The mesothelioma cancer is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Due to asbestos exposure, mesothelioma has no known cure and a very bad prognosis. By inhalation of asbestos fibers, mesothelioma is often diagnosed in older people who have worked with asbestos products.
The prognosis for mesothelioma is poor, but early detection and new treatment give hope to many patients. Mesothelioma cancer is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer. Mesothelioma treatments are available, but for many people with mesothelioma, healing is not possible.
Mesothelioma cancer usually affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs (pleura). This type is called pleural mesothelioma. Other, rarer types of mesothelioma affect the abdominal tissue (peritoneal mesothelioma) around the heart and around the testicles. The disease stage, the cell type and the location of the tumor are the most important factors for the survival of a patient. Factors such as the general health of the patient, the age and the question of whether the cancer has spread, also affect the prognosis.
Mesothelioma cancer usually affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs (pleura). This type is called pleural mesothelioma. Other, rarer types of mesothelioma affect the abdominal tissue (peritoneal mesothelioma) around the heart and around the testicles. The disease stage, the cell type and the location of the tumor are the most important factors for the survival of a patient. Factors such as the general health of the patient, the age and the question of whether the cancer has spread, also affect the prognosis.
Types of Mesothelioma
Oncologists name any type of mesothelioma based on the location in the body where it originates. The pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma are the most common types of mesothelioma. Pericardial accounts for 1 percent of cases. Another rare type is the testicular mesothelioma. It accounts for less than 1 percent of all mesotheliomas. After diagnosis, your doctor will tell you what type of mesothelioma you have, including the cell type. There are three main types of mesothelioma, based on the location in the body where tumors arise.
Mesothelioma cancer is most often classified according to the location in the body where it originates. In particular, the cancer forms in the lining of certain organs or spaces within the body, known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma cancer typically develops in one of three specific areas.
Prognosis, symptoms and treatment options vary depending on the type.
Mesothelioma cancer is most often classified according to the location in the body where it originates. In particular, the cancer forms in the lining of certain organs or spaces within the body, known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma cancer typically develops in one of three specific areas.
Prognosis, symptoms and treatment options vary depending on the type.
Pleural Mesothelioma
- Most common type
- Forms on soft tissue covering the lungs
- Best treated with a multimodal approach
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Less than 20 percent of all cases
- Develops on lining surrounding the abdomen
- Responds the best to a combination of surgery and heated chemotherapy
Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
- Linked to asbestos exposure.
- The tumors appear as nodules or lesions, with or without effusion, and rarely as a localized mass.
- More resistant to treatment than other cell types.
- The tumors are composed of giant, spindle-shaped cells in fibrous bundles.
Causes
In general, cancer starts when a number of genetic mutations occur in a cell, causing the cell to grow and get out of control. It is not clear what causes the first genetic mutations that lead to mesothelioma, although researchers have identified factors that can increase the risk. It is likely that cancer forms due to an interaction between many factors, e.g. Inherited the conditions, your environment, your health conditions and your lifestyle.
The cancer occurs when a person takes asbestos and the person's DNA is changed. Our genes are DNA. Some genes in our body control how cells grow, multiply and die. Changes in our genes can cause cells to divide beyond control and lead to cancer. Asbestos is a natural mineral that has been used in many products due to its durability and heat resistance.
From the 1930s to the 1970s, it was used the most in the US, although the researchers confirmed the dangerous health risks of exposure in the 1920s. Despite the risks, asbestos is still not banned today and can still be found in old buildings and products.
The cancer occurs when a person takes asbestos and the person's DNA is changed. Our genes are DNA. Some genes in our body control how cells grow, multiply and die. Changes in our genes can cause cells to divide beyond control and lead to cancer. Asbestos is a natural mineral that has been used in many products due to its durability and heat resistance.
From the 1930s to the 1970s, it was used the most in the US, although the researchers confirmed the dangerous health risks of exposure in the 1920s. Despite the risks, asbestos is still not banned today and can still be found in old buildings and products.
Development of Mesothelioma
- A person inhales or swallows airborne asbestos fibers.
- The asbestos exposure fibers become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart.
- The embedded the fibers damage the mesothelioma cells and cause inflammation.
- Over the time, tumors begin to form on the damaged mesothelium.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms may occur 20-50 years after the first asbestos exposure. The signs of mesothelioma cancer often look like other diseases, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
If someone has mesothelioma symptoms, doctors perform various tests to rule out other diseases. It usually takes weeks or months for doctors to make an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis. Signs and symptoms of other types of mesothelioma are unclear, as these forms of the disease are very rare.
Pericardial mesothelioma, which surrounds the tissue surrounding the heart, can cause signs and symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain. The mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis, which affects the tissue surrounding the testes, may first be recognized as swelling or mass on the testicle.
If someone has mesothelioma symptoms, doctors perform various tests to rule out other diseases. It usually takes weeks or months for doctors to make an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis. Signs and symptoms of other types of mesothelioma are unclear, as these forms of the disease are very rare.
Pericardial mesothelioma, which surrounds the tissue surrounding the heart, can cause signs and symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain. The mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis, which affects the tissue surrounding the testes, may first be recognized as swelling or mass on the testicle.
Common mesothelioma symptoms include:
- Dry coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Respiratory complications
- Pain in the chest or abdomen
- Fever or night sweats
- Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)
- Fatigue
- Weakness in the muscles
You should talk to a mesothelioma cancer specialist soon if you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience these symptoms. An early stage of diagnosis may improve your prognosis and life expectancy.
Who Is Most at Risk of Mesothelioma?
Asbestos exposure is a mineral that naturally occurs in the environment. Asbestos fibers are strong and heat resistant, making them suitable for a variety of applications, such as insulation, brakes, shingles, flooring and many other products.
If asbestos is broken off, eg. During the degradation process or when removing the asbestos insulation, dust may form. When the dust is inhaled or swallowed, the asbestos fibers settle in the lungs or stomach where they can cause irritation that can lead to mesothelioma. How exactly this happens is not understood. It may take 20 to 40 years or more for a mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Most of people with years of asbestos exposure never develop mesothelioma. Yet others develop the disease with very short asbestos exposure. For example, you might inherit a tendency to cancer, or some other disease may increase your risk.
If asbestos is broken off, eg. During the degradation process or when removing the asbestos insulation, dust may form. When the dust is inhaled or swallowed, the asbestos fibers settle in the lungs or stomach where they can cause irritation that can lead to mesothelioma. How exactly this happens is not understood. It may take 20 to 40 years or more for a mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Most of people with years of asbestos exposure never develop mesothelioma. Yet others develop the disease with very short asbestos exposure. For example, you might inherit a tendency to cancer, or some other disease may increase your risk.
veterans
The use of asbestos in the military was widespread from 1940 to 1980. Veterans of all branches of US forces were at risk. Navy veterans are the most vulnerable. This branch used the largest amount of asbestos products.
Secondary exposure
Asbestos workers unknowingly wore asbestos fibers to their bodies and clothing. This resulted in secondary asbestos exposure in residents such as women and children.
Occupational exposure
In more than 75 occupations, workers are exposed to asbestos. Auto mechanics, textile workers, steel workers, construction workers and firefighters are the most vulnerable.
Prognosis
The younger patients and women have a better mesothelioma prognosis than older men. The people diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma also have a higher chance of survival.
Patients eligible for multimodality therapy, ie a combination of two or more standard treatments, have better life expectancy and improved prognosis. The mesothelioma cancer cell type of a patient also plays an important role in prognosis and life expectancy.
Patients eligible for multimodality therapy, ie a combination of two or more standard treatments, have better life expectancy and improved prognosis. The mesothelioma cancer cell type of a patient also plays an important role in prognosis and life expectancy.
The Four Stages of Mesothelioma
At diagnosis, the doctor categorizes the disease into four stages. While there are several staging systems, the TNM system - which stands for tumor, lymph nodes and metastases - is the most widely used.
Stage 1
The mesothelioma tumor is located only in one area and has not spread to other parts of the body. There is no spread to the lymph nodes and mesothelioma cancer is localized on one side of the body. This is the earliest phase. Stage 1 mesothelioma patients have the most treatment options. The cancer is localized. The operation is most effective at this stage. The survival rate is higher. The mean life expectancy in stage 1 is 22.2 months.
Stage 2
A large tumor may have penetrated into nearby areas and/or lymph nodes but is not progressing further. Mesothelioma cancer is still localized on one side of the body, but there are signs of metastasis near lymph nodes. Aggressive treatment options are still an option. Tumor spread has begun to spread from the original site into adjacent structures. An operation is still an option. The mean life expectancy in level 2 is 20 months.
Stage 3
Typically, tumors have spread beyond the local environment to several nearby locations and lymph nodes. The first significant signs of metastasis have occurred. Mesothelioma cancer has spread to lymph nodes and surrounding organs. The surgical options are limited. Mesothelioma cancer is more advanced with the spread to the regional lymph nodes. An operation can still be an option. The mean life expectancy in Stage 3 is 17.9 months.
LEARN ABOUT STAGE 3 MESOTHELIOMA
Stage 4
The tumors have spread in several areas and throughout the lymphatic system and invade other organs of the body. Mesothelioma cancer has spread to the other side of the body. The treatment options for patients in stage 4 mesothelioma mainly include the relief of symptoms. Mesothelioma cancer has become widespread in the area in which it has developed. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy control symptoms and prolong survival. The mean life expectancy in Stage 4 is 14.9 months or less.
LEARN ABOUT STAGE 4 MESOTHELIOMA
Treating Mesothelioma
The treatment of mesothelioma is similar to other cancers. The most common treatments are surgery, chemo, and radiation. Newer treatments are being investigated in clinical trials and may be available for some patients who do not respond to conventional therapies. Mesothelioma treatment helps patients live longer. However, not every patient is suitable for any type of mesothelioma treatment.
In some cases, the treatment can improve a patient's prognosis and significantly extend his life. The treatment may also be used palliatively to reduce pain and discomfort caused by the symptoms of mesothelioma. Most commonly, mesothelioma is treated with a multimodal plan or a combination of conventional cancer treatment methods including surgery and chemotherapy.
Treatment focuses on either prolonging life expectancy or late-stage on palliative care to alleviate side effects. Research and clinical trials have come up with new hope for a potential cure with emerging treatments such as immunotherapy to fight the disease and improve life expectancy.
In some cases, the treatment can improve a patient's prognosis and significantly extend his life. The treatment may also be used palliatively to reduce pain and discomfort caused by the symptoms of mesothelioma. Most commonly, mesothelioma is treated with a multimodal plan or a combination of conventional cancer treatment methods including surgery and chemotherapy.
Treatment focuses on either prolonging life expectancy or late-stage on palliative care to alleviate side effects. Research and clinical trials have come up with new hope for a potential cure with emerging treatments such as immunotherapy to fight the disease and improve life expectancy.
The most common treatments for mesothelioma cancer include:
Surgery
Offers the greatest chance of survival. Usually used for diagnosis, tumor removal or palliative treatment for pain relief. The patients with strong health and limited cancer spread are good candidates. Lung cancer operations attempt to remove either a portion of the affected lung, a lobe, or the entire lung.
Chemotherapy
More than 70 percent of patients undergo chemotherapy. It uses the powerful drugs to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells. Only certain chemotherapeutic agents are effective in the treatment of PM and LC, and even then the dose depends on what type of cancer a patient has and the tumor stage.
Radiation Therapy
Used to reduce pain in growing tumors. Combined with the surgery and chemotherapy, it reduces the risk of local recurrence. It can be used at any stage of the cancer. Radiotherapy is difficult to administer for both cancers because of the proximity of the lungs to vital organs such as the heart and spinal cord.
Immunotherapy
This experimental treatment strengthens the immune system against cancer. Mainly used in clinical trials.
Multimodal Therapy
A combination of two or more treatments. Clinical studies show that this approach improves survival rates.
HIPEC
A multimodal treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma patients. The surgery is first used to remove as many tumors as possible. In the abdominal cavity is then used a heated chemotherapy to destroy remaining cancer cells.
Palliative Treatments
May include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or HIPEC. The purpose is not curative care. The aim is rather to reduce pain and to improve the quality of life. Good for every mesothelioma cancer patient.
After diagnosing a mesothelioma, the most important step is finding a mesothelioma specialist specialized in asbestos-related diseases. You will be the best person to determine the most effective treatment options for your individual case, and will also know the latest treatment advances or clinical trials. Creating an individual treatment plan with a mesothelioma doctor is the most effective way to improve the prognosis.
After diagnosing a mesothelioma, the most important step is finding a mesothelioma specialist specialized in asbestos-related diseases. You will be the best person to determine the most effective treatment options for your individual case, and will also know the latest treatment advances or clinical trials. Creating an individual treatment plan with a mesothelioma doctor is the most effective way to improve the prognosis.
Mesothelioma Financial Assistance
The cost of treating mesotheliomas is significant. If you have been exposed to asbestos at work, at home or elsewhere, you have the right to recover those costs from those responsible for the asbestos exposure.
Why Should You File?
Many companies that manufactured, distributed or used asbestos exposure products knew it was deadly. However, they failed to warn their employees. Submitting a lawsuit can help mesothelioma patients to cover lost wages, medical expenses, and other costs.
Who Can File a Lawsuit?
A person with mesothelioma cancer can file a lawsuit for bodily harm. Mesothelioma lawyers hand these against companies that are responsible for the asbestos exposure of their clients. Families can file unlawful death claims if a loved one dies of mesothelioma cancer.
How Do I File a Lawsuit?
Qualified mesothelioma lawyers can help you decide when to file a lawsuit. They can also guide you through the process. Time is crucial as the statute of limitations can expire. A mesothelioma lawyer will review your case so that you receive the highest compensation
Grants are available to offset the high cost of mesothelioma treatment. Mesothelioma cancer patients and their families can primarily receive compensation:
Grants are available to offset the high cost of mesothelioma treatment. Mesothelioma cancer patients and their families can primarily receive compensation:
Legal Comparisons - Victims of asbestos exposure can reclaim money from companies that have manufactured, manufactured and distributed asbestos products.
Benefits for Veterans - Persons exposed to asbestos during military service may receive assistance from the Veterans Administration.
Asbestos Trust Fund - Trust funds have been set up by former asbestos companies to pay for asbestos-related medical expenses.
Benefits for Veterans - Persons exposed to asbestos during military service may receive assistance from the Veterans Administration.
Asbestos Trust Fund - Trust funds have been set up by former asbestos companies to pay for asbestos-related medical expenses.
COMMENTS