How Carbon Nanotubes Can Affect Lining Of The Lungs

ScienceDaily (Oct. 26, 2009) — Carbon nanotubes are being considered for use in everything from sports equipment to medical applications, but a great deal remains unknown about whether these materials cause respiratory or other health problems. Now a collaborative study from North Carolina State University, The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences shows that inhaling these nanotubes can affect the outer lining of the lung, though the effects of long-term exposure remain unclear.

Using mice in an animal model study, the researchers set out to determine what happens when multi-walled carbon nanotubes are inhaled. Specifically, researchers wanted to determine whether the nanotubes would be able to reach the pleura, which is the tissue that lines the outside of the lungs and is affected by exposure to certain types of asbestos fibers which cause the cancer mesothelioma. The researchers used inhalation exposure and found that inhaled nanotubes do reach the pleura and cause health effects.

Short-term studies described in the paper do not allow conclusions about long-term responses such as cancer. However, the inhaled nanotubes "clearly reach the target tissue for mesothelioma and cause a unique pathologic reaction on the surface of the pleura, and caused fibrosis," says Dr. James Bonner, associate professor of environmental and molecular toxicology at NC State and senior author of the study. The "unique reaction" began within one day of inhalation of the nanotubes, when clusters of immune cells (lymphocytes and monocytes) began collecting on the surface of the pleura. Localized fibrosis, or scarring on parts of the pleural surface that is also found with asbestos exposure, began two weeks after inhalation.

The study showed the immune response and fibrosis disappeared within three months of exposure. However, this study used only a single exposure to the nanotubes. "It remains unclear whether the pleura could recover from chronic, or repeated, exposures," Bonner says. "More work needs to be done in that area and it is completely unknown at this point whether inhaled carbon nanotubes will prove to be carcinogenic in the lungs or in the pleural lining."

The mice received a single inhalation exposure of six hours as part of the study, and the effects on the pleura were only evident at the highest dose used by the researchers -- 30 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m3). The researchers found no health effects in the mice exposed to the lower dose of one mg/m3.

The study, "Inhaled Carbon Nanotubes Reach the Sub-Pleural Tissue in Mice," was co-authored by Bonner, Dr. Jessica Ryman-Rasmussen, Dr. Arnold Brody, and Dr. Jeanette Shipley-Phillips of NC State, Dr. Jeffrey Everitt who is an adjunct faculty at NC State, Dr. Mark Cesta of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Earl Tewksbury, Dr. Owen Moss, Dr. Brian Wong, Dr. Darol Dodd and Dr. Melvin Andersen of The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences. The study is published in the Oct. 25 issue of Nature Nanotechnology and was funded by The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, NIEHS and NC State's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Asbestos Contamination: Health Impacts Of One Of The Nation's Largest Environmental Disasters

ScienceDaily (Nov. 2, 2009) — Over nearly a century, thousands of residents and workers in Libby, MT, have been exposed to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite ore, leading to markedly higher rates of lung disease and autoimmune disorders, and causing to Libby in 2002 to be added to the federal Environmental Protection Agency's "National Priorities List."

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, leading a team of investigators from four institutions, are now launching three investigations into disease pathology in the town and to determine recommended cleanup efforts.

The Principal Investigator of the project is Stephen Levin, MD, Associate Professor of Preventive Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a nationally known expert in occupational medicine and asbestos-related diseases who has also served as PI of the nationwide World Trade Center Medical Monitoring & Treatment Program, coordinated by Mount Sinai since 2002.

"The asbestos-related disease in Libby is far more aggressive and rapidly progressive than what's seen in most asbestos-exposed workers, with high rates of cancers and severe effects on respiratory function," said Dr. Levin. "For that reason alone, the health problems in Libby are important to study and understand."

The first of the three programs will focus on particular risks of exposure to Libby asbestos during childhood, when lungs are still developing and maturing. This research may determine the level of environmental cleanup necessary in Libby to protect children, who are a particularly sensitive target population.

A second study will compare lung scarring among Libby residents who were exposed to asbestos only in their environment (and not at their place of employment) with lung scarring seen in workers with historically long-term, heavy exposure to common commercial forms of asbestos. Researchers hope to discover why Libby residents have advanced rates of lung scarring. They will also investigate the mechanism for asbestos-related scar formation and approaches to preventing scar formation after exposure has already occurred.

The third investigation will examine the relationships between autoimmune disorders, autoimmune antibody abnormalities, and CT-scan evidence of scarring lung disease in the context of exposure to Libby asbestos. Auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have been found to occur more frequently in Libby, and antibody levels to the body's own tissues are found in Libby residents more frequently and at higher concentrations.

Mount Sinai researchers will collaborate on the research effort, to be known as the Libby Epidemiology Research Program, with Libby's Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD), investigators from the University of Montana and Idaho State University, and a national scientific advisory group. The research will be supported by a grant of over $4.8 million from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) of the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The crisis in Libby, a mining town whose history has been shaped by vermiculite-producing corporations since the 1920s, is the result of community-wide occupational and environmental exposure to Libby's naturally occurring vermiculite, contaminated with asbestos and asbestos-like silicate fibers up to 26% by weight.

Health effects have been detected not just in mine and processing plant workers, area lumber mill workers and loggers (from asbestos dusting of forests) and their families, but also among other Libby residents and their children. Many were exposed through ambient air or to mine tailings and other contaminated materials provided to the town by mining companies for the construction of ball fields, school running tracks, playgrounds, public buildings and facilities, as well as for private gardens and house and business insulation.

There is evidence that even relatively low-level exposures to Libby asbestos can cause serious scarring lung diseases, which markedly impair respiratory function, as well as asbestos-related cancers like lung cancer and mesothelioma, which occur at higher rates among the Libby population than elsewhere in the United States.

The health crisis potentially extends far beyond the borders of Libby, since millions of homes and businesses in North America have used vermiculite from Libby as attic insulation, fireproofing and soil conditioner. The ore from Libby was shipped by rail to 49 plant locations throughout North America and the Caribbean for processing, exposing many more workers and communities to the hazardous dust.

CARD Director Brad Black, MD, said, "The pattern of asbestos disease caused by exposure to Libby amphibole asbestos has led to excessive morbidity and mortality for the Libby population, and has been exceedingly challenging for the medical community. The severity of nonmalignant pulmonary disease in non-occupational exposure has been very unusual, raising question as to the potency of the unique amphibole mixture. We look forward to working with Dr. Levin and Mount Sinai to find some of these answers."

Mesothelioma Treatment Options - Patient Medical Research & Pain Management

1) Keep up an open dialogue with your doctor

It is natural to want to understand as much as possible about a disease and its treatments, particularly when the disease is as rare as malignant mesothelioma. The Internet has opened up a wealth of information on mesothelioma, however, it is still important to keep in mind that your doctor is your FIRST and (hopefully) BEST resource for understanding and dealing with this disease.

This does not mean that you shouldn't explore resources and treatments on your own; a good doctor wants informed patients who are interested in discussing every available option. Only a trained physician, however, can help you understand each treatment and evaluate how it fits in with your particular circumstances, including the stage of your disease.

There are valuable research and support resources available via the Internet which can assist you in your efforts to gain medical knowlege as you begin your interaction with your doctor. To begin, there is an online resource that tutors on how to use the Internet to research a lung cancer diagnosis. This tutorial also cautions you as a researcher to be mindful of the limitations of Internet-based research and to learn how to evaluate the information that you do find. Another useful tool to assist in being an informed patient is The Cancer Patient's Workbook: Everything You Need to Stay Organized and Informed, (DK Books, 2001). This workbook hopes to help the patient better understand their situation so they may deal with and fight their disease from an informed position. This interactive guide helps patients cope and also explains how to receive the best treatment possible.

2) Explore the American Cancer Society's Cancer Resource Center

This community-based organization claims its mission is "eliminating cancer as a major health problem...through research, education, advocacy, and service." As a non-governmental organization, the American Cancer Society is the largest source of private funds earmarked for cancer research. The ACS website is a very good place for you to investigate ongoing research and treatment options, as well as find extensive links to help further direct your medical research.

The American Cancer Society provides a useful fact sheet that describes the asbestos - mesothelioma link. If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma, there are several methods which can help to detect the presence of this disease.

While you may find some answers on this particular site, the ACS advises you to remember that as you cope with cancer and cancer treatment, you need to have honest, open discussions with your doctor. You should feel free to ask any question that's on your mind, no matter how small it might seem.

3) Explore the National Cancer Institute's PDQ

The National Cancer Institute provides a computer service called PDQ to give up-to-date information on cancer issues for patients, their families, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. Detailed information on detection, diagnosis, treatment, support groups, clinical trials and treatments is reviewed and updated each month by oncology experts. Each topic is discussed in two tracks, one for patients and one for healthcare professionals.

You might want to visit the information written for patients first, in order to get a clear understanding of the issues discussed in layman's terms. For more detailed information, you can then explore the physician's track.

By going to NCI's CancerNet, you can research the PDQ informational summaries for malignant mesothelioma; these summaries are written for both patient or professional readers. You will also find a useful overview on researching, treating, and coping with malignant mesothelioma.

You will find links to other treatment specific PDQ pages throughout this website.

4) Explore MEDLINE

Published by the National Library of Medicine, MEDLINE is a comprehensive index of medical citations and abstracts dating back to 1966. In the past, this database was available only to students, doctors or by subscription. However, there are now several Internet resources which offer free MEDLINE access, including PubMed and MedlinePlus. Use of both services is free, although you must initially fill out a member registration form.

An additional benefit of these services is access to full-text versions of many of the articles. PubMed publishes a list of MEDLINE journals with links to publisher web sites at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/fulltext.html. Access to these articles may require user registration or a small fee, but recent issues are often available free of charge.

These publications and abstracts are not written for the layperson, so make sure you discuss any literature you read with your doctor before making any decisions about them.

Although MEDLINE is the most comprehensive database of medical literatere, the National Cancer Institute also has a free database of cancer-specific abstracts and literature.

5) Contact the Cancer Information Service

The National Cancer Institute offers an informational and educational service known as the Cancer Information Toll-Free Telephone Service (CIS). Information is available in Spanish and English, and is up-to-date and easy to understand. You can get information about recent scientific advances, cancer programs, prevention, early detection, and other topics.

Contact the CIS, toll-free in the United States and Puerto Rico, at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237), Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., your time.

6) Explore OncoLink

The University of Pennsylvania maintains OncoLink, an outstanding resource on the web for information about all types of cancer and related topics. The homepage is http://www.oncolink.com and has information about clinical trials, symptom management, cancer support services, financial issues, book reviews, and many other topics. OncoLink has mesothelioma patient information found under Patient Statement: Malignant Mesothelioma. For a more personal perspective, there is also an article entitled "Thoughts from a Mesothelioma Patient".

Lastly, for a broad resource on the cancer topic and links to specific web sites, consult the Lung Cancer Resources Directory.

If you have questions, need more information, or experience difficulty accessing these sites, please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to help.

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Holds Sixth Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) announced its sixth International Asbestos Awareness Conference to be held in Chicago April 9-11, 2010. Conferences each year bring together renowned doctors, scientists, researchers and most importantly, asbestos victims and their families - in a united forum for asbestos awareness, education and collaboration.

Numerous honorees will be recognized at the 2010 event for their outstanding work and dedication to asbestos awareness related activities including:

- The Honorable Richard Durbin, United States Senator, Tribute of Hope Award
- Dr. Hedy Kindler, Selikoff Lifetime Achievement Award
- Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD), Libby, MT, Tribute of Unity Award
- Fernanda Giannasi, Tribute of Inspiration Award
- Honoree To be Announced, Warren Zevon "Keep me in Your Heart" Memorial Tribute
- June Breit, honored posthumously, The Alan Reinstein Memorial Award

"As we get even closer to a full asbestos ban, we are encouraged yet simultaneously reminded that the reverberations of asbestos exposure can last decades," stated Linda Reinstein, Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. "Our annual conferences drive home the importance of the need for increased awareness, education and research. We are again honored to have the opportunity to bring together some of the world's most renowned experts while recognizing some of the most influential leaders in the battle against asbestos exposure. They are true asbestos awareness heroes and prove that together, change is possible."

"I've received countless requests for my father's song, 'Keep Me In Your Heart,' to be used at memorials for asbestos victims," stated Jordan Zevon, ADAO Spokesperson. "You can imagine how proud it makes me to know that my father's Grammy winning song has touched so many families, but it is bittersweet because of the nature of those requests and the origin of the song's conception. The ADAO "Warren Zevon Keep Me In Your Heart Tribute", the success of his album, and my recent fatherhood would have made my Dad burst with pride. In his honor, I will continue to work with ADAO to ban asbestos to spare future generations from the same fate."

ADAO's mission is to provide the most advanced medical, occupational and environmental information available about asbestos related diseases to individuals throughout the world. Presentations will include preventing exposure, advances in diagnosing and treating asbestos-related diseases, providing patient resources, and a global advocacy session.

The conference is made possible with the support and collaborative efforts of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS).

Online registration is available at http://adao.eventbrite.com/ and additional conference details can be found at here.

Source:
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization , www.medicalnewstoday.com

Pleural Fluid Mesothelin May Help Diagnose Mesothelioma

By Anthony J. Brown, MD

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Increased levels of the glycoprotein mesothelin in pleural fluid samples are associated with mesothelioma and may be useful in diagnosing the malignancy, according to a report in the September 1st issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Pleural effusion "can be maddeningly difficult to diagnose as a wide variety of malignant and benign causes exist," lead author Dr. Helen Davies, from Oxford University, said in a statement. "One of the causes, malignant pleural mesothelioma, is a relatively rare cancer, but its incidence is rapidly increasing on a global scale."

Serum mesothelin is a known biomarker for mesothelioma, but levels of the protein are much higher in pleural fluid and measuring such levels may improve the diagnosis of the malignancy.

In the current study, mesothelin levels were analyzed in pleural fluid samples from 166 patients with pleural effusions, including 24 with mesothelioma, 67 with other malignancies, and 75 with benign pleural effusion.

The median pleural fluid level of mesothelin in mesothelioma patients -- 40.3 nM -- was much higher than the levels seen in patients with other cancers benign effusions, 6.1 and 3.7 nM, respectively (p <>

For distinguishing mesothelioma from other causes of pleural effusion, mesothelin measurement had a sensitivity of 71%, specificity of 89%, and negative predictive value of 95%. The corresponding values with cytologic examination were 35%, 100%, and 82%.

With a "suspicious" cytologic reading, pleural fluid mesothelin was 100% specific for mesothelioma, the authors note. The negative predictive value with cytology-negative effusions was 94%.

The results also showed that when measured serially, there was little variation in pleural fluid mesothelin levels in patients with mesothelioma, just 0.15 nM with a 7-day test interval. Moreover, pleurodesis and the presence of bacteria did not influence the mesothelin results.

"Pleural fluid mesothelin provides a valuable adjunct in the diagnostic assessment of patients presenting with pleural effusions, especially when cytological examination is not definitive, and can improve clinical practice," Dr. Davies concluded.

Source:

Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009;180:437-444. & www.cancerpage.com

Contact Me

You can contact me with your queries or if you want any changes in the blog at the following mail id's:

xtremecoolster@gmail.com
or
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About Me

Hi.. My Name is Souvik Basu. This Blog was created by me for just one purpose. To inform all the people out there who don't know about MESOTHELIOMA. I myself was unaware about it. But i came to know about it a few days back. I thought i could dedicate some of my time to inform the people about it.

I hope you like my blog and find it informative.I have not provided any profile info link that is why i am gonna describe myself here.

Name: Souvik Basu
Country: India
City: Ahmedabad
E-mail id: xtremecoolster@gmail.com / xtreme.virus4u@gmail.com
Hobbies: Like to search info on Google, Learn more about computers,
Collecting stamps.

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure exists in almost all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. In rare cases, mesothelioma has also been associated with irradiation, intrapleural thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), and inhalation of other fibrous silicates, such as erionite.

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

The combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the airways (lung cancer, bronchial carcinoma). The Kent brand of cigarettes used asbestos in its filters for the first few years of production in the 1950s and some cases of mesothelioma have resulted. Smoking modern cigarettes does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma.

Some studies suggest that simian virus 40 (sv40) may act as a co-factor in the development of mesothelioma.

How to Prevent Mesothelioma Cancer

People often ask how to prevent mesothelioma. Although most Americans are not yet aware of the threat of mesothelioma and other asbestos-caused diseases, the family members and friends of mesothelioma victims are acutely concerned about how to prevent mesothelioma from striking others. Mesothelioma cancer has already killed thousands of Americans, and it continues to be diagnosed at an alarming rate.

Prevent Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, a mineral used in many products that we encounter on a daily basis. In the late 1970s and 1980s, the use of asbestos was cut back extensively by government regulation. However, asbestos continues to be present in many products and applications, and if you're wondering how to prevent mesothelioma, the most effective way is to avoid or at least limit your asbestos exposure — at work , at home, and in public buildings.

Asbestos At Work

If you have (or your loved one has) a job working with asbestos, it's a good idea to either look for other work or try to ensure that all possible asbestos-related safety precautions are being followed. Some of the jobs that present the highest risk of mesothelioma cancer are:

• Asbestos manufacturing and removal, also known as asbestos abetment
  
• Insulation manufacturing, installation, and removal
• Factory workers
• Miners
• Construction workers
• Railroad workers
• Ship building and shipyard workers
• Gas mask manufacturers
• Automotive repair (brakes and clutches may contain asbestos)

Asbestos At Home

Another important way to prevent mesothelioma is to eliminate "friable" or crumbling, flaking, asbestos in your home. Older homes may well contain materials with asbestos, and if you suspect that there is asbestos in your home, you can have a sample of the building material tested in a laboratory. Look in a phone directory under "asbestos removal" for a place to start. It's possible to safely remove asbestos from your home by yourself, but it's not easy; your best bet may be to hire a certified asbestos abatement/removal contractor.

Asbestos In Public Buildings

Some schools, libraries, office buildings, theaters, and other public buildings that were constructed before the 1980s have asbestos components. Asbestos that is in place and not disturbed is not thought to present a risk of mesothelioma cancer, but if you suspect that any of a building's components (such as ceiling tiles or plumbing insulation) are becoming friable and dangerous, bring it to the attention of city authorities. Many municipalities have already begun campaigns to rid their aging schools of asbestos.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest type of mesothelioma cancer . The pericardium is a fluid-filled sac made out of thin tissue, covering the heart and providing it with crucial lubrication. Pericardial mesothelioma is, in effect, cancerous growths on the pericardium.

The Prevalence of Pericardial Mesothelioma

It's estimated that about 5% to perhaps 10% of people who develop mesothelioma have the pericardial-mesothelioma subtype. The accurate incidence is difficult to estimate because pericardial mesothelioma is easily mistaken for another disease, such as cardiovascular disease. The signs and symptoms are similar in both cases. In addition, when a patient is finally diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer , it is often a different type of mesothelioma cancer that is recognized first — such as secondary lung cancer.

However, pericardial mesothelioma is always traced to asbestos exposure, whereas cardiovascular disease is not.

How Pericardial Mesothelioma Develops

When the microscopic-sized fibers of which asbestos is composed are in the air, they can be inhaled by individuals in the area. Oftentimes, people are completely unaware that they have breathed in a toxic amount of asbestos. The fibers lodge themselves in the lungs and other organs.

It is unclear how asbestos fibers get to the pericardium, because there is no clear path that fibers can travel to the pericardium. One theory is that the fibers push their way through the lining of the lungs; another theory is that the fibers are carried through the blood stream to the pericardium.

In any case, the fibers become lodged in and around the pericardium, beginning the cancer process.

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma

Symptoms that are most prevalent with patients who suffer from pericardial mesothelioma include:

• irregular heart beat
• chest palpitations
• chest pain
• cough
• shortness of breath

If you are experiencing these symptoms and have not yet consulted a physician, see a doctor soon.

What Can Be Done for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

There are a few ways to help treat pericardial mesothelioma, but there is as yet no cure for this cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, a combination of these, and surgery can be used to treat the cancer and alleviate the discomfort that a patient with pericardial mesothelioma may be experiencing. The success rate of the treatment depends in part on the stage of the mesothelioma cancer and the patient's general health.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the peritoneum, a tissue in the body's abdomen. This type of mesothelioma cancer accounts for 10%–20% of all cases of mesothelioma. It's different from the most common form of mesothelioma, which attacks the pleura, a tissue lining in the chest. The mesothelioma cancer symptoms are different, and the prognosis is different too. However, as with all variants of mesothelioma cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is almost always traceable to exposure to asbestos, the carcinogenic mineral used widely in the years before strict regulations were imposed in the 1980s.

A Rare Form of Mesothelioma Cancer

About 100 to 500 cases of peritoneal mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States. Almost all of the individuals who are diagnosed with this cancer have a clear history of asbestos exposure. In many cases, pleural (chest) mesothelioma can spread to the peritoneal cavity, but this would still be a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma (that has metastasized), not peritoneal mesothelioma that begins in the peritoneum.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma signs and symptoms may include:

• Abdominal swelling
• Lumps of tissue in the abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• A change in bowel habits, e.g., frequent diarrhea or constipation
• Unexplained weight loss

Unfortunately, it's often the case that the peritoneal mesothelioma doesn't show any symptoms until it's pretty far along.

The Diagnosis of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

People who are eventually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma usually first see their doctor with a symptom for abdominal swelling. There are other possible causes of abdominal swelling besides peritoneal mesothelioma, such as cirrhosis of the liver. It can take some time and a battery of medical tests to correctly identify peritoneal mesothelioma.

Once the peritoneal mesothelioma is correctly diagnosed, it is difficult to predict how aggressive it will be in an individual patient, because this variant of mesothelioma has shown a wide spectrum of behavior. A patient may have recurring and severe bouts of lower abdominal pain, or not. The cancer could also metastasize from the peritoneum to lymph nodes.

Treatment for Peritoneal Mesothelioma

There is as yet no cure for peritoneal mesothelioma. However, some studies are showing promising results. It's best to ask your physician about the specifics of your case — the stage of the cancer, its location, the prognosis, and potential mesothelioma treatment options.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma. Around two thirds of those diagnosed have the pleural mesothelioma type. This form of mesothelioma affects cells in the pleura, the name given to the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. The pleura has two layers: the parietal layer (an outer layer that lines the chest cavity and diaphragm) and the visceral layer (an inner layer that lines the lungs).

Asbestos Exposure & Pleural Mesothelioma

People who are exposed to asbestos breathe in tiny asbestos fibers that enter the pleura of the lungs. Once in the lungs, these asbestos fibers then cause changes in pleural cells that cause them to become cancerous.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

All forms of mesothelioma are particularly dangerous because two or three decades can elapse between asbestos exposure and the onset of cancer symptoms. In addition, the early symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are non-specific, and these symptoms often resemble those of a simple and non-threatening viral infection.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can include the following:

• Persistent coughing, rasping, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, coughing up blood
• Weight loss
• Fever or night sweats
• Swelling of the facial area
• Shortness of breath, even when resting
• Severe chest pain, or pain in the rib area

Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is typically made on the basis of these symptoms and on the results of a more thorough physical examination. Chest x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans are all commonly used during diagnosis, and will also help to determine an appropriate course of mesothelioma treatment , as these procedures will show whether or not the cancer has spread from its point of origin.

Diagnosis is confirmed with a needle biopsy, tissue biopsy, or both. During a needle biopsy, fluid is drawn from the area and is then tested for the presence of cancer cells. A tissue biopsy usually involves a relatively non-invasive surgical procedure called laparoscopy, in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the affected area, to be tested for the presence of malignant cells.

Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment

Due to the nature of mesothelioma, diagnosis is often not made until the cancer has progressed to a stage at which curative treatment is not possible. Most treatments for pleural mesothelioma are palliative and are carried out to relieve the symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life. Conventional treatment options are limited to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

In cases where curative surgery is attempted, the patient must be in otherwise good health, and the disease must not have spread far beyond its point of origin. In such cases, part or all of one lung may be removed.

Mesothelioma Prognosis

Mesothelioma is an extremely serious and deadly form of cancer that attacks the thin tissue lining the lungs, the stomach or the heart (the mesothelium). The mesothelioma prognosis for an individual who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma is not good; not so long ago, mesothelioma sufferers were generally told that they could expect to live eight to 18 months beyond the diagnosis. However, with new mesothelioma diagnostics and medical treatments, the lives of many mesothelioma patients have been extended significantly.

Classifying Mesothelioma Prognosis by the Site or Cell Type

Since there are several subtypes of mesothelioma, the mesothelioma prognosis,life expectancy treatment for a given patient will depend in part on whether he or she has been diagnosed with mesothelioma that is:

• Pleural Mesothelioma — the most common type (75 percent of cases), found in the pleura (a tissue sac that holds the lungs)
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma — strikes the peritoneum, another body tissue that surrounds the G.I. tract. Often misdiagnosed
• Pericardial Mesothelioma — damages the pericardium, a tissue sac that covers the heart (Only 5 percent of cases)

Mesothelioma diagnostics can also classify the disease by the kind of cancer cell that is causing the damage: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or mixed/biphasic. The prognosis for a mesothelioma patient can differ depending on these cell types, with the prognosis being the worst for sarcomatoid mesothelioma.

Health and History of Mesothelioma Patients

Of course, a patient's medical history, general health and lifestyle also affect his or her prognosis. Smoking tobacco products — not surprisingly — can increase the detrimental effects of mesothelioma and other asbestos cancer diseases.

No matter what the details of a patient's mesothelioma, the future is fraught with problems, including medical bills and a severely curtailed life. If a mesothelioma diagnosis has befallen you or your loved one, contact mesothelioma centers to learn more about your medical and legal rights.

Treatment of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is one of those cancers where the therapy is multimodal. The standard treatment is surgery and followed by a combination chemotherapy regimen of Alimta and cisplatin.

Surgery

Surgery may be diagnostic, palliative, or potentially curative. The types of surgery most commonly used in the treatment of mesothelioma are:

• A pleurectomy or decortication is the removal of the pleura (lining of the lung) without resecting the underlying lung. Instead of resection, the tumor is stripped from the lung, diaphragm, and vessels. In cases of peritoneal mesothelioma, cytoreductive surgery, also called debulking, is used. The surgeon carefully looks for any sign of cancer in the abdominal cavity, and then removes as much of the tumor as possible. This makes it more likely that chemotherapy and/or radiation can kill remaining cells.
• An extrapleural pneumonectomy is a more radical procedure involving the removal of the lung, the lining of the lung (pleura), the pericardium surrounding the heart, and part of the of the diaphragm.

Surgery is looked at as a first line option for eligible mesothelioma patients. Evaluation for these surgeries should be made with input from a physician experienced in these surgical techniques.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is literally "chemical therapy" - chemicals are injected into the body with the hope of destroying the cancer cells. Anticancer, or chemotherapy drugs, work to prevent cancer cells from multiplying.

Most mesothelioma patients undergo some type of chemotherapy. Indeed it is the mainstay of treatment for the majority of patients presenting as inoperable. Several types of chemicals are used, either alone or in combination. Drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein or muscle (some are administered by pill) and thus go through the entire body. In some cases, specialists can administer the chemotherapy directly into the pleural or peritoneal cavity. By administering chemotherapy directly to the affected area, they hope to target the mesothelioma tumor more effectively. Targeted therapy is a sophisticated twist on chemotherapy that many scientists are pursuing

Although the most obvious use of chemotherapy is to control the cancer by stopping its spread or slowing its growth, other uses include:

• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for mesothelioma - to shrink tumors prior to other treatments, such as surgery.
• Adjuvant chemotherapy for mesothelioma - to destroy microscopic disease which may remain after surgery.
• Palliative chemotherapy - to relieve symptoms, such as pain.

Chemotherapy drugs may have undesirable side effects. Doctors monitor the effects of these treatments. It is important to discuss with your doctor the chemotherapy options you are offered, including the expectations of success and possible side effects.

Radiation therapy

High-energy x-rays are used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may be used palliatively to treat pain by shrinking tumors which may pressing on nerve endings or another organ. It may also be used in conjunction with surgery to eliminate microscopic seeding which can cause recurrence of disease.

Radiation therapy is commonly used for treatment of cancer, although it is not often used alone in the treatment of mesothelioma. Many physicians feel that traditional radiation therapy's benefits are outweighed by the damage it causes to healthy lung tissue.

Causes of Mesothelioma Cancer

The causes of mesothelioma have been under study for several decades. It is estimated that nine out of ten cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos, the mineral which was once widely used in construction materials, brake pad linings, and hundreds of other products found in everyday life. Other possible but as yet unproven causes of Mesothelioma Cancer are discussed below.

Genetic Mutation of Cells

According to the Mayo Clinic, the causes of mesothelioma can be traced to the genetic mutation that turns healthy cells into cancer cells. These abnormal cells multiply randomly and don't die as normal cells do. The accumulation of cancer cells forms a tumor, which can invade other body tissues and spread further through the body.

It's not yet known what causes the genetic mutation that leads to the cancer mesothelioma, and the interaction of several factors appears to affect its incidence:

· Inherited conditions
· A given individual's environment
· Overall health
· Lifestyle choices such as smoking

Asbestos Exposure Initiates Mutation

This genetic mutation can apparently be initiated when asbestos fibers lodge in the lungs or other internal organs. Some 2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer year in the United States alone. Nearly all of these unfortunate individuals have asbestos exposure in their history. However, a complete determination of the exact causes of mesothelioma is desirable and would be very helpful in the fight to find a cure for this devastating disease.

A Nationwide Study of the Causes of Mesothelioma

A large-scale research and clinical study with the purpose of finding out more about the causes of mesothelioma is being conducted in the United Kingdom. This "National Study of Occupation and Lung Diseases" is designed to more closely identify causes of mesothelioma among the thousands of victims in the UK, and the results will shed light on causes of mesothelioma in individuals all over the world.

Other Causes of Mesothelioma Cancer

In studies using animals, the Simian virus (SV40) was found to cause mesothelioma. Some polio vaccines given during the mid-1950s to the early 1960s were found to be contaminated with SV40, but no definitive link between SV40 and mesothelioma has been established.

In contrast, there are a handful of documented cases of mesothelioma in patients who underwent x-ray imaging that used thorium dioxide. These x-rays have not been in use for many years because of the link between thorium dioxide and cancer.

If you are concerned about the causes of mesothelioma in someone you know, contact mesothelioma treatment center for more information.

Source:www.mesotheliomatreatmentcenters.org

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

Your Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Your first step after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, should be to discuss your case thoroughly with the doctor who told you that you have cancer. It is very important for the person diagnosed with mesothelioma to create a list of questions, including those from his or her family. Ask your doctor questions in different ways until all your questions have been answered and you understand. Following are some common questions that may arise after a diagnosis of mesothelioma.

What, exactly, is my diagnosis?

There are three forms of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lung; peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdominal cavity; pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining around the heart. You'll need to know the official definition of your cancer, so you will be able to communicate with other medical professionals at a later date.

How was my diagnosis determined?

Ask your doctor how your diagnosis was determined. The only reliable test for a mesothelioma diagnosis is a tissue biopsy. Fluid biopsy is not considered reliable, since in the case of mesothelioma, the fluid tests negative a high percentage of the time even though cancer is present. A good question to ask is, "How accurate are the tests that diagnosed my disease?"

What is my next step?

Following discussion of your diagnosis, your doctor will most likely recommend the next steps you should take. If your diagnosis came from your primary doctor, he will most likely refer you to an oncologist (cancer doctor) for further analysis and treatment. If the doctor you are seeing is an oncologist, he will recommend a course of treatment and explain why he or she feels that specific treatment is best for you.

Should I get a second opinion?

is always in your best interest to get a second opinion when dealing with mesothelioma. Although general oncologists are extremely competent doctors, they may not see the number of mesothelioma patients that a specialist sees, and may not have the most current information on treatment options. Perhaps the best place to get a second opinion is from a National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. You will find a list of these centers at www.mesotheliomaweb.org in the section on "Comprehensive Cancer Centers".

Will my doctor be offended if I get a second opinion?

No reputable physician will question your right to a second opinion. This is particularly important if your mesothelioma was discovered by a doctor without much experience with the disease. Mesothelioma is sufficiently rare that patients would benefit by seeing a specialist.

What type of treatment is available to me?

Once you have a second opinion and have perhaps gathered information on your own, you are ready to make a treatment decision. Time is always of the essence. The longer you postpone deciding on a course of treatment, the more likely your options may diminish. In early stage disease, surgery may be a viable option. If you are not a surgical candidate, chemotherapy is often offered. The Comprehensive Cancer Centers also offer a variety of clinical trials, which are the most recently developed investigative therapies targeting a particular disease. If a particular course of treatment is recommended, ask your doctor to explain the pros and cons of that treatment. Also, ask whether other options are available, and if so, why he chose the treatment offered.

If fluid has collected in the chest or abdomen, your doctor may initiallly drain the fluid out of your body by putting in a needle into the chest or abdomen and use gentle suction to remove the fluid. If fluid is removed from the chest, this is called thoracentesis. If fluid is removed from the abdomen, this is called paracentesis. Your doctor may also put drugs through a tube into the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating.

Are there any treatments I should avoid?

You should avoid unconventional, or scientifically unproven alternative treatments. Although you may hear these treatments have helped some people, they are not backed by sufficient scientific data to prove their effectiveness. Consult your doctor, the National Cancer Institute, or the American Cancer Society if you are unsure whether a treatment is unconventional, investigative, or standard. Bear in mind that unconventional treatments differ entirely from investigational treatments. Also, be assured that doctors do not disapprove of complementary treatments which address psychological or nutritional approaches that improve a patient's physical or emotional well-being and are used in conjunction with proven therapies.

Where should I be treated and by whom?

Once you have made a decision on a course of treatment, you must determine where that treatment is to be carried out. If you have opted for a specialized surgical procedure or clinical trial, chances are you may need to be treated at an NCI-designated cancer center by a specialist skilled in a particular area of expertise. This often raises concerns about travel to facilities which may be hundred of miles away. Organizations such as The National Patient Travel Helpline offer information on all forms of charitable, long distance medical air transportation as well as information on hospitality houses nationwide.

Standard treatment, for instance a standard form of chemotherapy, can most likely be carried out at a local hospital by one of your diagnosing physicians. Even if you received specialized treatment at an NCI-designated center, it is possible that your specialist may work co-operatively with your local doctor. Whoever you choose to carry out your treatment, it should be someone with whom you can find a comfort level and who will welcome your questions and answers them in a manner that is easily understandable. Remember though, that a good "bedside manner" is no substitute for expertise.

How can I make the most of my medical appointment time?

Open communication between you and your doctor is key. Bring a prepared list of questions to each appointment, including those about new or continuing symptoms, side effects of treatments and how to manage them, or other information you have come across through talking with family and friends, by reading, or on the Internet. If your doctor seems unwilling to answer your questions, don't hesitate to press for a response. It is to your benefit to be proactive in your care.

What else should I know?

A proper diagnosis is essential before treatment begins. A doctor should be seen if a person experiences shortness of breath, pain in the chest, persistent coughing, or pain or swelling in the abdomen. The doctor may order a chest x-ray or CT scan or fMRI as the first step in diagnosis. If these imaging techniques show a suspicion of cancer, further tests may be ordered.

The doctor may examine the chest cavity with an instrument called a thoracoscope. An incision is made through the chest wall and the thoracoscope will be placed inside the chest through two ribs. This test, called a thoracoscopy, is done in the hospital. Prior to the test, the patient is given a local anesthetic. Some pressure may accompany this procedure, but usually there is no pain. The doctor may also look inside the abdomen with a special tool called a peritoneoscope. This is called a peritoneoscopy. This test is also performed in the hospital with a local anesthetic. Paracentesis is a related procedure often used in diagnosis.

If, during these tests, tissue is found that is not normal, the doctor will cut out a small piece to be examined under a microscope. This is called a tissue biopsy. The tissue will then be sent to a pathologist to diagnose disease.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

The Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can be Shortness of breath, pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space and cough.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma includes weight loss and cachexia, pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity)and abdominal swelling. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, fever, and anemia. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and symptoms:

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

In severe cases, the person may have many tumor masses. The individual may develop a pneumothorax, or collapse of the lung. The disease may metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body.

Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity often do not cause symptoms until they are at a late stage. Symptoms include:

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

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

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

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

Source: Wikipedia