Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the lining of the body's internal organs, a thin layer of cells known as the mesothelium, which gives mesothelioma its name. While very thin, this layer of cells is vitally important to organ function and the health of the inner body structures. There are three recognized types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the pleural lining of the lungs and is the most common form of the disease. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs within the peritoneum, which lines the abdominal cavity and is the second most common form of the disease. Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest variety of the disease and occurs in the pericardial lining of the heart. The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, though other factors, such as smoking may increase the likeliness of mesothelioma in certain individuals.

How is Mesothelioma Treated?

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer but can be managed with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Currently, there is no known cure for asbestos cancer but several mesothelioma treatment regimens have proven to be successful in helping the mesothelioma patient avoid pain and discomfort caused by the disease. Several therapies have emerged in recent years that have extended survival rates of mesothelioma patients to levels previously thought to be impossible. Cancer centers have initiated hundreds of clinical trials in recent years to help mesothelioma patients find a therapy that works for them while still working towards a cure for future mesothelioma patients. Progressive therapies are now being developed through the International Mesothelioma Program under the direction of thoracic specialist Dr. David Sugarbaker.

How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Malignant mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms of the disease often closely mimic those of less serious conditions. Mesothelioma diagnosis often require X-ray and other body scans (CT or MRI) in addition to a biopsy to conclusively diagnose mesothelioma. Nevertheless, those experiencing chronic cough, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or breathing difficulties should alert their physician immediately. This is particularly true among those with a known asbestos-exposure history. Those with asbestos exposure history should communicate this to their physician even before mesothelioma symptoms appear so that they may be able to alert patients to warning signs of the disease. If detected early enough, patients may be eligible for aggressive mesothelioma treatment options, including surgical resection of the mesothelioma cancer and affected tissue. Oncologists and thoracic specialists will be able to assist the patient in determining the extent of the disease and the best mesothelioma treatment options for that particular patient.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure was common among industrial workers. Among the more common jobsites were those in the shipbuilding industry, such as the Todd Shipyards or Newport News Naval Shipyard. Other jobsites include power plants, chemical manufacturing, or the metal works industry. Those with asbestos history should notify their doctor and learn of possible warning signs of mesothelioma caused by exposure. Those who have been made sick by asbestos exposure, including those with a mesothelioma, should fill out the form on this page to receive a free asbestos and mesothelioma information kit detailing top doctors, new mesothelioma treatments, and how to obtain financial compensation for mesothelioma disease.
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Mesothelioma FAQ's

Mesothelioma Cancer – Some Frequent Queries answered

Mesothelioma cancer is linked to asbestos exposure. This malignant disease was once obscure and meant little to the common public, but in recent times people are becoming more aware about its existence and the difficulty to treat it.

Due to the dedication of medical professionals and watchdog organizations, today we are better focused about Mesothelioma cancer and have achieved know-how about how best to handle and treat it.

Answered below are some common queries related to Mesothelioma:

What is Mesothelioma Cancer?

Referred also as Asbestos cancer, this is an aggressive form of cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos fiber. Mesothelioma cancer attacks the mesothelium, a protective two layered membrane covering many internal organs in our body like the heart, lungs, and the abdomen.

What is Mesothelium?

Mesothelium is the two layered membrane which covers and protects many internal organs of our body. Depending upon its location, the mesothelium is called by different names such as:

• Pleura -  When it surrounds the walls of the chest cavity and also the lungs.
• Peritoneum - When it covers organs in the abdominal cavity.
• Pericardium - When it covers the heart.

Is Mesothelioma Cancer Common?

It is well known that exposure to asbestos increases the chances of falling prey to asbestos related illnesses. However Mesothelioma cancer also related to asbestos exposure is rare and every year about 2000 cases are diagnosed in the US. People or families living with those predisposed to mesothelioma cancer are also at risk.

What are the Common Causes for Getting Mesothelioma Cancer?

Many times it is not what the worker working in the vicinity of asbestos has handled as sometimes even those with little or no hands on exposure to asbestos can develop serious grades of mesothelioma. The most common cause or determining factor for acquiring Mesothelioma cancer is inhaling the asbestos fiber.
Some tradesmen who have a risk of developing asbestos related illnesses including Mesothelioma cancer are:

• Asbestos miners
• Boiler mechanics
• Building contractors
• Boiler tenders
• Construction equipment mechanics
• Carpenters
• Plasterers
• Roofing contractors
• Pipe fitters
• Painters
• Heating and plumbing contractors
• Welders
• Sheet metal mechanics
• Tile installers
• Shipyard workers
• Crane mechanics
• Iron and steel workers
• Insulators
• Masons
• Truck mechanics

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals which are mined, chemically treated or altered and put to commercial use. They may include chrysotile, amosite, tremolite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, actinolite, etc.

Which are the areas or industries where asbestos is used?

Some industries which make use of asbestos are:

• The building and construction industry for the purpose of insulation, fireproofing, roofing and sound absorption.
• The automotive industry for clutch pads and vehicle brake shoes.
• The ship building industry for the insulate boilers, hot water pipes and steam pipes.
• Industries related to floor tiles, ceiling, adhesives, coating and paints.
• Areas which use vermiculite garden products, talc containing crayons etc.

Which are the Occupations/Products at risk for asbestos exposure?
Research has proved that there is a direct link between mesothelioma cancer and occupational settings. Since asbestos is a heat resistant and fire proof substance, it is used in manufacturing products related to roofing, brake pads, insulation, sound proofing, floor tiles, door gaskets, patching compounds, ironing board covers, fire proof gloves, etc. When asbestos particles are inhaled or ingested a danger of mesothelioma is possible.

What are the Fundamental Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

People with mesothelioma cancer may not show its symptoms for 15 to 50 years. The disease may take decades to develop in the body and some symptoms may include cough, fatigue, shortness of breath and low respiratory function. Many patients may be unaware about their condition until they throw other severe symptoms.

Is it difficult to diagnose Mesothelioma Cancer?

Diagnosing and confirming this disease is difficult. Typically, doctors advise complete physical check-up, respiratory function tests, X-rays of the chest and abdomen, and an MRI or CAT scan. A biopsy is also done to confirm the disease and to check how far it has spread.

What are the Treatment Options Open for Mesothelioma Cancer?

Treatment options include therapies to destroy the cancerous cells, prevent their spreading and control symptoms. Treatment plan depends on patient’s condition, location, financial situation etc.
The Main treatment options include:

• Radiation
• Chemotherapy
• Surgery

Some alternative treatments are:

• Homeopathy
• Natural diet and herbs
• Gene therapy
• Multimodal therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Photodynamic treatment 

Are Alternative Treatments for Mesothelioma Cancer Recommended?

Survival rates using conventional methods are between 5 - 10% over a 5 year period, so more and more are switching to alternative methods or at the least a combination of the two.  Patients do not die from the cancer tumors, but from the spreading of the cancer. Chemotherapy kills the good cells in your body and thus your immune system is compromised.  It is suggested to build up your immune system naturally to fight off the cancer and then use a strong natural remedy, such as Nigella Sativa to destroy the cancer for ever.

Patients who revert back to their old diet habits will come down with a secondary cancer which may be very hard to cure or eradicate.  Healthy living and a moderate exercise program is recommended.