unpredictable disease, and providing an accurate prognosis is not easy.
In general, prognoses for patients with mesothelioma are not encouraging. Malignant mesothelioma is a very aggressive type of cancer; it also has a long latency period. In the majority of cases, the disease is only detected when it is already in an advanced stage.
In most cases, survival for pleural malignant mesothelioma after diagnosis is no more than one or two years. The patient needs to bear in mind that there are exceptions, and new treatments are being researched and appear all the time.
Wednesday, 14 September 2016
Mesothelioma and Compensation - Who is Responsible?
Compensation is the greatest factor that drives people; it is considered as the greatest motivator of all things. Yet, compensation instigates more than plain monetary satisfaction. Above all things, it can give back whatever was lost.
Such is the case with mesothelioma and compensation. People who have acquired mesothelioma deem it necessary receive the proper compensation they deserve. Why? Simply because it is not their intention to get sick with mesothelioma.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma refers to progressive growth of malignant cells found in the mesothelium, thin sheet that covers and protects the vital organs of the body, such as the lungs.
Cancerous cells are described as malignant neoplasms. They demonstrate uncontrolled cell growth that follows no physiologic demand. When an abnormal cell is transformed by the genetic mutation of the cellular DNA, cancerous cells are formed. The cells infiltrate the tissues that surround them and gain access to lymph and blood vessels, which carry the cells to other areas of the body.
Normally, cancerous cells that develop in the mesothelium and eventually lead to mesothelioma are caused by glass-like particles that stick in the lungs. These particles come from asbestos, the common element used in building infrastructures. Asbestos is very popular in the industrial and construction field because of its high resistance against fire.
People who are exposed to asbestos have been found out to be the common patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is because the particles from asbestos that stick within the lungs tend to create cancerous cells. The damage caused by the process develops a disease process that triggers the growth of cancerous cells, where cell membranes are altered.
Overview of Mesothelioma and Compensation
Statistics show that nearly 80% of people afflicted with mesothelioma were working in the industrial field and construction area. Although mesothelioma is not a single disease with a single cause, the greatest common factor in developing the disease is asbestos.
Hence, society deems it necessary for these industries or employers, in general, to be responsible in providing the right compensation to their employees.
Issues on mesothelioma and compensation focus more on the privileges endowed to employees who have been sick with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos at work. The underlying connection between mesothelioma and compensation is seen in the lawsuits filed against the employers. Generally, these legal actions are done to claim financial damages from the company, who is entirely accountable for the safety of their employees working environment and for the implementation of safety gear against such hazards as asbestos.
Compensation for mesothelioma cases usually covers medical bills and other expenses related to mesothelioma, such as loss for daily wages or inability to provide their family with the quality life due to their non-working status.
People who are generally entitled for mesothelioma compensation are those who worked in the building, custodial, construction, shipyard, and automotive industry.
To know more about mesothelioma and compensation:
1. It must be a cancer
Not everyone who had been exposed to asbestos can immediately file for mesothelioma compensation. The number factor to consider for such claims is the development of cancer. The gravity of asbestos exposure will determine the condition that states one's eligibility for mesothelioma compensation.
2. Find a good lawyer
Not all mesothelioma lawyers can help you in claiming your compensation. Moreover, most mesothelioma lawyers that render services for mesothelioma compensation charge high fees. Hence, not everybody can afford to hire a mesothelioma lawyer.
However, some lawyers are willing to provide a "no win, no pay" agreement. By the time they win the case, the lawyer shares a certain percentage on the compensation. Hence, it is best that you find a good lawyer for you to obtain the right claims for you.
3. State laws
Mesothelioma compensation may vary from one state to another. This means that the existing state laws regarding mesothelioma lawsuits will be applicable only within its jurisdiction. Hence, not all provisions stated in a certain mesothelioma compensation are applicable on the other mesothelioma cases in different states.
Indeed, mesothelioma compensation can be very helpful in answering financial problems caused by mesothelioma. Reports show that mesothelioma patients can claim as much as $3 million. So if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, file your mesothelioma compensation now.
Such is the case with mesothelioma and compensation. People who have acquired mesothelioma deem it necessary receive the proper compensation they deserve. Why? Simply because it is not their intention to get sick with mesothelioma.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma refers to progressive growth of malignant cells found in the mesothelium, thin sheet that covers and protects the vital organs of the body, such as the lungs.
Cancerous cells are described as malignant neoplasms. They demonstrate uncontrolled cell growth that follows no physiologic demand. When an abnormal cell is transformed by the genetic mutation of the cellular DNA, cancerous cells are formed. The cells infiltrate the tissues that surround them and gain access to lymph and blood vessels, which carry the cells to other areas of the body.
Normally, cancerous cells that develop in the mesothelium and eventually lead to mesothelioma are caused by glass-like particles that stick in the lungs. These particles come from asbestos, the common element used in building infrastructures. Asbestos is very popular in the industrial and construction field because of its high resistance against fire.
People who are exposed to asbestos have been found out to be the common patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is because the particles from asbestos that stick within the lungs tend to create cancerous cells. The damage caused by the process develops a disease process that triggers the growth of cancerous cells, where cell membranes are altered.
Overview of Mesothelioma and Compensation
Statistics show that nearly 80% of people afflicted with mesothelioma were working in the industrial field and construction area. Although mesothelioma is not a single disease with a single cause, the greatest common factor in developing the disease is asbestos.
Hence, society deems it necessary for these industries or employers, in general, to be responsible in providing the right compensation to their employees.
Issues on mesothelioma and compensation focus more on the privileges endowed to employees who have been sick with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos at work. The underlying connection between mesothelioma and compensation is seen in the lawsuits filed against the employers. Generally, these legal actions are done to claim financial damages from the company, who is entirely accountable for the safety of their employees working environment and for the implementation of safety gear against such hazards as asbestos.
Compensation for mesothelioma cases usually covers medical bills and other expenses related to mesothelioma, such as loss for daily wages or inability to provide their family with the quality life due to their non-working status.
People who are generally entitled for mesothelioma compensation are those who worked in the building, custodial, construction, shipyard, and automotive industry.
To know more about mesothelioma and compensation:
1. It must be a cancer
Not everyone who had been exposed to asbestos can immediately file for mesothelioma compensation. The number factor to consider for such claims is the development of cancer. The gravity of asbestos exposure will determine the condition that states one's eligibility for mesothelioma compensation.
2. Find a good lawyer
Not all mesothelioma lawyers can help you in claiming your compensation. Moreover, most mesothelioma lawyers that render services for mesothelioma compensation charge high fees. Hence, not everybody can afford to hire a mesothelioma lawyer.
However, some lawyers are willing to provide a "no win, no pay" agreement. By the time they win the case, the lawyer shares a certain percentage on the compensation. Hence, it is best that you find a good lawyer for you to obtain the right claims for you.
3. State laws
Mesothelioma compensation may vary from one state to another. This means that the existing state laws regarding mesothelioma lawsuits will be applicable only within its jurisdiction. Hence, not all provisions stated in a certain mesothelioma compensation are applicable on the other mesothelioma cases in different states.
Indeed, mesothelioma compensation can be very helpful in answering financial problems caused by mesothelioma. Reports show that mesothelioma patients can claim as much as $3 million. So if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, file your mesothelioma compensation now.
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of lung cancer. The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers. There is a long time gap, sometimes even up to 30 years, between exposure to asbestos and the start of the disease. It is also very difficult to diagnose this disease because the symptoms are very similar to other benign diseases like pneumonia.
Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the mesothelium or lining that forms a protective layer around the abdomen, lungs, heart and some few other parts of the body. The mesothelium cells divide rapidly during this disease. Also these cells have longer life spans and overgrow. This abnormal development of mesothelium cells is caused due to exposure to asbestos fibers. People who have worked in asbestos industries or lived around asbestos industries and their families are more prone to get this disease. After sometime, this may even affect the other parts of the body.
There are three main types of mesothelioma. It is called as pleural when it affects the lungs, peritoneal when it affects the abdomen and pericardial when it affects the heart. Around 75 % of mesothelioma cases are pleural and 20% are peritoneal or pericardial. There are also some other rare types of mesothelioma that affect the remaining 5%. All these statistics pertain only to the documented cases. There are thousands of cases that go undocumented or undiagnosed all around the world.
Pleural Mesothelioma:
Among the various types of cancer, mesothelioma accounts for only a small percentage. However, among the various types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma accounts for nearly three-fourth of the documented cases. In pleural mesothelioma, fluid gets built up between the chest and the mesothelium lining.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of this disease include panting, shortness of breath, fever, loss of weight, coughing up blood and breathing difficulties. Patients of pleural mesothelioma face acute chest pain. Since the symptoms of this disease are similar to pneumonia, it is often confused with this disease. The diagnosis is also difficult. There is no known cure for pleural mesothelioma. There are two types of pleural mesothelioma - cancerous and non-cancerous. When it is cancerous, it is called as a malignant form and when it is non-cancerous, it is called as a benign form.
The latency period of mesothelioma is around 20 to 50 years. This makes it very difficult for many people to link the disease to asbestos exposure. They might have changed many jobs by this time and may not consider their disease as an occupational type of disease.
Pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. These fibers enter the lungs through the nose or mouth and they settle in the lungs. Then, they travel through the tissues. Since they are light and invisible, they become easily airborne and inhalable. When the asbestos fibers settle in the mesothelium lining, the mesothelium cells start showing abnormal behavior, thereby leading to mesothelioma. In this disease, tumors are formed in lungs and mesothelium and this may also spread to other parts of the body too.
Since they are difficult to detect, they might have caused maximum havoc by the time they are detected. Mostly, when mesothelioma is detected, the patients are in the final stages of cancer with only a few months or years left. Sometimes, not even that. Mesothelioma is a terrible killer disease. Proper tests and efforts must be taken by the medical fraternity to detect the disease as soon as possible.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma:
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a very rare disease. Around 10-20 % of the documented mesothelioma cases are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma affects the abdomen of the patient. The mesothelium cells of the abdomen behave abnormally in this disease. This disease is also caused by the oral inhalation of asbestos fibers. The fibers travel through the entire digestive tract and settle in some part of the digestive systems. The mesothelium lining in that part starts dividing rapidly and the cells also have longer life spans. This causes tumors in the abdomen and this may also spread to other parts of the body. The main symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fever, chest pain, loss of weight and breaking difficulties. Loose motions or constipation, a swollen stomach and chunks of tissues in the abdominal area are classic signs of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is diagnosed in several ways using x-rays, IT scans, MRI, PET, Laparoscopy, Laparotomy, Thoracotomy and so on. The main risk factor for contracting this disease is exposure to asbestos fibers, and asbestos dust. However some of the following factors also increase the risk of contracting this disease:
The pericardial lining of the heart is removed to reduce the symptoms. The heart is the most fragile part of the body. It is covered with an even fragile lining called pericardium. That is why this disease is called as pericardial mesothelioma as it affects the pericardium. The earliest symptoms are tiredness, chest pains, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties and persistent cough. Since these signs are common to other heart problems, it is difficult to diagnose this disease. Slowly, the heart lining starts thickening and fluids start filling the heart. It may also spread to other organs of the body.
In the later stages of pericardial mesothelioma, the patient finds it very difficult to consume any food or liquids. The lungs stop functioning gradually and the obstruction in intestines becomes more prominent. The heart condition worsens and the patient may be affected by a stroke or heart attack. Death becomes the solution and salvation that the mesothelioma patients crave for. The persons most likely to get this disease are those who face constant exposure to the risk factors like
Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the mesothelium or lining that forms a protective layer around the abdomen, lungs, heart and some few other parts of the body. The mesothelium cells divide rapidly during this disease. Also these cells have longer life spans and overgrow. This abnormal development of mesothelium cells is caused due to exposure to asbestos fibers. People who have worked in asbestos industries or lived around asbestos industries and their families are more prone to get this disease. After sometime, this may even affect the other parts of the body.
There are three main types of mesothelioma. It is called as pleural when it affects the lungs, peritoneal when it affects the abdomen and pericardial when it affects the heart. Around 75 % of mesothelioma cases are pleural and 20% are peritoneal or pericardial. There are also some other rare types of mesothelioma that affect the remaining 5%. All these statistics pertain only to the documented cases. There are thousands of cases that go undocumented or undiagnosed all around the world.
Pleural Mesothelioma:
Among the various types of cancer, mesothelioma accounts for only a small percentage. However, among the various types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma accounts for nearly three-fourth of the documented cases. In pleural mesothelioma, fluid gets built up between the chest and the mesothelium lining.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of this disease include panting, shortness of breath, fever, loss of weight, coughing up blood and breathing difficulties. Patients of pleural mesothelioma face acute chest pain. Since the symptoms of this disease are similar to pneumonia, it is often confused with this disease. The diagnosis is also difficult. There is no known cure for pleural mesothelioma. There are two types of pleural mesothelioma - cancerous and non-cancerous. When it is cancerous, it is called as a malignant form and when it is non-cancerous, it is called as a benign form.
The latency period of mesothelioma is around 20 to 50 years. This makes it very difficult for many people to link the disease to asbestos exposure. They might have changed many jobs by this time and may not consider their disease as an occupational type of disease.
Pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. These fibers enter the lungs through the nose or mouth and they settle in the lungs. Then, they travel through the tissues. Since they are light and invisible, they become easily airborne and inhalable. When the asbestos fibers settle in the mesothelium lining, the mesothelium cells start showing abnormal behavior, thereby leading to mesothelioma. In this disease, tumors are formed in lungs and mesothelium and this may also spread to other parts of the body too.
Since they are difficult to detect, they might have caused maximum havoc by the time they are detected. Mostly, when mesothelioma is detected, the patients are in the final stages of cancer with only a few months or years left. Sometimes, not even that. Mesothelioma is a terrible killer disease. Proper tests and efforts must be taken by the medical fraternity to detect the disease as soon as possible.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma:
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a very rare disease. Around 10-20 % of the documented mesothelioma cases are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma affects the abdomen of the patient. The mesothelium cells of the abdomen behave abnormally in this disease. This disease is also caused by the oral inhalation of asbestos fibers. The fibers travel through the entire digestive tract and settle in some part of the digestive systems. The mesothelium lining in that part starts dividing rapidly and the cells also have longer life spans. This causes tumors in the abdomen and this may also spread to other parts of the body. The main symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fever, chest pain, loss of weight and breaking difficulties. Loose motions or constipation, a swollen stomach and chunks of tissues in the abdominal area are classic signs of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is diagnosed in several ways using x-rays, IT scans, MRI, PET, Laparoscopy, Laparotomy, Thoracotomy and so on. The main risk factor for contracting this disease is exposure to asbestos fibers, and asbestos dust. However some of the following factors also increase the risk of contracting this disease:
- A family that has a history of cancer i.e. hereditary risk factors.
- A smoker seems to have a higher chance of contracting the disease as compared to a non-smoker, who has had the same level and amount of exposure to asbestos fibers.
- Zeolite is a mineral which has properties very similar to asbestos and also seems to be as hazardous as asbestos.
- Thorium dioxide used in x-rays is also a trigger factor for cancer.
The pericardial lining of the heart is removed to reduce the symptoms. The heart is the most fragile part of the body. It is covered with an even fragile lining called pericardium. That is why this disease is called as pericardial mesothelioma as it affects the pericardium. The earliest symptoms are tiredness, chest pains, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties and persistent cough. Since these signs are common to other heart problems, it is difficult to diagnose this disease. Slowly, the heart lining starts thickening and fluids start filling the heart. It may also spread to other organs of the body.
In the later stages of pericardial mesothelioma, the patient finds it very difficult to consume any food or liquids. The lungs stop functioning gradually and the obstruction in intestines becomes more prominent. The heart condition worsens and the patient may be affected by a stroke or heart attack. Death becomes the solution and salvation that the mesothelioma patients crave for. The persons most likely to get this disease are those who face constant exposure to the risk factors like
- Shipyard workers
- Asbestos industries' laborers and miners.
- Zeolite industries' laborers and miners.
- Construction site workers.
- Fire poof materials manufacturers
- Cement mixers
- Painters
- They should wear protective clothing to work.
- They should change their dresses and wash up before they leave for home.
- An expert should be hired to detect if there is any asbestos in the residence and nearby environment.
Mesothelioma Cancer Support Groups - Sources of Support For Mesothelioma Patients
Learning of a mesothelioma diagnosis can be devastating for both mesothelioma patients and their loved ones. Dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial issues resulting from this condition is often extremely taxing and can leave mesothelioma patients feeling anxious and overwhelmed. In order to help individuals with mesothelioma cancer cope with challenges associated with their disease, mesothelioma support groups have been established throughout the country. The purpose of these organizations is to provide an opportunity for members to share their experiences, learn from one another, and gain comfort from knowing that they are not alone in their struggle with mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma cancer support groups can vary in the way that they are run and the types of things that they focus on, so it is important to find a group that meets your needs and matches your personality. For example, some groups are run by a health care professional, such as a psychologist or social worker. Other groups, known as peer groups or self-help groups, are led by group members who have no special medical training. Some mesothelioma support organizations are more structured and focused on practical matters related to the disease, such as how to manage the negative side effects of mesothelioma treatments. Other groups choose to emphasize emotional support and the sharing of personal experiences. If you are a mesothelioma patient who is interested in joining a mesothelioma support group, you may have to go to a few different meetings in order to find a group that you are comfortable with.
There are several options for finding a mesothelioma support group in your area. First, you can ask your mesothelioma doctor if he or she has any suggestions about local groups you can join. Second, try consulting with the nurses or social workers at your mesothelioma treatment center to see if they can provide you with information about local mesothelioma support programs. Third, check with your mesothelioma hospital's social services department and find out if they can give you a list of cancer support programs in the area. Finally, some individuals with mesothelioma find ways to connect with other mesothelioma patients by using the Internet. Joining an online cancer support group or posting on a mesothelioma message board can help mesothelioma patients connect with other people affected by this disease.
Dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis is never easy, but there are sources of support available for mesothelioma patients. Joining a mesothelioma support group may not be for everyone, but for many patients, these organizations provide invaluable comfort and assurance during this difficult period. In addition to support groups, family members, friends, and religious leaders are often an important source of support for mesothelioma patients.
Mesothelioma cancer support groups can vary in the way that they are run and the types of things that they focus on, so it is important to find a group that meets your needs and matches your personality. For example, some groups are run by a health care professional, such as a psychologist or social worker. Other groups, known as peer groups or self-help groups, are led by group members who have no special medical training. Some mesothelioma support organizations are more structured and focused on practical matters related to the disease, such as how to manage the negative side effects of mesothelioma treatments. Other groups choose to emphasize emotional support and the sharing of personal experiences. If you are a mesothelioma patient who is interested in joining a mesothelioma support group, you may have to go to a few different meetings in order to find a group that you are comfortable with.
There are several options for finding a mesothelioma support group in your area. First, you can ask your mesothelioma doctor if he or she has any suggestions about local groups you can join. Second, try consulting with the nurses or social workers at your mesothelioma treatment center to see if they can provide you with information about local mesothelioma support programs. Third, check with your mesothelioma hospital's social services department and find out if they can give you a list of cancer support programs in the area. Finally, some individuals with mesothelioma find ways to connect with other mesothelioma patients by using the Internet. Joining an online cancer support group or posting on a mesothelioma message board can help mesothelioma patients connect with other people affected by this disease.
Dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis is never easy, but there are sources of support available for mesothelioma patients. Joining a mesothelioma support group may not be for everyone, but for many patients, these organizations provide invaluable comfort and assurance during this difficult period. In addition to support groups, family members, friends, and religious leaders are often an important source of support for mesothelioma patients.
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